IFPRI’s projects in Rwanda are committed to producing high quality, evidence-based outputs that contribute to agriculture development, food security, nutrition, and poverty alleviation. In particular, the publications below are representative of all IFPRI work related to Rwanda, not solely those produced as part of the Rwanda SSP.
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Synopsis: Rwanda smallholder agricultural commercialization survey: Overview using selective categorical variables
Warner, James; Rosenbach, Gracie; Benimana, Gilberthe; Mugabo, Serge; Niyonsingiza, Josue; Mukangabo, Emerence. 2024
Warner, James; Rosenbach, Gracie; Benimana, Gilberthe; Mugabo, Serge; Niyonsingiza, Josue; Mukangabo, Emerence. 2024
Abstract | Link
Increased commercialization of smallholder farmers is a major emphasis of Rwanda’s PSTA4 and will continue with PSTA5, as well as other policy documents related to agriculture. Although PSTA4 sought to increase the profitability of smallholder production, efforts to address accelerating commercialization were limited due to the absence of data and analysis on returns to commercial production systems. Relatively little was known about smallholder agricultural decision-making and the associated costs and returns to production systems among these farmers. This policy note introduces an important research initiative that will explore various aspects of commercialization by Rwandan smallholder farmers and is meant as a general introduction to smallholder commercialization. In subsequent research papers, more detailed studies based on these initial findings will contribute to an improved understanding of agricultural smallholders by providing (1) more nuanced analysis of commercial farmer typologies, (2) estimates of returns to commercial production systems across multiple farmers typologies, and (3) recommendations designed to improve interventions in smallholder commercialization.
Agricultural mechanization policy options in Rwanda
Takeshima, Hiroyuki; Benimana, Gilberthe; Spielman, David J.; Warner, James. 2024
Takeshima, Hiroyuki; Benimana, Gilberthe; Spielman, David J.; Warner, James. 2024
Abstract | Link
This paper summarizes general demand- and supply-side issues for agricultural mechanization based on recent studies that focus on experiences and evidence from both Africa and Asia. The paper pro vides typologies of agricultural mechanization in Rwanda along with policy options within the context of its current mechanization support strategies. Provincial variations in agroecology and cropping systems, irrigated/rainfed systems, farm size, and labor use intensity, among other factors, characterize the key types of mechanization use in Rwanda. Support for mechanization in Rwanda can be broadly tailored to (a) irrigated medium-scale farmers in the Eastern province and Kigali; (b) rainfed medium-scale farmers in the Eastern and Southern provinces; (c) rainfed, small-scale highland farmers in the Northern province; and (d) irrigated small-scale farmers in the Western province. Recent experiences in other countries with rugged terrain and smallholder farming systems similar to Rwanda suggest that significant growth in the use of tractors is possible in the medium term among smallholders cultivating rainfed maize and legumes, in addition to irrigated rice. However, farm wages may still be too low in Rwanda and tractor-hiring fees may still be too high to induce a shift to mechanization in the short term. Therefore, it may be advisable for policy support for mechanization to focus on improving the understanding of mechanization needs among each type of farmers identified, knowledge of suitable machines, and required skills for their operations and maintenance. Such efforts should also balance the need to develop competitive markets and supply networks for promising machines, parts, and repair services at a viable and integrated market scale.
Identifying farm typologies in Rwandan agriculture: A framework for improving targeted interventions
Benimana, Gilberthe; Warner, James; Mugabo, Serge. 2024
Benimana, Gilberthe; Warner, James; Mugabo, Serge. 2024
Abstract | Link
This paper explores the broad spectrum of commercial engagement by Rwandan farmers by grouping farmers according to characteristics of the head of household, the degree of commercialization of their farms, size of livestock holdings and other factors.
We use statistical methodologies, including factor and cluster analysis, combined with existing knowledge of the agricultural sector to define five types of Rwandan farmers, separated into two broad groups. The first group (Group A) includes three types broadly classified as less wealthy, less commercialized, with a net negative gross margin. Within this group the three types of farmers include: Type 1—Less commercialized older male headed households with larger families, Type 2—Better educated, youth headed households, who are more market oriented but have smaller land holdings, Type 3—Older female headed households who produce relatively lower agricultural production value relative to their assets owned.
Synopsis: Agricultural Mechanization in Rwanda
Takeshima, Hiroyuki; Benimana, Gilberthe; Spielman, David J.; Warner, James. 2024
Takeshima, Hiroyuki; Benimana, Gilberthe; Spielman, David J.; Warner, James. 2024
Abstract | Link
Optimal agricultural mechanization strategies in Rwanda can be better informed by a closer assessment of diverse production environments and experiences in other countries with similar topography. The findings from Rwanda’s latest agricultural surveys, review of recent experiences in countries with rugged terrain and smallholder farming systems similar to Rwanda and reviewing mechanization support strategies from other countries suggest that identifying mechanization technologies suitable for different types of farms, promoting greater private-sector innovations while focusing on the relevant public goods aspect of mechanization is the most promising way forward. Key findings include the following: • Variations in agroecology and cropping systems, irrigated/rainfed systems, farm size, and labor use intensity, among other factors, characterize the key types of mechanization use in Rwanda. • In the medium term, smallholders cultivating rainfed maize and legumes, in addition to irrigated rice, can benefit from the use of tractors, as well as irrigation pumps. • However, farm wages may still be too low and tractor-hiring fees may still be too high in Rwanda to induce a shift to mechanization in the short term. • Policy support for mechanization can focus on improving the understanding of mechanization needs among each type of farmers identified, knowledge of suitable machines, and required skills for their operations and maintenance. • Developing competitive markets and supply networks for promising machines, parts, and repair services at a viable and integrated market scale is also important.
Synopsis: Crop commercialization in Rwanda: Current market participation and drivers
Warner, James; Benimana, Gilberthe; Mugabo, Serge; Ingabire, Chantal. 2024
Warner, James; Benimana, Gilberthe; Mugabo, Serge; Ingabire, Chantal. 2024
Abstract | Link
As Rwanda emerges from the effects of COVID-19 and global price shocks caused by the Russia/Ukrainian conflict, there is an opportunity to focus on agricultural fundamentals to drive its economic transformation. One aspect of the transformation is how farm households are engaging in crop commercialization. This policy note outlines basic findings and suggested recommendations derived from a 2022 Rwandan commercialization household survey. Our basic unit of analysis is total crop sold divided by total value produced, averaged at either the household or individual crop level. Key findings include: Approximately 20% of our sampled smallholder households do not sell any crops. However, contrary to a subsistence/commercial farm dichotomy, most households sell on a broad continuum ranging from 1 – 100% with an average of 33% of their total crop production marketed. Crop value per hectare increases with greater marketed sales, indicating that farmers switch from lower value food crops (e.g. beans, cassava, maize) to cash crops such as fruits and vegetables where they market higher percentages. Crop value per hectare is not correlated with land size, revealing that crop choices drive value and not increasing land-related economies of scale. This finding underscores the pivotal role of crop selection in determining agricultural productivity and economic returns, rather than mere expansion of land holdings. Irrigation, land size, hiring labor and input purchases increase market participation as well as percentage of sales. Conversely, a larger family size has a negative effect on both.
Crop commercialization in Rwanda: Current market participation and drivers
Warner, James; Benimana, Gilberthe; Mugabo, Serge; Ingabire, Chantal. 2024
Warner, James; Benimana, Gilberthe; Mugabo, Serge; Ingabire, Chantal. 2024
Abstract | Link
In this paper, we explore the current levels and participation of crop commercialization by Rwandan smallholder farmers. Our basic unit of analysis is total crop sales divided by the total value of crop production, either at the household or specific crop level. Overall, our findings suggest that approximately 80 percent of farmers participate in crop market sales and sell an average of 33 percent of their total production. However, there is a wide variety of percentage sales by crop and, in general, higher-valued crops are sold by more commercialized farm households. We also find that value of crop production per hectare rises with greater commercialization, suggesting that developing greater market commercialization, particularly with more valuable crops, may increase household incomes and aid in the economic transformation.
Synopsis: Identifying farm typologies in Rwandan agriculture: A framework for improving targeted interventions
Benimana, Gilberthe; Warner, James; Mugabo, Serge. 2024
Benimana, Gilberthe; Warner, James; Mugabo, Serge. 2024
Abstract | Link
Research from a recent IFPRI agricultural survey indicates that there is a broad spectrum of commercial engagement by Rwandan farmers. While this continuum is important for understanding commercialization, grouping farmers by relevant commonalities further improves our knowledge of how different groups engage in markets. Moving beyond simple subsistence and commercialized farmer dichotomies, this study provides a more nuanced understanding by grouping smallholder farmers into types, or typologies, based on 35 common characteristics that are both consistent within these groups and relatively diverse between them. Specifically, this analysis identifies five types of Rwandan farmers, in two broad groups, that disaggregates rural households into meaningful categories for varied potential responses to economic opportunities as well as potential strategic interventions.
Real-time market price monitoring: Current dynamics in southern Rwanda
Warner, James; Manners, Rhys. 2024
Warner, James; Manners, Rhys. 2024
Abstract | Link
Recent collaborative CGIAR research has developed a prototype for tracking district-level costs of a healthy diet using monthly eSoko data.1 High frequency monitoring of diets allows for near real-time generation of insights on price impacts on diet costs. The temporal richness of this data allows for immediate analytics of current food system events. This research provides an analysis of district-level price movements of healthy diet compositions, as well as food prices that compose the diet. We use this prototype to demonstrate how eSoko data could be used for monitoring an economic shock and how to evaluate the effects in near real time. The general goal is to demonstrate a potential early warning system that could improve the menu of policy choices for enhanced resilience.
Costs and returns in Rwandan smallholder agricultural production: Gross margins and profitability analyses
Mugabo, Serge; Warner, James. 2024
Mugabo, Serge; Warner, James. 2024
Abstract | Link
This paper explores crop commercialization among smallholder agricultural households in Rwanda from a cost and revenue perspective to determine profitability at the farm level. We use standard revenue and cost equations to assess the commercial viability of the smallholders. In general, we find that a household’s total crop production creates positive returns even if implicit costs, such as own family labor and fertilizer subsidies, are included. Specifically, over 80 percent of our sample households generated positive economic returns from farming— referred to as demonstrating a positive gross economic margin (GEM). However, if only crop market sales and market input costs are used in the calculations, only 40 percent of agricultural households generated positive returns—referred to as demonstrating a positive gross marketing margin (GMM). Most of the explanation for this difference is that the typical farm household sells only about one-third of its crop production by value. This outcome suggests that many agricultural households continue to focus on cultivating food crops for their own consumption and do not specialize in commercial production. This is to be expected in an economic context where input, credit, and commodity markets are still developing, production decisions are still shaped by high levels of weather and market risk, and production risk management options are limited, among many other factors. The results of this research provide a better understanding of how Rwandan smallholders might move towards higher value production, with the ultimate goal being to increase household revenues and welfare and accelerate the country’s economic transformation.
Synopsis: Enhancing smallholder farmers’ profitability through increased crop commercialization in Rwanda
Mugabo, Serge; Warner, James. 2024
Mugabo, Serge; Warner, James. 2024
Abstract | Link
This study analyzes the costs, returns, and profitability of smallholder agriculture in Rwanda using a gross margin approach (definitions are provided below) and reveals that over 80 percent of farmers generate positive gross economic margins. However, only around 40 percent achieve positive gross marketing margins from crop sales. This difference is directly attributable to the fact that two-thirds of production is directly consumed by households. The analysis further identifies that farm households allocate about 80 percent of their total crop input expenditures to fertilizer, seed, and hired labor, while the remaining expenses associated with fixed production costs that are almost exclusively related to land rental costs.
