The Effect of Non-Governmental Organizations’ Project Interventions on Rural Livelihoods in Rwanda: A Case Study of CorpsAfrica in Gicumbi District

Josiane Niyonizeye and Osiemo Athanas Kengere
Mount Kigali University, Kigali, Rwanda
Email: josianeniyonizeye@gmail.com

Abstract: This study examined the effect of non-governmental organization (NGO) project interventions on rural livelihoods in Gicumbi District, Rwanda, using CorpsAfrica as a case. It specifically assessed the effects of income generating activities and agricultural support on rural livelihoods. A descriptive-correlational design using quantitative and qualitative data was adopted. The target population was 1,104 people (one project manager, 15 project staff, six local leaders and 1,082 beneficiaries), and Yamane’s formula gave a sample of 294, drawn through stratified, census and simple random sampling. Data were collected from 250 beneficiaries (91.9%) through structured Likert questionnaires and from all 22 key informants through semi-structured interviews, and were analyzed in SPSS using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, multiple regression and thematic analysis. Respondents strongly agreed that income generating activities (M = 4.35) and agricultural support (M = 4.37) were provided and improved livelihoods. Both were positively correlated with rural livelihoods (r = .598 and r = .828, p < .001). In multiple regression, controlling for capacity building, agricultural support (β = .438, p < .001) was a stronger predictor than income generating activities (β = .146, p < .001), and the model explained 80.7% of the variance in rural livelihoods. Interviews corroborated these results. The study concludes that both interventions significantly improve livelihoods, with agricultural support having the larger effect. It recommends expanding inputs, extension and climate-smart farming support, and strengthening business training, savings groups and market linkages.