Agricultural co-operative based project on farmers livelihood: a case of Tubura project in Koairwa, Rwanda

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to assess the TUBURA project on the livelihoods of KOAIRWA farmers in Rwanda. Employing a cross-sectional research design within the southern province of Rwanda, Huye district, the research evaluates the project’s influence through a multifaceted analysis. The researcher observed the sample size of 273, and the simple random sampling technique was used. The specific objectives were to assess KOAIRWA farmers’ attitude towards TUBURA project for their livelihood; to examine the implications of farming input availability, accessibility and affordability on KOAIRWA farmers’ livelihood; to assess KOAIRWA farmers’ livelihood before and after the intervention of the TUBURA project. The study employed both descriptive and inferential analysis that includes Multiple Linear Regression and paired sample t-test. Findings reveal that the TUBURA project garnered positive farmer attitudes, with a notable majority expressing satisfaction with the intervention, which implied that farmers have a positive attitude towards the TUBURA project since through their participation have improved their lives. The availability (β = 0.164, p = 0.016) and accessibility (β = 0.202, p = 0.006) of farming inputs, including seeds, pesticides, and fertilisers, were found to positively and significantly enhance farmers’ livelihoods. In addition, the research findings indicate that the TUBURA project has had a positive and significant impact on food security, shelter, clothing, healthcare, and education access with a p < 001. In conclusion, TUBURA project has made a substantial and positive contribution to the livelihoods of KOIRWA farmers in Rwanda. The study recommendations span various areas, including expanding outreach and training programs to involve all co-operative members, addressing financial barriers to input affordability through government and stakeholder initiatives, and promoting a savings culture among farmers to enhance their resilience. Lastly, the study encourages farmers to diversify their livelihood activities, including engaging in small businesses.