Synopsis: Assessing agricultural extension agent digital readiness in Rwanda
Davis, Kristin; Rosenbach, Gracie; Spielman, David J.; Makhija, Simrin; Mwangi, Lucy. 2024
Davis, Kristin; Rosenbach, Gracie; Spielman, David J.; Makhija, Simrin; Mwangi, Lucy. 2024
Abstract | Link
The fourth Strategic Plan for Agriculture Transformation (PSTA IV) of the Government of Rwanda emphasizes extension and advisory services (EAS) as a priority area (MINAGRI 2018). In support of PSTA IV, the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources (MINAGRI) began enhancing extension and advisory services by introducing a Customized Agriculture Extension System (CAES) (MINAGRI 2020). The CAES calls for ICT-supported extension services, stating that “ICT can revolutionize agriculture in Rwanda” (MINAGRI 2020: 34). Despite an enabling policy environment and Rwanda’s embracing of the ICT revolution, extension services have not taken advantage of the potential of ICTs (MINAGRI 2020). This paper looks at capacities of agricultural extension staff and the readiness of Rwandan public and private extension staff to use ICTs in their work—to be digitally equipped. A phone survey of 500 agricultural extension agents (EAs) was conducted in February and March 2021 across all districts of Rwanda among EAs in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors in Rwanda. We examine their demographics, education, and work backgrounds. To assess the ‘digital readiness’ of EAs, we assess the impacts of various factors on an EA’s digital experience and their attitudes toward digital modernization.
Rwandan maize market price dynamics: Structure, trends and policy implications
Warner, James; Benimana, Gilberthe Uwera; Mugabo, Serge; Niyonsingiza, Josue; Mukangabo, Emerence; Ingabire, Chantal. 2024
Warner, James; Benimana, Gilberthe Uwera; Mugabo, Serge; Niyonsingiza, Josue; Mukangabo, Emerence; Ingabire, Chantal. 2024
Abstract | Link
The importance of maize for Rwanda cannot be overstated. Most smallholder farmers, along the spectrum of both land size and level of commercialization, engage in both production, own consumption, and sale of maize. Unlike most other crops, maize is commonly produced by all levels of commercialized and subsistence smallholder farmers. For example, recent research revealed that even though almost half of all maize produced is sold (44%), only an average of 23 percent is marketed at the household level (Warner et al. 2024). This indicates that while maize is widely sold by most smallholders, it is disproportionally sold by those with relatively larger farms. Therefore, maize is important for both own consumption as well as commercial sales and price movements are critical for understanding potential welfare impacts on both buyers and sellers. Research presented here outlines some important maize price relationships, including multi-year trends, interrelationships between Rwandan markets and seasonality. Overall, we find strong correlation between all markets suggesting a good degree of integration but persistent individual market prices above and below national averages as well as seasonality that generally conforms to maize’s main harvest period (Season A). This policy brief provides an overview of maize prices in Rwanda in order to enhance evidence-based policymaking for targeting recommendations aimed at more integrated and stable maize market prices throughout the country. For example, seasonal price changes suggest an annual average price fluctuation of approximately 30 percent and if targeted policies could reduce this seasonal price variation, smallholder welfare would likely be improved.
Synopsis: Enhancing rural income diversification in Rwanda: Opportunities and challenges
Schmidt, Emily; Mugabo, Serge; Rosenbach, Gracie. 2024
Schmidt, Emily; Mugabo, Serge; Rosenbach, Gracie. 2024
Abstract | Link
This study describes the employment patterns of rural households in Rwanda and explores their challenges and opportunities for rural income diversification. Detailed analysis using a 2022 rural household smallholder survey on agricultural production and employment in Rwanda, reveals that: • Agricultural wage labor is the dominant source of off-farm income and is the primary means of supplementing rural household income. This is different than other LMICs where households are more likely to develop nonfarm enterprises that bring in extra income and diversify the rural economy towards more value-added output while also increasing demand for rural inputs. • This research suggests that factors like access to education and financial services are key factors to employment decisions and improved rural urban linkages.
Systematic risk profiling: A novel approach with applications to Kenya, Rwanda, and Malawi
Mukashov, Askar; Robinson, Sherman; Thurlow, James; Arndt, Channing; Thomas, Timothy S.. 2024
Mukashov, Askar; Robinson, Sherman; Thurlow, James; Arndt, Channing; Thomas, Timothy S.. 2024
Abstract | Link
This paper uses machine learning, simulation, and data mining methods to develop Systematic Risk Profiles of three developing economies: Kenya, Rwanda, and Malawi. We focus on three exogenous shocks with implications for economic performance: world market prices, capital flows, and climate-driven sectoral productivity. In these and other developing countries, recent decades have been characterized by increased risks associated with all these factors, and there is a demand for instruments that can help to disentangle them. For each country, we utilize historical data to develop multi-variate distributions of shocks. We then sample from these distributions to obtain a series of shock vectors, which we label economic uncertainty scenarios. These scenarios are then entered into economywide computable general equilibrium (CGE) simulation models for the three countries, which allow us to quantify the impact of increased uncertainty on major economic indicators. Finally, we utilize importance metrics from the random forest machine learning algorithm and relative importance metrics from multiple linear regression models to quantify the importance of country-specific risk factors for country performance. We find that Malawi and Rwanda are more vulnerable to sectoral productivity shocks, and Kenya is more exposed to external risks. These findings suggest that a country’s level of development and integration into the global economy are key driving forces defining their risk profiles. The methodology of Systematic Risk Profiling can be applied to many other countries, delineating country-specific risks and vulnerabilities.
Measuring changes in the Rwanda’s agri-food system
International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI). Washington, DC 2023
International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI). Washington, DC 2023
Abstract | PDF (267.5 KB)
Transformation of the agri-food system (AFS) is a leading pathway to achieve the USG Global Food Security Strategy Objective 1 of “Inclusive agriculture-led growth”. The AFS encompasses the primary agricultural sector, as well as all upstream and downstream agriculture-related activities. An expansion of the AFS’s off-farm components is central to the process of agricultural transformation and is strongly associated with economic development. The Percent change in value-added in the agri-food system (AgGDP+) and Employment in the agri-food system (AgEMP+) indicators are useful to track this process.
Women’s empowerment in Rwandan agriculture: A baseline assessment in the context of Rwanda’s gender and youth mainstreaming strategy and the fourth strategic plan for agricultural transformation
Rosenbach, Gracie; Benimana, Gilberthe; Ingabire, Chantal; Spielman, David J.; Tumukunde, Ritha. Washington, DC 2023
Rosenbach, Gracie; Benimana, Gilberthe; Ingabire, Chantal; Spielman, David J.; Tumukunde, Ritha. Washington, DC 2023
Abstract | PDF
Rwanda is a recognized leader in the region and in the world in terms of women’s empowerment. However, no country has yet achieved full gender equality, resulting in untapped potential. The findings from the Women’s Empowerment in Agriculture Index (WEAI) baseline survey conducted in 2019 for the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources (MINAGRI), indicated that women and men in Rwanda both have relatively high levels of empowerment across different agricultural do mains, and most women are as empowered as men in their households. This working paper dis cusses the findings further and in the context of MINAGRI’s Gender and Youth Mainstreaming Strategy that was also launched in 2019, as well as the Fourth Strategic Plan for Agricultural Transformation (PSTA 4). Key findings include the following.
• Compared to other countries in the region, women in Rwanda have relatively greater access to financial services and a relatively lower time burden in agriculture.
• However, when compared to men in Rwanda, inequalities persist. Women are significantly less likely than men to access financial services, participate in the marketing of agricultural commodities, access extension services, and spend their time on productive (rather than reproductive) work.
By adapting and promoting innovative and gender-inclusive financial products, shifting gendered cultural norms, providing extension to both the household head and the spouse, and investing in time-saving technologies and innovations, there are opportunities to reduce the gender gap in agriculture and increase agricultural productivity. Realization of these outcomes will depend partly on the implementation of the Gender and Youth Mainstreaming Strategy and PSTA 4, and partly on coordination with other gender-transformative programs in Rwanda.
• Compared to other countries in the region, women in Rwanda have relatively greater access to financial services and a relatively lower time burden in agriculture.
• However, when compared to men in Rwanda, inequalities persist. Women are significantly less likely than men to access financial services, participate in the marketing of agricultural commodities, access extension services, and spend their time on productive (rather than reproductive) work.
By adapting and promoting innovative and gender-inclusive financial products, shifting gendered cultural norms, providing extension to both the household head and the spouse, and investing in time-saving technologies and innovations, there are opportunities to reduce the gender gap in agriculture and increase agricultural productivity. Realization of these outcomes will depend partly on the implementation of the Gender and Youth Mainstreaming Strategy and PSTA 4, and partly on coordination with other gender-transformative programs in Rwanda.
Transformation of Rwanda’s agrifood system structure and drivers
Diao, Xinshen; Ellis, Mia; Rosenbach, Gracie; Mugabo, Serge; Pauw, Karl; Spielman, David J.; Thurlow, James. Washington, DC 2023
Diao, Xinshen; Ellis, Mia; Rosenbach, Gracie; Mugabo, Serge; Pauw, Karl; Spielman, David J.; Thurlow, James. Washington, DC 2023
Abstract | PDF
Rwanda has made remarkable economic progress during the past two decades, and its annual GDP growth rate reached more than 7 percent during the 2009 to 2019 period (NISR 2021). The rapid economic growth has been pro-poor, and the poverty rate fell from 58.9 percent in 2000/01 to 38.2 percent in 2016/17 (NISR 2018). The country has also emerged as a leader among sub-Saharan African countries in promoting innovation, gender equality, and an enabling business environment for development. The government remains strongly committed to a set of ambitious development goals, as set forth in the 2017–2024 National Strategy for Transformation (NST 1) and the corresponding sector-level strategic plans. While the global COVID-19 pandemic had a severe adverse effect on the economy, causing negative GDP growth in 2020, the country rebounded quickly and registered more than 10 percent growth in 2021 (NISR 2022). The country was only minimally affected by global commodity market disruptions resulting from the Russia-Ukraine war that started in 2022 and the global recession in 2023 (Arndt et al. 2023; Diao and Thurlow 2023). Looking forward, Rwanda’s GDP growth is projected to reach 6.7 percent in 2023 and 7.0 percent in 2024 (World Bank 2023), suggesting the economy is returning to its pre-pandemic high-growth trajectory.
Synopsis: Women’s empowerment in Rwandan agriculture: A baseline assessment in the context of Rwanda’s gender and youth mainstreaming strategy and the fourth strategic plan for agricultural transformation
Rosenbach, Gracie; Benimana, Gilberthe; Ingabire, Chantal; Spielman, David J.; Tumukunde, Ritha. Washington, DC 2023
Rosenbach, Gracie; Benimana, Gilberthe; Ingabire, Chantal; Spielman, David J.; Tumukunde, Ritha. Washington, DC 2023
Abstract | PDF (295.6 KB)
Rwanda is a recognized leader in the region and the world in terms of women’s empowerment. However, no country has yet achieved full gender equality, resulting in untapped potential for improvement. The findings from the Women’s Empowerment in Agriculture Index (WEAI) baseline survey conducted in 2019 for the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources (MINAGRI) indicate that women and men in Rwanda have both relatively high levels of empowerment across different agricultural domains, while many women are as empowered as men in their households, some gender disparities remain.
Synopsis: Prioritizing value chains for achieving Rwanda’s agrifood system transformation: A diagnostic of the agrifood system
Diao, Xinshen; Ellis, Mia; Rosenbach, Gracie; Mugabo, Serge; Pauw, Karl; Spielman, David J.; Thurlow, James. Washington, DC 2023
Diao, Xinshen; Ellis, Mia; Rosenbach, Gracie; Mugabo, Serge; Pauw, Karl; Spielman, David J.; Thurlow, James. Washington, DC 2023
Abstract | PDF (385.7 KB)
Rwanda’s impressive economic growth over the past two decades has been accompanied by significant structural change in the broad economy and the agrifood system in particular. This note summarizes key results from a recent diagnostic of Rwanda’s agrifood system transformation, examining the effectiveness of productivity-led growth in different agricultural value chains for promoting development outcomes related to poverty, growth, employment, diet quality, and hunger.
