Empowering Smallholder Farmers: The Role of Agricultural Organizations in Rwanda

Rwanda's smallholder farmers face challenges like low productivity, limited market access, and inadequate resources, threatening food security and poverty reduction. This study examines the contribution of agricultural organizations, focusing on One Acre Fund-Tubura in Kayonza District (2019–2023). Data from 394 beneficiaries were collected via questionnaires and interviews and analyzed using SPSS. Findings show that 83.8% of farmers accessed Tubura services for over a decade, benefiting from fertilizers, seeds, agroforestry seedlings, and training. Interventions significantly increased maize yields by over 2000 kg/ha and doubled incomes, improving food security, education, and health, with moderate asset growth. Agricultural productivity correlated positively with Tubura support (r = 0.752). Challenges included delayed input delivery and limited shop access. Recommendations include expanding input distribution and enhancing training and extension services for greater farmer support.