Abstract: This study investigated the effect of project management practices on the performance of agricultural projects in Rwanda, with a focus on the Value Chain Development Project in Gakenke District. A descriptive and correlational research design was employed to capture both current practices and the relationships between variables. The target population comprised 1,035 individuals, including 1,065 project beneficiaries, project staff, and local leaders. Using Slovin’s formula, a sample size of 291 respondents was determined. Stratified sampling ensured representation across groups, while purposive sampling identified individuals with specific characteristics relevant to the study. Data collection methods included questionnaires, interviews, and documentation analysis. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, including correlation and regression analysis, conducted through SPSS software. Regarding the individual predictors, one-unit increase in Project Planning (β = 0.256, t= 3.942, p = 0.000<0.05) is associated with a 0.256 increase in project performance. Similarly, one-unit increase in project implementation (β = 0.205, t=3.685, p = 0.000<0.05) leads to a 0.205 increase in project performance. Additionally, one-unit increase in Participatory risk management (β = 0.233, t=4.571, p = 0.000<0.05) results in a 0.233 increase in project performance. one-unit increase in Project monitoring and evaluation (β = 0.214, t= 5.189, p = 0.000<0.05) is associated with a 0.214 increase in project performance. All predictors show statistically significant effects on performance, with p-values less than 0.05. This indicates strong evidence that project planning, project implementation, project risk management, and project monitoring and evaluation each have a significant positive effect on the performance of the Value Chain Development Project in Gakenke District. Value Chain Development Project management team should focus on improving transparency in resource allocation.

Abstract: This study examines the impact of stakeholder engagement in monitoring and evaluation (M&E) on the performance of the Post-Harvest and Agribusiness Support Project (PASP) in Kamonyi District, Rwanda. The research explores how effective stakeholder involvement in M&E practices influences key project outcomes, including the timely identification of issues, resource management, and overall project success. Employing a descriptive research design with a mixed-methods approach, both quantitative and qualitative data were collected. The target population comprised 196 respondents, including MINAGRI staff, rural project staff, technicians, and government officials managing PASP. Convenience sampling and a census method were employed for efficiency, given the small population size. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS software version 21. The findings reveal a significant positive correlation of 0.895** between stakeholder engagement in M&E and improved project performance, highlighting a strong relationship between these two variables. This correlation suggests that as stakeholder engagement in M&E activities increases, project performance significantly improves. Furthermore, the model summary shows an R Square value of 0.748, indicating that 74.8% of the variance in project performance can be explained by M&E activities, underscoring their substantial impact on project outcomes. Regression analysis also shows that project monitoring and evaluation are vital for shaping positive project results, with the coefficient for M&E activities significantly contributing to project performance. However, challenges were noted in integrating evaluation results into decision-making processes and effectively communicating these findings to stakeholders. The study concludes with recommendations for improving the integration of evaluation results into decision-making, enhancing stakeholder engagement in M&E activities, and ensuring a balanced and strategic approach to monitoring that optimizes project performance. These measures are aimed at improving the effectiveness and sustainability of PASP and similar development projects.

Abstract: This paper sought to examine the influence of monitoring and evaluation on project performance in Rwanda, a case of Rural Electricity Distribution Project in Bugesera District. Specifically, it attempted to determine the influence of accountability on performance of Rural Electricity Distribution Project in Bugesera District. The study employed a descriptive research design that utilized both quantitative and qualitative approaches, targeting 143 individuals from Rural Electricity Distribution Project in Bugesera District and sampling 103 respondents as the sample size. The study further adopted the probability sampling technique with the adoption of simple random sampling. Questionnaires were used to generate the required data for analysis. The data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS), with the study’s findings being presented through descriptive and inferential statistics. The findings of the study indicated that there is a very strong correlation between project accountability and performance of Rural Electricity Distribution Project in Bugesera District under Rwanda Energy Group as Pearson correlation was high (r=924, p-value=0.000) This indicates that, out of the considered other factors influencing performance of Rural Electricity Distribution Project in Bugesera District under Rwanda Energy Group in Rwanda, only project accountability has significant and positive effect on the performance of Rural Electricity Distribution Project in Bugesera District under Rwanda Energy Group. Based on the study’s findings, it is recommended that management should involve the community members in monitoring and evaluation, planning and budgeting at the initial stages of the project.