The findings show that value chains differ in their effectiveness in promoting these different development outcomes. The wheat and sorghum value chain, for example, has strong anti-poverty effects and is effective at reducing hunger, but is less effective at increasing jobs. Trade-offs will emerge as no single value chain is most effective at achieving every desired outcome; therefore, promoting a few value chains jointly will diversify agrifood system growth and help achieve multiple development outcomes simultaneously.
The findings show that value chains differ in their effectiveness in promoting these different development outcomes. The wheat and sorghum value chain, for example, has strong anti-poverty effects and is effective at reducing hunger, but is less effective at increasing jobs. Trade-offs will emerge as no single value chain is most effective at achieving every desired outcome; therefore, promoting a few value chains jointly will diversify agrifood system growth and help achieve multiple development outcomes simultaneously.
The gendered impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic in Kenya, Niger, Rwanda, and Uganda: Evidence from phone surveys
Bryan, Elizabeth; Mawia, Harriet; Ringler, Claudia; Mane, Erdgin; Costa, Valentina; Ndoro, Rumbidzai. Rome, Italy; Washington, DC 2023
Bryan, Elizabeth; Mawia, Harriet; Ringler, Claudia; Mane, Erdgin; Costa, Valentina; Ndoro, Rumbidzai. Rome, Italy; Washington, DC 2023
Abstract | PDF (2.3 MB)
The COVID-19 pandemic has had far-reaching impacts in every part of the world, including on vulnerable populations in rural areas of low- and middle-income countries. This report explores the ways in which men and women in rural areas of four countries in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA)—Kenya, Niger, Rwanda, and Uganda—experienced the COVID-19 pandemic and associated income losses, as well as their responses to the crisis. To identify and monitor the differential effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on women and men in rural households, IFPRI conducted phone surveys in selected regions of the four focal countries, with financial and technical support from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). The surveys traced gender differences in responses to the pandemic and associated restrictions, such as choice of coping strategies, access to public assistance, and changes in the care burden for men and women.
Rwanda smallholder agriculture commercialization survey: Overview using selected categorical variables
Warner, James; Rosenbach, Gracie; Benimana, Gilberthe; Mugabo, Serge; Niyonsingiza, Josue; Mukangabo, Emerence; Dushimayezu, Bertrand; Nshimiyimana, Octave; Ingabire, Chantal; Spielman, David J.. Washington, DC 2023
Warner, James; Rosenbach, Gracie; Benimana, Gilberthe; Mugabo, Serge; Niyonsingiza, Josue; Mukangabo, Emerence; Dushimayezu, Bertrand; Nshimiyimana, Octave; Ingabire, Chantal; Spielman, David J.. Washington, DC 2023
Abstract | PDF (1 MB)
This report provides a comprehensive statistical overview of agricultural household data collected by IFPRI from a smallholder commercialization survey in late 2022. Sampled to be representative to the provincial level, ten households were surveyed in 202 villages for a total of 2,020 households interviewed. The survey covers a wide range of topics including household demographics, agricultural farm holdings, input use, crop choice, levels of commercialization and other non-farm sources of income. The statistical tables are generally presented by principal categorical variables of interest which include provinces, gender and age of household head (youth/mature), as well as size of land holdings. These designations are meant to provide general insights into the current state of agricultural households in Rwanda. Building on this report, future research, on more specific topics of interest, will be performed to build a more comprehensive understanding of agricultural household economic behavior for broader understanding as well as potential policy engagement.
Maternal and paternal employment in agriculture and early childhood development: A cross-sectional analysis of demographic and health survey data
Bliznashka, Lilia; Jeong, Joshua; Jaacks, Lindsay M.. 2023
Bliznashka, Lilia; Jeong, Joshua; Jaacks, Lindsay M.. 2023
Abstract | View
Considerable literature from low- and lower-middle-income countries (LLMICs) links maternal employment to child nutritional status. However, less is known about the role of parental employment and occupation type in shaping child development outcomes. Additionally, little empirical work has examined the mechanisms through which parental occupation influences child outcomes. Our objective was to investigate the associations between maternal and paternal employment (comparing agricultural and non-agricultural employment) and child development and to examine childcare practices and women’s empowerment as potential mechanisms. We pooled nine Demographic and Health Surveys (Benin, Burundi, Cambodia, Congo, Haiti, Rwanda, Senegal, Togo, and Uganda) with data on 8,516 children aged 36–59 months. We used generalised linear models to estimate associations between parental employment and child development, child stimulation (number of activities provided by the mother, father, and other household members), child supervision (not left alone or with older child for >1 hour), early childhood care and education programme (ECCE) attendance, and women’s empowerment. In our sample, all fathers and 85% of mothers were employed. In 40% of families, both parents were employed in agriculture. After adjusting for child, parental and household confounders, we found that parental agricultural employment, relative to non-agricultural employment, was associated with poorer child development (relative risk (RR) 0.86 (95% CI 0.80, 0.92), more child stimulation provided by other household members (mean difference (MD) 0.26 (95% CI 0.09, 0.42)), less adequate child supervision (RR, 0.83 (95% 0.78, 0.80)), less ECCE attendance (RR 0.46 (95% CI 0.39, 0.54)), and lower women’s empowerment (MD -1.01 (95% CI -1.18, -0.84)). Parental agricultural employment may be an important risk factor for early childhood development. More research using more comprehensive exposure and outcome measures is needed to unpack these complex relationships and to inform interventions and policies to support working parents in the agricultural sector with young children.
Strategies for better integrating nutrient supplementation and dietary diversity approaches for stunting reduction and improved nutrition outcomes: A Rwandan case study
Warner, James; Marivoet, Wim; Covic, Namukolo; Umugwaneza, Maryse. 2023
Warner, James; Marivoet, Wim; Covic, Namukolo; Umugwaneza, Maryse. 2023
Impact of adopting maize hermetic storage technologies on smallholder farmers’ income in Gatsibo District, Rwanda
Benimana, Gilberthe; Ritho, Cecilia; Irungu, Patrick. 2023
Benimana, Gilberthe; Ritho, Cecilia; Irungu, Patrick. 2023
Abstract | View
Rapid population growth has increased the global demand for food. However, some studies have revealed that more than one-third of the global food production is lost during postharvest operations along the food supply chain. Managerial and technical limitations such as a lack of proper storage facilities, poor handling practices and, associated knowledge are among the main causes of food losses particularly in Africa. Maize is among the most important staple food and cash crops across sub-Saharan Africa. In Rwanda, most of the maize produced incurs losses during storage. Hermetic storage technologies (HST) have been proven to be effective in the control of post-harvest storage losses in maize. However, their adoption in maize storage has been low with farmers continuing to use less effective technologies. Therefore, this study assessed the impact of hermetic maize storage technologies adoption, on the income of 301 randomly selected smallholder maize farmers in Gatsibo District of Rwanda, using the endogenous switching regression (ESR). The results revealed that household size, post-harvest training, access to credit, distance to input provider, and the household head's experience in maize production were the major factors influencing farmers' decision to adopt HST. The occupation of the household head, number of plots reserved for other crops, training, household size, age of the household head, and household maize self-sufficiency goal significantly influenced income for both HST adopters and non-adopters. Overall, the adoption of HST had a positive and significant impact on income from stored maize, among those who adopted it. The study recommends that the government of Rwanda and other stakeholders should support the dissemination of HST to facilitate access. Thus, increased access to institutional support services such as post-harvest training, credit access, and agricultural input supply, should be a major part of efforts aimed at promoting the effective use of hermetic maize storage technologies among smallholder maize farmers in Rwanda.
Valuing control over income and time use: A field experiment in Rwanda
Hickman, William; Kramer, Berber; Mollerstrom, Johanna; Seymour, Greg. Fairfax, VA 2023
Hickman, William; Kramer, Berber; Mollerstrom, Johanna; Seymour, Greg. Fairfax, VA 2023
Abstract | View
Agricultural development programs often aim to increase women’s incomes and to enhance their control over family resources by offering new work opportunities, but as an unintended negative consequence, these programs may further increase women’s already heavy workloads. By means of a lab-in-the-field experiment in rural Rwanda, we elicit men’s and women’s valuations of control over income, time use, and trade-offs between them. We find that women are willing to sacrifice more household income to increase their control over income than their husbands are. However, the magnitude of respondents’ valuations of control over income is low. On the other hand, both women and men place a high value on time, and this relationship does not vary by gender. Consequently, development programs introducing time-saving practices, technologies, and services may have more positive welfare impacts than programs that primarily increase control over monetary resources.
Why small-scale irrigation makes for good nutrition policy
Lefore, Nicole; Ringler, Claudia . 2023
Lefore, Nicole; Ringler, Claudia . 2023
Abstract | View
The Feed the Future Innovation Lab for Irrigation and Mechanization Systems (ILIMS), led by the University of Nebraska’s Daugherty Water for Food Global Institute (DWFI) (Nebraska-ILIMS), was fittingly launched at this year’s World Food Day with the theme “Water is Life, Water is Food. Leave No One Behind.”
The research program’s five areas of inquiry will develop socio-technical bundles that support uptake of mechanization and irrigation, strengthen institutions for natural resource governance and climate resilience, enable scaling of suitable technologies and support development of human resources. The fifth area of inquiry makes a leap from technology to nutrition and health, with the specific aim to “formulate strategies for nutrition-sensitive mechanization and irrigation that safeguard and enhance health and inclusivity.”
A unique opportunity for food systems transformation in Rwanda
International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI). Washington, DC 2022
International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI). Washington, DC 2022
Abstract | PDF (1.5 MB)
Rwanda has made remarkable progress in the past two decades, highlighted by rapid economic growth and sharp reductions in poverty. During this period, the country emerged as a leader among sub-Saharan African countries in promoting innovation, gender equality, and an enabling business environment. The government remains strongly committed to ambitious development goals, efficiency and transparency in implementation, strong collaboration with the private sector, and diplomacy through regional and global partnerships.
Using outcome trajectory evaluation to assess HarvestPlus’ contribution to the development of national biofortification breeding programs
Douthwaite, Boru; Johnson, Nancy L.; Wyatt, Amanda. Washington, DC 2022
Douthwaite, Boru; Johnson, Nancy L.; Wyatt, Amanda. Washington, DC 2022
Abstract | PDF (933.3 KB)
While the key role that policy plays in sustainable development has long been recognized, rigorously documenting the influence of research on policy outcomes faces conceptual, empirical and even political challenges. Addressing these challenges is increasingly urgent since improving policies—broadly defined—is at the heart of the structural transformation agenda. This paper describes the use of a new evaluation method—outcomes trajectory evaluation (OTE), based on both evaluation and policy process theory—to explore the influence of HarvestPlus, a large and complex research for development program focused on improving nutrition, on a specific policy outcome, namely the establishment of crop biofortification breeding programs in national agricultural research institutes in Bangladesh, India and Rwanda. The findings support claims of significant HarvestPlus contributions to the establishment of the programs while also raising issues that need to be monitored moving forward to ensure sustainability. The paper also discusses the pros and cons of the OTE approach in terms of both methodological rigor and program learning. In particular, the fact that HarvestPlus is a long-running program allows us to reflect on how a “backward looking” approach such as OTE builds on and complements the more “forward looking,” theory of change-based approaches that informed HarvestPlus programming and evaluation during its earlier, highly-successful phases. Such a long-run perspective is rare in development evaluation and it offers important lessons for how to think about and plan for evaluation over the course of a complex agriculture research for development program.
