Abstract: Irrigation farming is one of the most important rural development investments that can have both direct and indirect impacts on poverty and food security. Irrigation schemes is said to be the dominant contributor to the total irrigated areas. Despite the contribution of irrigation systems in enhancing rural agricultural production and poverty alleviation being widely recognized, this contribution has not been evident for small scale holder farmers at Kanyonyomba irrigation scheme. The purpose of this study was to establish the contribution of irrigation schemes on livelihood of farmers in Rwanda. a case study of Kanyonyomba irrigation scheme. The study employed a descriptive research design. The target population under study was 350 households that has benefited on the rehabilitation of Kanyonyomba irrigation scheme and 15 Agricultural extension officials from the ministry of agriculture. The study used both primary and secondary data, where questionnaires, interview were used for data collection. Data collected was analyzed through SPSS version 21. Data analysis involved statistical computations for averages, percentages, and correlation and regression analysis. Ordinary least squares (OLS) regression method of analysis was adopted to determine the inferential statistics. The results indicate that households with large cultivated land size where less likely to participate in the irrigation scheme. Negative coefficient of cultivated land size showed this (-1.63) and significant at 1% significance level. The utilization of Kanyonyomba irrigation scheme has been a success to farmers in Gatsibo district. This is a clear testimony that irrigation schemes can be successfully operated and managed by the farmers themselves. In view of that Kanyonyomba irrigation scheme has enhanced the employment availability as many people have engaged themselves in agricultural activities something that has reduced the possibility of falling into hunger, address climatic challenges as well as avoiding rural urban migration among the youths.
Keywords: Crop diversification, Irrigation schemes, Livelihood of farmers, Kanyonyomba irrigation scheme.
Title: CONTRIBUTION OF IRRIGATION SCHEMES ON THE LIVELIHOOD OF FARMERS IN RWANDA: A CASE STUDY OF KANYONYOMBA IRRIGATION SCHEME
Author: JOANITA MWIZA, Dr. PATRICK MULYUNGI, Dr. JAYA SHUKLA
International Journal of Management and Commerce Innovations
ISSN 2348-7585 (Online)
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