ABSTRACT

This study examined the role of agriculture in rural development in Bukwo District. This was afler the realization that environmental conditions (i.e., fertile volcanic soils and the equatorial and temperate climatic conditions [reliable rainfall and moderate temperatures]) make the potential for agriculture real in Bukwo District. The challenge was how to tap into this potential even when the necessary infrastructure and human and financial resources were still wanting. Agriculture generates unlimited forward and backward linkages, investment opportunities, foreign exchange, employment, taxes, new skills arid technologies as well as reducing poverty and food insecurity. It is also a key in economic diversification and rural transformation. The study specifically sought to achieve the following objectives: to identify the agricultural practices in Bukwo District; to establish the role of agriculture in the socio-economic development of Bukwo District; and to examine strategies for transforming agriculture in Bukwo District. To achieve the stated objectives, the study was guided by the following research questions: what agricultural practices are in Bukwo district? What is the role of agriculture in the socio-economic development of Bukwo District? What are the strategies for transforming agriculture in BukwQ Distric ~? The study was qualitative and conducted using a case study design and a non-probability sampling technique involving purposive sampling to select the sub-county, villages and respondents. It was upon the researcher to identify the sub-county, villages and respondents likely to provide the best information. A sample of 45 respondents was selected for the study. The respondents included farmers, elders, mothers, household heads, land owners and agricultural officials from the villages of Rwanda, Tabashet and Kapkwomoc in Senendet subcounty. The data were collected using interviews and observations [for primary data] and documents analysis [for secondary data]. The analysis of the data generated by the interviews and observations involved a phenomenological approach by emphasising a deep understanding of the observed phenomena and views of the participants, literal description and narration of the emerging issues out of which authentic conclusions were made. During the interviews and observations, the researcher noted down in his diary the relevant issues (episodes, situations, events or instances) for accurate reporting. The main themes that emerged from the field notes and interviews were noted down.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

TABLE OF CONTENTS .1

DECLARATION 4

APPROVAL 5

DEDICATION 6

ACKNOWLEDGMENT 7

ABBREVIATIONS 8

KEY TERMS 9

ABSTRACT 10

CHAPTER ONE 12

INTRODUCTION 12

1.1 Background to the study 12

1.2 Statement of the problem 12

1.3 Purpose of the study :13

1.4 Specific objectives 13

1.5 Research questions 14

1.6 Significance o[ the study 14

1.7 Scope of the study 14

CHAPTER TWO 16

LITERATURE REVIEW 16

2.1 Introduction 16

2.2 Agricultural practices 16

2.2.1 Subsistence fanning 16

2.2.2 Commercial farming 18

2.3 Role of agriculture in socio-economic development 21

2.3.1 Economic growth 21

2.3.2 Poverty reduction 22

2.3.3 Food and nutrition security 22

2.3.4 Exports 23

2.3.5 Employment 24

2.4 Strategies for tra ~sforming agriculture 25

2.4.1 Farmer field schools 25

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2.4.2 Capital investments 26

2.4.3 Genetic strategies 26

2.4.4 Land reforms 27

2.4.5 State involvement 28

2.4.6 Addressing gender issues 28

2.4.7 Cooperatives 29

2.4.8 Micro-insurance 30

CHAPTER THREE 32

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY 32

3.1 Introduction 32

3.2 Area of study 32

3.3 Research design 32

3.4 Target population 33

3.5 Sample framework and sample size 33

3.4 Data collection 33

3.4.1 Interviews 33

3.4.3 Observations 34

3.6 Data analysis 34

3.7 Limitations of the study 34

CHAPTER FOUR 36

DISCUSSION OF FINDINGS 36

4.1 Introduction 36

4.2 Agricultural practices in Bukwo District 36

4.3 Role of agriculture in the socio-economic development of Bukwo District 39

4.4 Strategies for transforming agriculture in Bukwo District 40

CHAPTER FIVE 43

CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS 43

5.1 conclusions 43

5.2 Recommendations 44

REFERENCES 46

APPENDiX A 49

INTERVIEW QUESTIONNAIRE [QUESTIONNAIRE SCHEDULE] 49