Synopsis: Public investment prioritization for Rwanda's agricultural transformation: Benefits of an increase in public spending on agriculture under PSTA4
Aragie, Emerta; Diao, Xinshen; Spielman, David J.; Thurlow, James; Mugabo, Serge; Rosenbach, Gracie; Benimana, Gilberthe. Washington, DC 2022
Aragie, Emerta; Diao, Xinshen; Spielman, David J.; Thurlow, James; Mugabo, Serge; Rosenbach, Gracie; Benimana, Gilberthe. Washington, DC 2022
Abstract | PDF (319.2 KB)
Although public spending under the fourth Strategic Plan for the Transformation of Agriculture 2018– 2021 (PSTA 4) is generally well structured and cost-effective, funding has been largely stagnant— and even declining, when measured in constant prices—during PSTA’s first four years. This note summarizes the effects of a modest reallocation of public spending under PSTA 4 towards greater cost-effectiveness, as well as a modest increase in PSTA 4 spending. Results draw on an economywide modeling tool designed to prioritize public resources around four key development goals: economic growth, employment creation, poverty reduction, and diet quality improvement.
Synopsis: Public investment for Rwanda's inclusive agricultural transformation: A midterm assessment of the contribution of PSTA4
Aragie, Emerta; Diao, Xinshen; Spielman, David J.; Thurlow, James; Mugabo, Serge; Rosenbach, Gracie; Benimana, Gilberthe. Washington, DC 2022
Aragie, Emerta; Diao, Xinshen; Spielman, David J.; Thurlow, James; Mugabo, Serge; Rosenbach, Gracie; Benimana, Gilberthe. Washington, DC 2022
Abstract | PDF (301.6 KB)
Rwanda’s fourth Strategic Plan for the Transformation of Agriculture (PSTA 4), which extends from 2018 to 2024, is currently at its midpoint. This note highlights the contribution of PSTA 4 in its first half (2018–2021) to four key development outcomes: economic growth, job creation, poverty reduction, and diet quality improvement.
Public investment prioritization for Rwanda’s inclusive agricultural transformation: Evidence from rural investment and policy analysis modeling
Aragie, Emerta; Diao, Xinshen; Spielman, David J.; Thurlow, James; Mugabo, Serge; Rosenbach, Gracie; Benimana, Gilberthe. Washington, DC 2022
Aragie, Emerta; Diao, Xinshen; Spielman, David J.; Thurlow, James; Mugabo, Serge; Rosenbach, Gracie; Benimana, Gilberthe. Washington, DC 2022
Abstract | PDF (1.6 MB)
As Rwanda is expected to return to its rapid growth trajectory following the COVID-19 pandemic, agriculture will continue to play a central role in the structural transformation of the entire economy. To this end, the Government of Rwanda continues to invest in the agricultural sector by building on Strategic Plans for the Transformation of Agriculture (PSTAs) that began in the early 2000s. The challenging question is how to prioritize public expenditures across a broad portfolio of policies and programs. Ambitious plans, whether in the short or long term, require difficult decisions. The prioritization of public investment becomes even more complex as Rwanda’s structural transformation advances and as new investments—beyond the farm—become critically important for the agricultural sector. The structural transformation process itself means that as agriculture becomes more integrated with the rest of the economy, public resource allocations need to address a wider range of issues across the entire food system; these include nutrition-sensitive food production systems, inclusive value chain development, nonfarm rural enterprise development, and climate-resilient sustainable intensification of both crops and livestock.
This study provides evidence that is designed to assist the Government of Rwanda in its selection of agricultural policy, investment, and expenditure portfolios that reflect the country’s broad focus on its food system and structural transformation. This process of prioritization will need to incorporate multiple public investments targeting multiple development outcomes and will need to be grounded in the costeffective use of public resources in a largely market-led transformation process. This data-driven and evidence-based approach must critically underpin an informed investment prioritization process that helps achieve ambitious targets in an environment constrained by limited public resources. The study uses the Rural Investment and Policy Analysis (RIAPA) economywide model developed by the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), with contributions from colleagues at the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources (MINAGRI), the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning (MINECOFIN) and the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda (NISR). The study draws on data from multiple sources as well as expert insights to inform the application of RIAPA’s Agricultural Investment for Data Analyzer (AIDA) module as a tool to measure the impacts of alternative public expenditure options on multiple development outcomes. Using this integrated modeling framework, the study links agricultural and rural development spending to four specific outcomes: economic growth, job creation, poverty reduction, and diet quality improvement; at the same time, it considers the synergies and tradeoffs associated with the different investment options in the transformation process.
The paper first assesses the contribution of public expenditures to agricultural and rural development under the fourth Strategic Plan for Agriculture Transformation (PSTA 4) that extends between 2018 and 2024. These findings are important, given the fact that since the beginning of PSTA 4, the budget allocated to MINAGRI (measured in constant prices) has stagnated. Our results suggest that increased spending on agriculture is well justified and that such spending is essential if the Government of Rwanda is to achieve its long-term development goals.
This study provides evidence that is designed to assist the Government of Rwanda in its selection of agricultural policy, investment, and expenditure portfolios that reflect the country’s broad focus on its food system and structural transformation. This process of prioritization will need to incorporate multiple public investments targeting multiple development outcomes and will need to be grounded in the costeffective use of public resources in a largely market-led transformation process. This data-driven and evidence-based approach must critically underpin an informed investment prioritization process that helps achieve ambitious targets in an environment constrained by limited public resources. The study uses the Rural Investment and Policy Analysis (RIAPA) economywide model developed by the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), with contributions from colleagues at the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources (MINAGRI), the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning (MINECOFIN) and the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda (NISR). The study draws on data from multiple sources as well as expert insights to inform the application of RIAPA’s Agricultural Investment for Data Analyzer (AIDA) module as a tool to measure the impacts of alternative public expenditure options on multiple development outcomes. Using this integrated modeling framework, the study links agricultural and rural development spending to four specific outcomes: economic growth, job creation, poverty reduction, and diet quality improvement; at the same time, it considers the synergies and tradeoffs associated with the different investment options in the transformation process.
The paper first assesses the contribution of public expenditures to agricultural and rural development under the fourth Strategic Plan for Agriculture Transformation (PSTA 4) that extends between 2018 and 2024. These findings are important, given the fact that since the beginning of PSTA 4, the budget allocated to MINAGRI (measured in constant prices) has stagnated. Our results suggest that increased spending on agriculture is well justified and that such spending is essential if the Government of Rwanda is to achieve its long-term development goals.
Expected impacts of increases in international prices of fertilizer in Rwanda: Estimates from a microsimulation
Spielman, David J.; Mugabo, Serge; Rosenbach, Gracie; Ndikumana, Sosthene; Benimana, Gilberthe; Ingabire, Chantal. Washington, DC 2022
Spielman, David J.; Mugabo, Serge; Rosenbach, Gracie; Ndikumana, Sosthene; Benimana, Gilberthe; Ingabire, Chantal. Washington, DC 2022
Abstract | PDF (480.7 KB)
International fertilizer prices have increased rapidly since 2020 due to multiple factors. This note assesses the impact of these price increases on Rwanda’s agriculture sector, with an emphasis on implications for crop production, subsidy costs, and the Government of Rwanda’s agricultural budget.
Using data from the Seasonal Agricultural Surveys, we simulate the impact of increasing fertilizer prices on fertilizer demand and use, which in turn affects fertilizer value-cost ratios at the plot level and, ultimately, maize, rice, and Irish potato output and the Government’s fertilizer subsidy bill. Findings indicate the following
• At current subsidy rates and market prices, national output across all seasons could decrease by up to 3 percent for maize, 2 percent for rice, and 12 percent for Irish potato under strong assumptions about farmers’ sensitivity to fertilizer prices. Weaker assumptions about their sensitivity result in much smaller decreases in output.
• At current subsidy rates and market prices, the fertilizer subsidy bill may increase from 7 percent of MINAGRI’s budget—inclusive of funds earmarked for districts—to 12 percent.
Ultimately, the policy challenge will be to determine whether a return to the original subsidy levels and rates is feasible and under what conditions. In the short term, volatility in international fertilizer prices may continue, particularly in light of the conflict in Ukraine, making it necessary to maintain the current subsidy regime. But I the medium term, it is possible to move towards market prices for fertilizer without dramatically affecting output, thereby providing more fiscal space for other priorities.
Using data from the Seasonal Agricultural Surveys, we simulate the impact of increasing fertilizer prices on fertilizer demand and use, which in turn affects fertilizer value-cost ratios at the plot level and, ultimately, maize, rice, and Irish potato output and the Government’s fertilizer subsidy bill. Findings indicate the following
• At current subsidy rates and market prices, national output across all seasons could decrease by up to 3 percent for maize, 2 percent for rice, and 12 percent for Irish potato under strong assumptions about farmers’ sensitivity to fertilizer prices. Weaker assumptions about their sensitivity result in much smaller decreases in output.
• At current subsidy rates and market prices, the fertilizer subsidy bill may increase from 7 percent of MINAGRI’s budget—inclusive of funds earmarked for districts—to 12 percent.
Ultimately, the policy challenge will be to determine whether a return to the original subsidy levels and rates is feasible and under what conditions. In the short term, volatility in international fertilizer prices may continue, particularly in light of the conflict in Ukraine, making it necessary to maintain the current subsidy regime. But I the medium term, it is possible to move towards market prices for fertilizer without dramatically affecting output, thereby providing more fiscal space for other priorities.
Synopsis: Rwanda’s food systems transformation: A diagnostic of the public policy landscape shaping the transformation process
Dusingizimana, Petronille; Kazungu, Jules; Lalui, Armin; Milani, Peiman; Munanura, James; Nsabimana, Aimable; Sindi, Julius Kirimi; Spielman, David J.; Umugwaneza, Maryse. Washington, DC 2022
Dusingizimana, Petronille; Kazungu, Jules; Lalui, Armin; Milani, Peiman; Munanura, James; Nsabimana, Aimable; Sindi, Julius Kirimi; Spielman, David J.; Umugwaneza, Maryse. Washington, DC 2022
Abstract | PDF (295.8 KB)
As Rwanda journeys towards a broad-based social and economic transformation, there are opportunities for the country’s food systems to become a key driver on that journey. This idea has attracted considerable attention in the national consultations conducted in the run-up to the United Nations Food Systems Summit (UNFSS) in September 2021, at the summit itself, in the post-summit actions that Rwanda is now pursuing, and in a series of prior case studies on Rwanda’s food system (Adolph et al. 2021; Guijt et al. 2021; Malabo Montpellier Panel 2021).
This note summarizes a recent diagnostic of Rwanda’s food systems and the policy landscape that shapes them. Emphasis is placed on six inter-related clusters: diet quality and nutrition security; livelihoods equity; environmental resilience; agricultural productivity; infrastructure capacity; and financing and investment.
Overall findings suggest an opportunity for a tangible shift in how public policy in Rwanda approaches its food systems and how the systems contribute to the broader national transformation process. We offer several policy recommendations to support the design of a coherent country strategy and policy framework. First, strengthen existing entities and mechanisms, and innovate on them. Second, develop a national food systems transformation strategy that is integrative, multi-sectoral, and action-oriented. Third, innovate on existing programs. Fourth, allow for learning through both success and failure. Fifth, invest in rigorous impact evaluation.
This note summarizes a recent diagnostic of Rwanda’s food systems and the policy landscape that shapes them. Emphasis is placed on six inter-related clusters: diet quality and nutrition security; livelihoods equity; environmental resilience; agricultural productivity; infrastructure capacity; and financing and investment.
Overall findings suggest an opportunity for a tangible shift in how public policy in Rwanda approaches its food systems and how the systems contribute to the broader national transformation process. We offer several policy recommendations to support the design of a coherent country strategy and policy framework. First, strengthen existing entities and mechanisms, and innovate on them. Second, develop a national food systems transformation strategy that is integrative, multi-sectoral, and action-oriented. Third, innovate on existing programs. Fourth, allow for learning through both success and failure. Fifth, invest in rigorous impact evaluation.
