The Role of some Sector Programmes in Poverty Reduction in Rwanda A Case Study of Rwamagana District

ABSTRACT 

This study determined the role & some sector programs in poverty reduction in Rwanda: A case study of Rwamagana District. The objectives of the study were to establish the role of rural roads in poverty reduction, to find out the role of primary health care in poverty reduction and to find out the role of agriculture extension services in poverty reduction in Rwanda. This study employed a case study design to determine the role of some sector programs in poverty reduction in Rwanda. To achieve the objectives of the study and answer research questions, a stratified method was used to sample the target population of Rwamagana District. Semi structured questionnaire, books and written documentary were used to obtain data. Frequency and percentage were the statistical treatment utilized. The findings revealed that there are roads established in the last six years in Rwamagana District and these roads contribute to the development of the District. All respondents said that, the construction of new roads in Rwamagana District has given communities access to agriculture and other economic activities access to school, health and other community services in order to reduce poverty. The study revealed that the majority of respondents were aware of the role of health care services in poverty reduction and that the primary health care is a key determinant of economic growth while ill health reduces economic growth and limits the resources. More than a half of respondents live within 4km of a health centre and the majority have mosquito nets in their household which means that health and health related services have improved in Rwamagana District. It was also revealed that land use management is a fundamental tool in poverty reduction. The majority of informants use fertilizing products and improved seeds to increase productivity. It was concluded that strategies implemented by government of Rwanda in sector programs have a significant role in poverty reduction. It was therefore recommended Ui increase financial resources at the local government units where sector programs are being implemented, to promote both agricultural and non agricultural activities and to direct both national and foreign investors to invest in Rwamagana District.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Declaration

Approval ii

Dedication iii

Acknowledgements iv

Table of contents v

Llstof tables vii

List of figure viii

List of acronyms ix

Abstract x

CHAPTER ONE INTRODUCTION I

1.1 Background of the study 1

1.2 Statement of the Problem 4

1.3 Purpose of the Study 4

1 .4 Objectives of the study 5

1.6 Scope of the study 5

1 .7 Significance of the study 5

CHAPTER TWO IJTERATURE REVIEW 7

2.1 Overview 7

2.2 Conceptual framework 7

2.3 Rural roads and poverty reduction 8

2.4 Primary health care and poverty reduction 10

2.5 Agriculture extension services and poverty reduction 11

2.5.1 Land Reform 12

2.5.2 Land use management 12

2.6 Sector programs in Rwamagana district 13

2.7 The concept of poverty 14

2.7.lSituation of Poverty in Africa 16

2.7. 2 Situation of Poverty in Rwanda 17

2.7~3 Causes of poverty in Rwanda 19

2.7.4 Strategies for poverty reduction 20

2.7.5 Role of government and civil organization in poverty reduction 26

CHAPTER THREE METHODOLOGY 28

3.1 Overview 28

3.2 Research design 28

3.3 Population of the study 28

3.4 Sample and sampling procedure 29

3.5 Instruments 30

3.6 Procedures 30

3.7 Data analysis 31

CHAPTER FOUR: DATA PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS AND INTEPRETATIONS32

4.1 Overview 32

4.2 Socio-demographic characteristics of the respondents 32

4.3 Linkage between sector programs and poverty reduction 35

CHAPTER FIVE: SUMMARY OF FINDINGS, CONCLUSION AND

RECOMMENDATIONS 47

5.1 Over view 47

5.2 Summary of findings 47

5.2.1 Research question one 47

5.2.2 Research question two 48

5.2.3 Research question three 48

5.3 Conclusion 49

5.4. Recommendations 49

5.5 Areas for further research 50

REFERENCES 51

APPENDICES 55

Appendix A: Introduction Letter 55

Appendix B: Questionnaires 56

Appendix C: Map of Rwamagana District 61

Appendix D: Sample size determination 62