Rwanda’s food systems transformation: A diagnostic of the public policy landscape shaping the transformation process
Dusingizimana, Petronille; Kazungu, Jules; Lalui, Armin; Milani, Peiman; Munanura, James; Nsabimana, Aimable; Sindi, Julius Kirimi; Spielman, David J.; Umugwaneza, Maryse. Washington, DC 2022
Dusingizimana, Petronille; Kazungu, Jules; Lalui, Armin; Milani, Peiman; Munanura, James; Nsabimana, Aimable; Sindi, Julius Kirimi; Spielman, David J.; Umugwaneza, Maryse. Washington, DC 2022
Abstract | PDF (648.9 KB)
This paper provides a diagnostic of Rwanda’s food systems and the policy landscape that shapes it. It aims to inform national and local conversations on Rwanda’s food systems transformation—an idea that has attracted considerable attention in national consultations conducted in the run-up to the United Nations Food Systems Summit in September 2021, at the summit itself, and in the post-summit actions that Rwanda is now pursuing.
A food system comprises the full range of actors and activities originating from agriculture, livestock, forestry, or fisheries, as well as the broader economic, societal, and natural environments in which they operate. An inclusive and sustainable food systems transformation is a process of growth and development that is profitable for the full range of individual actors engaged in the system, beneficial for society including marginalized and vulnerable groups, and advantageous for the natural environment.
Rwanda’s journey towards a food systems transformation is well captured in Vision 2050, the National Strategy for Transformation (NST 1), and strategic plans for sectors such as agriculture, health, nutrition, commerce, and the environment. Their priorities are echoed in ongoing programs and investments of the government, its development partners, the private sector, and civil society.
Nonetheless, there are still challenges facing Rwanda’s efforts to sustain and accelerate progress along this journey. Efforts to overcome these challenges call for a deeper and more significant shift in thinking—informed by the food systems perspective—that is highlighted by stronger multi-sectoral approaches to problem-solving.
Overall findings suggest an opportunity for a tangible shift in how public policy in Rwanda approaches its food systems and how the systems contribute to the broader national transformation process. This means addressing how balances are struck—and tradeoffs are managed—between and among agriculture, nutrition, health, and the environment in the face of a climate crisis. It also means giving greater attention to the demand-side drivers in Rwanda’s food system, recognizing that singularly focused supply-side strategies rarely succeed in isolation. Finally, it means deepening the integration of policies and policy actors in the design and implementation phases of interventions that shape the food system.
We offer several recommendations to translate abstract ideas into a coherent and focused set of actions in the policy space.
1. Strengthen existing entities and mechanisms rather than create new ones.
2. Develop a national food systems transformation strategy that is integrative, multi-sectoral, and action-oriented.
3. Innovate on existing programs.
4. Allow for learning through both success and failure.
5. Invest in rigorous impact evaluation.
These actions aim to strengthen the policy environment that enables a truly broad-based food systems transformation. This enabling environment is itself an outcome of broad-based national conversations, integration across sectors, domains, and levels; and the encouragement of policy and program innovation.
A food system comprises the full range of actors and activities originating from agriculture, livestock, forestry, or fisheries, as well as the broader economic, societal, and natural environments in which they operate. An inclusive and sustainable food systems transformation is a process of growth and development that is profitable for the full range of individual actors engaged in the system, beneficial for society including marginalized and vulnerable groups, and advantageous for the natural environment.
Rwanda’s journey towards a food systems transformation is well captured in Vision 2050, the National Strategy for Transformation (NST 1), and strategic plans for sectors such as agriculture, health, nutrition, commerce, and the environment. Their priorities are echoed in ongoing programs and investments of the government, its development partners, the private sector, and civil society.
Nonetheless, there are still challenges facing Rwanda’s efforts to sustain and accelerate progress along this journey. Efforts to overcome these challenges call for a deeper and more significant shift in thinking—informed by the food systems perspective—that is highlighted by stronger multi-sectoral approaches to problem-solving.
Overall findings suggest an opportunity for a tangible shift in how public policy in Rwanda approaches its food systems and how the systems contribute to the broader national transformation process. This means addressing how balances are struck—and tradeoffs are managed—between and among agriculture, nutrition, health, and the environment in the face of a climate crisis. It also means giving greater attention to the demand-side drivers in Rwanda’s food system, recognizing that singularly focused supply-side strategies rarely succeed in isolation. Finally, it means deepening the integration of policies and policy actors in the design and implementation phases of interventions that shape the food system.
We offer several recommendations to translate abstract ideas into a coherent and focused set of actions in the policy space.
1. Strengthen existing entities and mechanisms rather than create new ones.
2. Develop a national food systems transformation strategy that is integrative, multi-sectoral, and action-oriented.
3. Innovate on existing programs.
4. Allow for learning through both success and failure.
5. Invest in rigorous impact evaluation.
These actions aim to strengthen the policy environment that enables a truly broad-based food systems transformation. This enabling environment is itself an outcome of broad-based national conversations, integration across sectors, domains, and levels; and the encouragement of policy and program innovation.
Rwanda: Impacts of the Ukraine and global crises on poverty and food security
Diao, Xinshen; Dorosh, Paul A.; Thurlow, James; Spielman, David J.; Smart, Jenny; Benimana, Gilberthe; Mugabo, Serge; Rosenbach, Gracie. Washington, DC 2022
Diao, Xinshen; Dorosh, Paul A.; Thurlow, James; Spielman, David J.; Smart, Jenny; Benimana, Gilberthe; Mugabo, Serge; Rosenbach, Gracie. Washington, DC 2022
Abstract | PDF (281.1 KB)
Global food, fuel, and fertilizer prices have risen rapidly in recent months, driven in large part by the fallout from the ongoing war in Ukraine and the sanctions imposed on Russia. Other factors have contributed to the crisis, such as export bans and continued supply chain disruptions from the COVID-19 pandemic. For example, between June 2021 and April 2022, the global prices of palm oil and wheat increased by 56 and 100 percent in real terms, respectively. At the same time, the price of fertilizer doubled, while crude oil and natural gas prices have also risen substantially. However, wide variation also exists across commodities, with real maize prices increasing by only 11 percent, and rice prices declining by 13 percent (Figure 1).
Food budget allocation efficiency: A missing component to help identify robust nutrition policies, with application to Rwanda
Marivoet, Wim. Washington, DC 2022
Marivoet, Wim. Washington, DC 2022
Abstract | PDF (1.5 MB)
This paper presents two interrelated innovations to help identify diet-related nutrition policies. The first involves the development of a food budget allocation efficiency measure to quantify suboptimal food preferences, which is one key explanation of poor diets in addition to unaffordability. The second relates to the application of stochastic dominance to a portfolio of dietrelated nutrition policies, defined by various levels of allocation efficiency and affordability. As no full specification is needed, the latter technique is particularly useful when lacking normative guidelines regarding the relative importance of nutrient deficiencies within one-dimensional diet quality measures as well as the exact content of culture-sensitive diets. The analytical innovations are illustrated using a 2013/14 household consumption survey of Rwanda, a country characterized by both high calorie and micronutrient deficiencies. The origins of these poor nutritional outcomes can be traced back to various combinations and levels of affordability and allocation efficiency constraints. By only excluding the most inequality averse diet quality pecification, which may help to account for measurement error, a robust set of policy recommendations can be formulated for two thirds of all observations, most of which should focus on awareness raising activities.
Policy options for fertilizer subsidy reforms in Rwanda: A simulation-based analysis and synthesis of prior studies
Spielman, David J.; Mugabo, Serge; Rosenbach, Gracie; Ndikumana, Sosthene; Benimana, Gilberthe; Ingabire, Chantal. Washington, DC 2022
Spielman, David J.; Mugabo, Serge; Rosenbach, Gracie; Ndikumana, Sosthene; Benimana, Gilberthe; Ingabire, Chantal. Washington, DC 2022
Abstract | PDF (652.6 KB)
Agricultural input subsidies are a prominent feature in the 2018-2024 Strategic Plan for Agricultural Transformation (PSTA 4), which is designed and implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources (MINAGRI). By reducing the cost of improved seed and inorganic fertilizers, subsidies are designed to accelerate the use of these productivity-enhancing inputs, thereby increasing agricultural yields and output, increasing rural incomes while reducing food prices, and improving food security in line with PSTA 4’s targets. However, questions arise about whether the current input subsidy rates and levels are sufficient to increase crop production and meet the PSTA 4 targets, and whether the subsidy system can be expanded in the current economic climate and fiscal situation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and spike in global fertilizer prices. This paper examines the impact of an increase in the price of fertilizer in Rwanda using seasonal production data from National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda (NISR) in a microsimulation model aimed at three priority crops—maize, rice, and Irish potato—and the three main fertilizers in use—diammonium phosphate (DAP), urea, and NPK.
2021 Social Accounting Matrix for Rwanda: A Nexus Project SAM
Washington, DC 2022
Washington, DC 2022
Abstract | PDF
The Nexus Project is a collaboration between IFPRI and its partners, including national statistical agencies and research institutions. Our aim is to improve the quality of social accounting matrices (SAMs) used for computable general equilibrium (CGE) modeling. The Nexus Project develops toolkits and establishes common data standards, procedures, and classification systems for constructing and updating national SAMs. This addresses the need for greater transparency and consistency in SAM construction to strengthen model-based research and policy analysis in developing countries. Nexus SAMs allow for more robust cross-country comparisons of national economic structure, especially agriculture-food systems. The Nexus Project’s guiding principles are that all data should be traceable to original sources and/or assumptions, and that all SAMs should be freely available online. Greater transparency and accessibility should facilitate more data validation and participation of the modeling community. Statistics are continuously being revised and errors are often only identified when data is used for analysis, and so we welcome your suggestions on how the SAMs can be improved to reflect new and/or better information. Nexus SAMs support the improvement of model-based research and policy analysis in developing countries and allow for more robust cross-country comparisons of national economic structures, especially agriculture-food systems. The 2021 Rwanda Social Accounting Matrix (SAM) follows IFPRI's Standard Nexus SAM approach, by focusing on consistency, comparability, and transparency of data. This SAM separates domestic production into 42 activities. Factors are disaggregated into labor, agricultural land, and capital, with labor further disaggregated across three education-based categories. The household account is divided into 10 representative household groups: Rural and urban households across per capita consumption quintiles.
Rwanda’s agrifood system: Structure and drivers of transformation
Diao, Xinshen; Ellis, Mia; Mugabo, Serge; Pauw, Karl; Rosenbach, Gracie; Spielman, David J.; Thurlow, James. Washington, DC 2022
Diao, Xinshen; Ellis, Mia; Mugabo, Serge; Pauw, Karl; Rosenbach, Gracie; Spielman, David J.; Thurlow, James. Washington, DC 2022
Abstract | PDF (637 KB)
This paper assesses the structure of Rwanda’s current and evolving agrifood system and its contribu-tion to national development. The paper reiterates the point that Rwanda’s agrifood system stretches well beyond primary agriculture and creates jobs and income opportunities throughout the economy. While off-farm components of Rwanda’s agrifood system have generally grown more rapidly than pri-mary agriculture in recent years, growth varies across value chains of the agrifood system in the stud-ied period. The growth diagnostic in this paper reveals that it is domestic markets that have driven the recent growth in Rwanda’s AFS other than exports.
The paper’s forward-looking analysis assesses potentially differential impacts of value-chain develop-ment efforts on broad development outcomes. The analysis measures the synergies and trade-offs of value-chain development in the context of an inclusive agricultural transformation. Such analysis is conducted using the Rwanda Computable General Equilibrium (CGE) model – an adaption of IFPRI’s Rural Investment and Policy Analysis (RIAPA) model to the Rwandan context.
The modeling results indicate that value chains differ considerably in their effectiveness in achieving development goals and there are significant trade-offs among different development goals from pro-moting a specific value chain. The value chains that make a larger contribution to growth or job crea-tion are not necessarily effective in reducing poverty or improving dietary quality – for example, value chains for coffee and tea – while value chains that play an important role in improving dietary quality may contribute less to job creation – such as vegetables or fruits. While there is no single value chain that can achieve all development goals effectively, it is possible to select a diversified set of value chains that complement each other in achieving different development goals. This latter strategy is a more realistic approach to growth and development.
The paper’s forward-looking analysis assesses potentially differential impacts of value-chain develop-ment efforts on broad development outcomes. The analysis measures the synergies and trade-offs of value-chain development in the context of an inclusive agricultural transformation. Such analysis is conducted using the Rwanda Computable General Equilibrium (CGE) model – an adaption of IFPRI’s Rural Investment and Policy Analysis (RIAPA) model to the Rwandan context.
The modeling results indicate that value chains differ considerably in their effectiveness in achieving development goals and there are significant trade-offs among different development goals from pro-moting a specific value chain. The value chains that make a larger contribution to growth or job crea-tion are not necessarily effective in reducing poverty or improving dietary quality – for example, value chains for coffee and tea – while value chains that play an important role in improving dietary quality may contribute less to job creation – such as vegetables or fruits. While there is no single value chain that can achieve all development goals effectively, it is possible to select a diversified set of value chains that complement each other in achieving different development goals. This latter strategy is a more realistic approach to growth and development.
Sustainable aquaculture development in sub-Saharan Africa
Ragasa, Catherine; Charo-Karisa, Harrison; Rurangwa, Eugene; Tran, Nhuong; Shikuku, Kelvin Mashisia. 2022
Ragasa, Catherine; Charo-Karisa, Harrison; Rurangwa, Eugene; Tran, Nhuong; Shikuku, Kelvin Mashisia. 2022
Household livelihood diversification in rural Africa
Musumba, Mark; Palm, Cheryl A.; Komarek, Adam M.; Mutuo, Patrick K.; Kaya, Bocary. 2022
Musumba, Mark; Palm, Cheryl A.; Komarek, Adam M.; Mutuo, Patrick K.; Kaya, Bocary. 2022
Abstract | View
Diversification is a common livelihood strategy for rural households in developing countries, with diversification being either a choice or necessity depending on individual household contexts. Using two waves of data (from 2009 and 2011) for 1773 households from eight countries in sub-Saharan Africa, we examined livelihood diversification and its drivers. We examined livelihood diversification by considering household involvement in three livelihood activities: crop, livestock, and non-farm. Results indicated that 40% of households conducted all three livelihood activities, but there was heterogeneity in diversity levels. We used a correlated random effects model to identify the factors that pushed or pulled households to diversify their activities. Access to non-agricultural credit was positively associated with livelihood diversity as it can catalyze involvement in non-farm activities. Drought had a negative effect on livelihood diversity. Area of crop land had a positive effect on the number of livelihood activities conducted. We found that 53% of households added or removed at least one livelihood activity between 2009 and 2011, and the addition of non-farm activities was the most common change. Our results demonstrated the dynamic nature of livelihoods and importance of shocks (such as drought) and resource endowments (land) in understanding household livelihood diversification.
Translation of policy for reducing undernutrition from national to sub-national levels in Rwanda
Iruhiriye, Elyse; Olney, Deanna K.; Frongillo, Edward A.; Niyongira, Emmanuel; Nanama, Simeon; Rwibasira, Eugene; Mbonyi, Paul; Blake, Christine E.. 2022
Iruhiriye, Elyse; Olney, Deanna K.; Frongillo, Edward A.; Niyongira, Emmanuel; Nanama, Simeon; Rwibasira, Eugene; Mbonyi, Paul; Blake, Christine E.. 2022
Abstract | View
Understanding how countries improve children’s nutrition can inform policies and contribute to further improvements. We examined the relationship between improvements in nutrition in Rwanda (1992–2017) and political commitment to- and policy coherence in- nutrition. We reviewed nutrition-relevant Rwandan policies and programs (2000–2018) and conducted 90 semi-structured interviews with national (n = 32), mid-level (n = 38), and community (n = 20) nutrition stakeholders and 40 community-level focus group discussions (FGDs). FGDs and sub-national interviews were conducted in ten purposefully selected districts, five each in which stunting decreased (reduced) and increased or stagnated (non-reduced) between the 2010 and 2014/15 Rwanda Demographic and Health Surveys. Analysis consisted of thematic analysis and the assessment of events, policy developments, and strategies that influenced nutrition in Rwanda, including operationalization of political commitment and policy coherence for nutrition. Political and institutional commitment to nutrition increased in Rwanda as evidenced by the adoption of a multisectoral nutrition policy that was reinforced with national and subnational horizontal coordination platforms. These platforms strengthened multisectoral strategies to address nutrition and supported operational and institutional commitment. The role of mid-level actors in nutrition governance increased as responsibilities for planning, implementing, and monitoring nutrition programs were increasingly delegated to sub-national administrative levels. Variations in policy implementation existed between reduced and non-reduced districts. Despite improvements, challenges remained in coordination, financial commitment, and capacity to address, monitor, and evaluate nutrition. Political commitment to- and policy coherence in- nutrition at the national level are important for improving nutrition, and when reinforced institutionally, can be translated to sub-national levels where implementation occurs.
From food price crisis to an equitable food system
Hawkes, Corinna; Ambikapathi, Ramya; Anastasiou, Kim; Brock, Jessica; Castronuovo, Luciana; Fallon, Naomi; Malapit, Hazel J.; Ndumi, Assumpta; Samuel, Folake; Umugwaneza, Mayse; Wanjohi, Milkah N.; Zorbas, Christina. 2022
Hawkes, Corinna; Ambikapathi, Ramya; Anastasiou, Kim; Brock, Jessica; Castronuovo, Luciana; Fallon, Naomi; Malapit, Hazel J.; Ndumi, Assumpta; Samuel, Folake; Umugwaneza, Mayse; Wanjohi, Milkah N.; Zorbas, Christina. 2022
Abstract | View
In 2022, the world is experiencing the greatest cost of living crisis in a generation.1 Crises have always highlighted inequities in our societies. With food prices at near record levels globally, rapidly rising inflation, and economic instability, many people living in situations of constraint have no choice but to skip meals, reduce the amount they eat, prepare meals with fewer nutritious foods, and buy cheaper, starchy staples and ultra-processed foods.2, 3 The implications for health inequalities are dire: increased dietary disparities will worsen food insecurity, undernutrition, obesity, and diet-related disease among those who are struggling most.
Données de population sur la République démocratique du Congo: Peut-on réduire les marges d'imprécision?
Muhoza, Benjamin Kanze; De Herdt, Tom; Marivoet, Wim. Paris 2022
Muhoza, Benjamin Kanze; De Herdt, Tom; Marivoet, Wim. Paris 2022
Drivers of youth engagement in agriculture: Insights from Guatemala, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, and Uganda
Babu, Suresh Chandra; Franzel, Steven; Davis, Kristin E.; Srivastava, Nandita. Washington, DC 2021
Babu, Suresh Chandra; Franzel, Steven; Davis, Kristin E.; Srivastava, Nandita. Washington, DC 2021
Abstract | PDF (685.2 KB)
Engaging burgeoning youth populations in developing country agriculture is seen as an important strategy toward effective, efficient, and sustainable food system transformation. Yet the policy, institutional, technological, and capability barriers and ways to overcome them for successful participation of youth in agriculture are not fully understood. We use a conceptual framework that identifies key pathways to prosperity for youth and classifies contextual and driving factors that contribute to the success of youth engagement in agriculture. The framework comprises four broad categories of strategic interventions: policy and socioeconomic environment; institutional; technological/business infrastructure; and individual skills and capacities. In the context of this framework, we then present insights from cases of youth participation in agriculture in five countries: Guatemala, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, and Uganda. The countries and cases were purposively selected as part of ongoing research on youth engagement in agriculture.
Policies and strategies play an important role in creating an enabling environment for youth engagement in agriculture, including by fostering transparency and accountability in the policy system and promoting youth engagement in the private sector through agricultural extension and other services. Institutions and intermediaries provide financial support, training, and access to market for youth entrepreneurs. Support in these areas should be strengthened. Systems approaches, such as multi-stakeholder platforms, provide holistic support to young agripreneurs (entrepreneurs in agriculture), but require effective coordination. Similarly, information and communication technologies can play a facilitating role by providing platforms to network and receive updated market information but need to be significantly scaled up. Individual capacities can drive youth engagement in agriculture and agripreneurship but must continue to be built up through expanded education and training on technical and functional skills.
As policymakers and program managers search for interventions that can promote youth involvement in agriculture in their own countries, the insights from the five countries examined that are presented in this paper may be useful for identifying context-specific challenges and pathways to successful youth engagement in agriculture in their own countries. The framework presented here can be applied to study youth engagement issues in any country or in sub-national, decentralized contexts to generate evidence to guide the design of youth-in-agriculture development programs. There is a need to support, strengthen, and implement the driving factors identified in this paper for expanding youth engagement in agriculture.
Policies and strategies play an important role in creating an enabling environment for youth engagement in agriculture, including by fostering transparency and accountability in the policy system and promoting youth engagement in the private sector through agricultural extension and other services. Institutions and intermediaries provide financial support, training, and access to market for youth entrepreneurs. Support in these areas should be strengthened. Systems approaches, such as multi-stakeholder platforms, provide holistic support to young agripreneurs (entrepreneurs in agriculture), but require effective coordination. Similarly, information and communication technologies can play a facilitating role by providing platforms to network and receive updated market information but need to be significantly scaled up. Individual capacities can drive youth engagement in agriculture and agripreneurship but must continue to be built up through expanded education and training on technical and functional skills.
As policymakers and program managers search for interventions that can promote youth involvement in agriculture in their own countries, the insights from the five countries examined that are presented in this paper may be useful for identifying context-specific challenges and pathways to successful youth engagement in agriculture in their own countries. The framework presented here can be applied to study youth engagement issues in any country or in sub-national, decentralized contexts to generate evidence to guide the design of youth-in-agriculture development programs. There is a need to support, strengthen, and implement the driving factors identified in this paper for expanding youth engagement in agriculture.
Assessing the economywide impacts of COVID-19 on Rwanda’s economy, agri-food system, and poverty: A social accounting matrix (SAM) multiplier approach
Aragie, Emerta; Diao, Xinshen; Robinson, Sherman; Rosenbach, Gracie; Spielman, David J.; Thurlow, James. Washington, DC 2021
Aragie, Emerta; Diao, Xinshen; Robinson, Sherman; Rosenbach, Gracie; Spielman, David J.; Thurlow, James. Washington, DC 2021
Abstract | PDF (882.6 KB)
Rwanda’s policy response to COVID-19 has been widely praised for its rapid, systematic, and comprehensive approach to containing the pandemic. Although the economic consequences are unavoidable, the country expects to return its economy to its high-growth trajectory as the pandemic subsides. We use economic modeling tools designed to estimate the short-term economywide impacts of the unanticipated, rapid-onset economic shocks of COVID-19 on Rwanda.
- Results show that during the six-week lockdown that began in March, Rwanda’s GDP fell 39.1 percent (RWF 435 billion; USD 484 million) when compared to a no-COVID situation in the same period.
- Results further show that Rwanda’s GDP in 2020 will be between 12 and 16 percent lower than a predicted no-COVID GDP, depending on the pace of the recovery. The losses in annual GDP are between RWF 1.0 and 1.5 trillion (USD 1.1–1.6 billion).
- While GDP for the industrial and services sectors were estimated to have fallen during the lockdown period by 57 and 48 percent, respectively, exemptions of COVID-19 restrictions for the agricultural sector limited the decline in agricultural GDP to 7 percent compared to a noCOVID situation.
- During the lockdown period, the national poverty rate is estimated to have increased by 10.9 percentage points as 1.3 million people, mostly in rural areas, fell into temporary poverty. Poverty rates are expected to stabilize by the end of 2020, increasing only by between 0.4 and 1.1 percentage points. While these figures may be encouraging, they mask the impacts on poor households of the sharp poverty spike during the lockdown and the inherent complexity of poverty dynamics post-lockdown.
Looking forward, the speed and success of Rwanda’s recovery will depend critically on the expansion of Rwanda’s social protection programs, boosting enterprises of all sizes, support to the agri-food system, and restoration of international trade.
- Results show that during the six-week lockdown that began in March, Rwanda’s GDP fell 39.1 percent (RWF 435 billion; USD 484 million) when compared to a no-COVID situation in the same period.
- Results further show that Rwanda’s GDP in 2020 will be between 12 and 16 percent lower than a predicted no-COVID GDP, depending on the pace of the recovery. The losses in annual GDP are between RWF 1.0 and 1.5 trillion (USD 1.1–1.6 billion).
- While GDP for the industrial and services sectors were estimated to have fallen during the lockdown period by 57 and 48 percent, respectively, exemptions of COVID-19 restrictions for the agricultural sector limited the decline in agricultural GDP to 7 percent compared to a noCOVID situation.
- During the lockdown period, the national poverty rate is estimated to have increased by 10.9 percentage points as 1.3 million people, mostly in rural areas, fell into temporary poverty. Poverty rates are expected to stabilize by the end of 2020, increasing only by between 0.4 and 1.1 percentage points. While these figures may be encouraging, they mask the impacts on poor households of the sharp poverty spike during the lockdown and the inherent complexity of poverty dynamics post-lockdown.
Looking forward, the speed and success of Rwanda’s recovery will depend critically on the expansion of Rwanda’s social protection programs, boosting enterprises of all sizes, support to the agri-food system, and restoration of international trade.
Synopsis: Assessing the economywide impacts of COVID-19 on Rwanda’s economy, agri food system, and poverty: A social accounting matrix (SAM) multiplier approach
Aragie, Emerta; Diao, Xinshen; Robinson, Sherman; Rosenbach, Gracie; Spielman, David J.; Thurlow, James. Washington, DC 2021
Aragie, Emerta; Diao, Xinshen; Robinson, Sherman; Rosenbach, Gracie; Spielman, David J.; Thurlow, James. Washington, DC 2021
Abstract | PDF (409.7 KB)
Rwanda’s policy response to COVID-19 has been widely praised for its rapid, systematic, and comprehensive approach to containing the pandemic. Although the economic consequences of the actions taken are unavoidable, the country expects to return its economy to its high-growth trajectory as the pandemic subsides. We used economic modeling tools designed to estimate the short-term economywide impacts of the unanticipated, rapid-onset economic shocks of COVID-19 on Rwanda. In this brief, we present a synopsis of the results of this analysis.
• During the six-week lockdown that began in March 2020, we estimate Rwanda’s GDP fell 39.1 percent (RWF 435 billion; USD 484 million) when compared to a no-COVID situation.
• Rwanda’s GDP in 2020 will be between 12 and 16 percent lower than a predicted no-COVID GDP, depending on the pace of economic recovery. The losses in annual GDP are between RWF 1.0 and 1.5 trillion (USD 1.1 to 1.6 billion).
• While GDP for the industrial and services sectors were estimated to have fallen during the lockdown period by 57 and 48 percent, respectively, exemptions of COVID-19 restrictions for the agricultural sector limited the decline in agricultural GDP to 7 percent compared to a no-COVID situation.
• During the lockdown period, the national poverty rate is estimated to have increased by 10.9 percentage points as 1.3 million people, mostly in rural areas, fell into temporary poverty. Poverty rates are expected to stabilize by the end of 2020, increasing only by between 0.4 and 1.1 percentage points over the pre-COVID situation. While these figures are encouraging, they mask the impacts on poor households of the sharp poverty spike during the lockdown and the inherent complexity of poverty dynamics post-lockdown.
Looking forward, the speed and success of Rwanda’s economic recovery will depend critically on expanding Rwanda’s social protection programs, supporting enterprises of all sizes, providing broad assistance to the agri-food system, and restoring international trade.
• During the six-week lockdown that began in March 2020, we estimate Rwanda’s GDP fell 39.1 percent (RWF 435 billion; USD 484 million) when compared to a no-COVID situation.
• Rwanda’s GDP in 2020 will be between 12 and 16 percent lower than a predicted no-COVID GDP, depending on the pace of economic recovery. The losses in annual GDP are between RWF 1.0 and 1.5 trillion (USD 1.1 to 1.6 billion).
• While GDP for the industrial and services sectors were estimated to have fallen during the lockdown period by 57 and 48 percent, respectively, exemptions of COVID-19 restrictions for the agricultural sector limited the decline in agricultural GDP to 7 percent compared to a no-COVID situation.
• During the lockdown period, the national poverty rate is estimated to have increased by 10.9 percentage points as 1.3 million people, mostly in rural areas, fell into temporary poverty. Poverty rates are expected to stabilize by the end of 2020, increasing only by between 0.4 and 1.1 percentage points over the pre-COVID situation. While these figures are encouraging, they mask the impacts on poor households of the sharp poverty spike during the lockdown and the inherent complexity of poverty dynamics post-lockdown.
Looking forward, the speed and success of Rwanda’s economic recovery will depend critically on expanding Rwanda’s social protection programs, supporting enterprises of all sizes, providing broad assistance to the agri-food system, and restoring international trade.
Assessing the impacts of COVID-19 on household incomes and poverty in Rwanda: A microsimulation approach
Diao, Xinshen; Rosenbach, Gracie; Spielman, David J.; Aragie, Emerta. Washington, DC 2021
Diao, Xinshen; Rosenbach, Gracie; Spielman, David J.; Aragie, Emerta. Washington, DC 2021
Abstract | PDF (470.9 KB)
In Rwanda, as in other countries, different types of households will experience the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic differently. We use a microsimulation approach to highlight the importance of these differences and to draw attention to the diversified livelihood strategies of Rwandan households in order to fully understand COVID-19’s impacts on their income and poverty status. Our approach complements macro-level assessments of COVID-19’s economic impacts, focusing on the contribution of the income sources, asset holdings, and location (urban/rural) of households to understanding these differential effects.
Synopsis: Assessing the impacts of COVID-19 on household incomes and poverty in Rwanda: A microsimulation approach
Diao, Xinshen; Rosenbach, Gracie; Spielman, David J.; Aragie, Emerta. Washington, DC 2021
Diao, Xinshen; Rosenbach, Gracie; Spielman, David J.; Aragie, Emerta. Washington, DC 2021
Abstract | PDF (362.7 KB)
In Rwanda, as elsewhere, different types of households experienced the economic effects of COVID-19 differently. We use a microsimulation approach to show the importance of these differences to better understand COVID-19’s impacts on their income and poverty status.
Main results:
Nationally, during the lockdown period between March and May 2020, the simulation results estimate declines in household income by 33 percent on average. The urban population experienced the largest declines, averaging 40 percent during this period.
Unlike patterns seen with other shocks, middle-income households experienced the sharpest declines in income during the lockdown of an estimated 33 to 35 percent.
The share of individuals falling into poverty was highest among those in urban, middle income (Ubudehe 2) households (27 percent). However, the greatest absolute number of individuals in poverty remained concentrated in rural areas during the lockdown.
Poor individuals in the lowest expenditure quintile remain in the most severe poverty, with average expenditures during the lockdown estimated at 54 percent below the poverty line.
Under both the fast and slow post-COVID economic recovery scenarios used in the simulations, household incomes nearly return to pre-COVID levels for all household categories by the end of 2020. However, these results do not capture the potential longterm impacts of the substantial shocks of the pandemic to incomes, assets, and individual wellbeing.
These modeling results suggest that targeting should be a central component of the design and implementation of social protection programs and economic recovery policies to support a diverse set of beneficiaries. These beneficiaries include rural farming households and poor households, as well as nonagricultural household, and households in the middle expenditure quintiles.
Main results:
Nationally, during the lockdown period between March and May 2020, the simulation results estimate declines in household income by 33 percent on average. The urban population experienced the largest declines, averaging 40 percent during this period.
Unlike patterns seen with other shocks, middle-income households experienced the sharpest declines in income during the lockdown of an estimated 33 to 35 percent.
The share of individuals falling into poverty was highest among those in urban, middle income (Ubudehe 2) households (27 percent). However, the greatest absolute number of individuals in poverty remained concentrated in rural areas during the lockdown.
Poor individuals in the lowest expenditure quintile remain in the most severe poverty, with average expenditures during the lockdown estimated at 54 percent below the poverty line.
Under both the fast and slow post-COVID economic recovery scenarios used in the simulations, household incomes nearly return to pre-COVID levels for all household categories by the end of 2020. However, these results do not capture the potential longterm impacts of the substantial shocks of the pandemic to incomes, assets, and individual wellbeing.
These modeling results suggest that targeting should be a central component of the design and implementation of social protection programs and economic recovery policies to support a diverse set of beneficiaries. These beneficiaries include rural farming households and poor households, as well as nonagricultural household, and households in the middle expenditure quintiles.
Institutionalizing farmer field schools: Twigire Muhinzi National Extension System in Rwanda
Neza, Brian Nicholas; Higiro, Joseph; Mwangi, Lucy Wangari; Ochatum, Nathan. Rome, Italy 2021
Neza, Brian Nicholas; Higiro, Joseph; Mwangi, Lucy Wangari; Ochatum, Nathan. Rome, Italy 2021
Abstract | PDF (6.2 MB)
Investing in farmers – or agriculture human capital – is crucial to addressing challenges in our agri-food systems. A global study carried out by the FAO Investment Centre and the International Food Policy Research Institute, with support from the CGIAR Research Programme on Policies, Institutions and Markets and the FAO Research and Extension Unit, looks at agriculture human capital investments, from trends to promising initiatives. One of the nine featured case studies is the Twigire Muhinzi National Extension System in Rwanda. Twigire Muhinzi is the government’s homegrown, decentralized and farmer-oriented national system based on two complementary types of farmer-to-farmer extension approaches: farmer promoters and farmer field schools. The model showcases how an extension approach can improve farmer skills, knowledge and empowerment and thus lead to enhanced adoption of relevant technologies and practices. In Rwanda, mainstreaming the farmer field school approach into the national extension system along with financial support from public-private partnerships contributed to its scaling up. This publication is part of the Country Investment Highlights series under the FAO Investment Centre's Knowledge for Investment (K4I) programme.
Assessing market price dynamics during the COVID-19 pandemic in Rwanda
Hirvonen, Kalle; Rosenbach, Gracie; Spielman, David J.. Washington, DC 2021
Hirvonen, Kalle; Rosenbach, Gracie; Spielman, David J.. Washington, DC 2021
Abstract | PDF (598.8 KB)
The COVID-19 pandemic and the economic policy measures taken to prevent its spread led to a global recession in 2020 that was expected to cause significant increases in poverty and food insecurity in many countries. Households were expected to experience a “double whammy” of decreased incomes and rising food prices. This policy note examines whether food prices rose in Rwanda since the COVID-19 pandemic began in early 2020. The main findings from this price analysis suggest the following.
• Food prices did not significantly rise (or fall) during the COVID-19 pandemic in Rwanda.
• Prices of staple foods (cereals and other starches) declined following the pandemic’s onset in March 2020, while the prices of pulses (the second largest food consumption group in Rwanda after staple foods) experienced a seasonal spike at the end of 2021, but returned to below pre-pandemic levels throughout 2021.
• For most food groups, price trends in each province generally followed the national price trends during the pandemic, with the exception of poultry and eggs.
• Nationally, prices of poultry and eggs declined after the beginning of the pandemic, but these prices vary significantly by province, with prices in the Northern Province remaining above pre-pandemic levels and prices in all other provinces falling since the pandemic, with prices in Kigali City falling the most.
Overall, these results suggest that households in Rwanda were not hit by the “double whammy” of decreased incomes and rising food prices, since food prices remained stable Rather, they may instead have only suffered from decreased incomes. These findings suggest that continued efforts to expand Rwanda’s social protection programs are needed to boost household purchasing power and ensure that households are able to consume more – and more nutritious – foods.
• Food prices did not significantly rise (or fall) during the COVID-19 pandemic in Rwanda.
• Prices of staple foods (cereals and other starches) declined following the pandemic’s onset in March 2020, while the prices of pulses (the second largest food consumption group in Rwanda after staple foods) experienced a seasonal spike at the end of 2021, but returned to below pre-pandemic levels throughout 2021.
• For most food groups, price trends in each province generally followed the national price trends during the pandemic, with the exception of poultry and eggs.
• Nationally, prices of poultry and eggs declined after the beginning of the pandemic, but these prices vary significantly by province, with prices in the Northern Province remaining above pre-pandemic levels and prices in all other provinces falling since the pandemic, with prices in Kigali City falling the most.
Overall, these results suggest that households in Rwanda were not hit by the “double whammy” of decreased incomes and rising food prices, since food prices remained stable Rather, they may instead have only suffered from decreased incomes. These findings suggest that continued efforts to expand Rwanda’s social protection programs are needed to boost household purchasing power and ensure that households are able to consume more – and more nutritious – foods.
2018 Social Accounting Matrix for Rwanda: A Nexus Project SAM
Aragie, Emerta; Diao, Xinshen; Thurlow, James. Washington, DC 2021
Aragie, Emerta; Diao, Xinshen; Thurlow, James. Washington, DC 2021
Abstract | PDF
The 2018 Rwanda Social Accounting Matrix (SAM) follows IFPRI's Standard Nexus SAM approach, by focusing on consistency, comparability, and transparency of data. The Nexus SAMs available on IFPRI's website separates domestic production into 42 activities. Factors are disaggregated into labor, agricultural land, and capital, with labor further disaggregated across three education-based categories. The household account is divided into 10 representative household groups: Rural and urban households across per capita consumption quintiles. Nexus SAMs support the improvement of model-based research and policy analysis in developing countries and allow for more robust cross-country comparisons of national economic structures, especially agriculture-food systems.
Study on HarvestPlus' contribution to the development of national biofortification breeding programs
Douthwaite, Boru. Washington, DC 2021
Douthwaite, Boru. Washington, DC 2021
Abstract | PDF (1.4 MB)
This evaluative review is one of a series of end-of-program studies being carried out by the CGIAR Research Program (CRP) on Agriculture for Nutrition and Health (A4NH) to document lessons from its achievements to inform future research and development (R&D) efforts. This study looks at lessons learned from HarvestPlus’ work with National Agricultural Research and Extension Systems (NARES) to develop and implement sustainable biofortification breeding programs. HarvestPlus is part of A4NH.
Review of the micronutrient situation in Rwanda
Arsenault, Joanne E.; Olney, Deanna K.. 2021
Arsenault, Joanne E.; Olney, Deanna K.. 2021
Stories of change in nutrition from Africa and Asia: An introduction to a special series in food security
Gillespie, Stuart; Harris, Jody; Nisbett, Nicholas; van den Bold, Mara. 2021
Gillespie, Stuart; Harris, Jody; Nisbett, Nicholas; van den Bold, Mara. 2021
Abstract | View
Malnutrition in all its forms continues to be a massive global challenge, and the past decade has seen a growing political attention to addressing malnutrition in different contexts. What has been largely missing so far, and is in growing demand from countries, is tangible, practical and rigorous insights and lessons (from other countries or contexts) on how to translate this burgeoning political momentum into effective policies and programme implementation strategies – and ultimately impact on the ground. This new climate of learning from experience and evidence led to the launch in 2015 of the Stories of Change initiative. This series presents a second wave of studies from six countries (Tanzania, Rwanda, Vietnam, Ghana, Burkina Faso, Nigeria,) and three Indian states (Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu). These provide clear evidence combined with compelling narratives on what drives success in addressing all forms of malnutrition – evidence that is necessary for turning global momentum into actual results on the ground. This introductory Opinion is published with the first set of papers. It will be followed by a thorough synthesis of papers as a conclusion of the Series. We hope that the lessons embedded in these Stories of Change will inform and inspire the deliberations and outcomes of the UN Food Systems Summit and the second Nutrition for Growth Summit to be held this year, and the actions of those in the global food and nutrition system working for positive change.
Assessment of factors affecting the decision of smallholder farmers to use alternative maize storage technologies in Gatsibo District-Rwanda
Benimana, Gilberthe Uwera; Ritho, Cecilia; Irungu, Patrick. 2021
Benimana, Gilberthe Uwera; Ritho, Cecilia; Irungu, Patrick. 2021
Abstract | View
Storage is an important aspect of food security in developing countries. Therefore, it is crucial for farmers to have access to sustainable storage technologies to cope with storage losses. Maize is an important staple and commercial food in Rwanda, but maize farmers are still being challenged by storage losses because of the lack of proper storage facilities. It is in that regard that advanced maize storage technology, notably hermetic maize storage technology, has been introduced in Rwanda in 2012. However, since its introduction, the adoption rate is low among smallholder maize farmers. Understanding the factors influencing farmers’ choice of alternative maize storage technology could provide Rwandan policymakers with important information for designing policies and programs aimed at reducing maize post-harvest losses to enhance household food security. This study used a multivariate probit model on a randomly selected cross-sectional sample of 301 smallholder maize farmers from the Gatsibo District of Rwanda to take part. The results revealed that the common maize storage technologies used among smallholder farmers were polypropylene sacks with and without chemicals, hermetic bags, and silos. Only 41% of respondents used hermetic maize storage technology. The model results showed that membership in a farmer group, access to credit, the quantity of maize produced, access to training, and selling maize soon after it dries, were the major factors influencing the decision of smallholder farmers to use alternative maize storage technologies. The study recommends that the policymakers and other stakeholders in post-harvest loss reduction should support the dissemination of advanced storage technologies to facilitate access. The government should support farmer acquisition of post-harvest maize loss reduction technologies either through subsidization of hermetic bags or provision of cheap credit.
Engaging youth in agribusiness through private sector extension and advisory services: Lessons from Rwanda and Uganda
Franzel, Steven; Miiro, Richard; Uwitonze, Nicolas; Davis, Kristin; Luzobe, Beatrice; Rurangwa, Raphael. 2021
Franzel, Steven; Miiro, Richard; Uwitonze, Nicolas; Davis, Kristin; Luzobe, Beatrice; Rurangwa, Raphael. 2021
Abstract | View
Engaging youth in agribusiness is critical for livelihoods in Africa’s rural areas where millions of youth are unemployed and face many barriers to entry into agribusiness, such as limited education and lack of land (IFAD, 2019). There are initiatives where youth are engaging in private, demand-driven extension and advisory services (EAS), overcoming these constraints (Yami et al., 2019). These initiatives involve youth as either private, for-profit EAS providers (such as when private companies hire young extension agents) or as recipients of private or public sector EAS that guide youth toward self-employment (such as when EAS providers train youth in entrepreneurship).
For-profit, private EAS is emphasized in this study because of the rapid growth of commercial agriculture, greater public policy emphasis on private market mechanisms and the sector’s potential for providing EAS on a sustainable basis (AUC, 2015; DLEC, 2019). While not a substitute for public EAS, private EAS often complement them effectively (Zhou and Babu, 2015, DLEC, 2019).
For-profit, private EAS is emphasized in this study because of the rapid growth of commercial agriculture, greater public policy emphasis on private market mechanisms and the sector’s potential for providing EAS on a sustainable basis (AUC, 2015; DLEC, 2019). While not a substitute for public EAS, private EAS often complement them effectively (Zhou and Babu, 2015, DLEC, 2019).
Farmers’ demand for quality and nutritionally enhanced sweetpotato planting material: Evidence from experimental auctions in Rwanda
Okumu, Boscow Odhiambo; Rajendran, Srinivasulu; Okello, Julius; Ward, Patrick; Gatto, Marcel; Kilwinger, Fleur; Maredia, Mywish; Kirimi, Sindi; Nshimiyimana, Jean Claude; Spielman, David J.. Lima, Peru 2021
Okumu, Boscow Odhiambo; Rajendran, Srinivasulu; Okello, Julius; Ward, Patrick; Gatto, Marcel; Kilwinger, Fleur; Maredia, Mywish; Kirimi, Sindi; Nshimiyimana, Jean Claude; Spielman, David J.. Lima, Peru 2021
Abstract | View
Most farmers source sweetpotato vines from neighboring farmers or from cuttings taken from their own plots during the previous season. In the absence of “clean” vines prepared with more attentive production practices, farmer-to-farmer vine exchanges and own-saved vines tends to encourage the accumulation of pests and diseases that ultimately affect yields. In addition, the perishability and bulkiness of its primary propagation material – vines – there is relatively little articulated demand for vines through either market or non-market exchanges. In addition, demand for nutritionally rich variety and biofortified crop orange-fleshed sweetpotato (OFSP) is limited because of multiple factors including farmers’ unfamiliarity with the product and its novel attributes such as its high beta carotene content, the search costs incurred in locating the product, and information asymmetries between buyer and seller about the quality and performance of the product. We investigate demand for quality vine and nutritional attribute of the crop using a second price experimental auction approach by determine the premium price farmers are willing to pay for these attributes and investigate drivers of demand. In the absence of information on the source of vines, maturity and resistance to diseases, farmers are willing to pay a premium of about 35 Rwandan Francs for high quality vines sourced from decentralized vine multipliers. However, on provision of information on the source of vines, maturity and resistance to diseases of the vines, the premium price increases significantly to 133.71 Rwandan francs and to 107.22 Rwandan Francs after provision of visual information depicting the performance of the vines in demonstration plots. The premium price also increases significantly for vines sourced from neighbors to about 74.35 Rwandan francs, which further increases to 151.53 Rwandan francs when nutrition information is provided to the farmers. The study also revealed that demand for high quality vines is correlated with sex of household head, sex of the respondent, age of the respondent in years, household size, membership in a farmer organization, information from neighbors/other farmers, access to marshland, females make agriculture decisions in the household among other factors. In terms of policy, there is need to promote importance of quality vine and nutritional value of OFSP through sensitization on the field demonstration and nutritional values.
Designing new tools for evaluating gender impacts for climate services in agriculture: Introduction to a series of field experiments in Rwanda
Kramer, Berber; Rose, Alison; Dejene, Samson; Mukangabo, Emerence; Mollerstrom, Johanna; Seymour, Greg; Kagabo, Desire. Wageningen, The Netherlands 2021
Kramer, Berber; Rose, Alison; Dejene, Samson; Mukangabo, Emerence; Mollerstrom, Johanna; Seymour, Greg; Kagabo, Desire. Wageningen, The Netherlands 2021
Abstract | View
Impact evaluations and cost-benefit analyses often guide investments in agricultural development but determining whether an investment is cost effective in empowering women is a major challenge. The multidimensional, dynamic nature of women’s empowerment does not lend itself easily to quantitative measurement and poses challenges for aggregation across different dimensions, and for analyzing trade-offs in development.
African commitments for agricultural development goals and milestones for Rwanda
Mitik, Lulit; Fofana, Ismaël; Diallo, Mariam Amadou. Washington, DC 2020
Mitik, Lulit; Fofana, Ismaël; Diallo, Mariam Amadou. Washington, DC 2020
Abstract | PDF (341.7 KB)
The study developed a results framework to analyze Rwanda’s progress towards selected CAADP/Malabo, SDGs and Agenda 2063 goals. A Computable General Equilibrium model linked to an income distribution Micro-Simulation model were used to identify priority investment areas for accelerated agricultural growth, poverty and inequality reduction. The current investment trend simulated in the baseline scenario would leave Rwanda off-track to meet these objectives. The analysis of alternative agricultural investment scenarios shows that enhancing the role of the private sector in agriculture will be critical in curbing supply side constraints. The government plays a central role by creating an environment and making the sector more attractive to private investors. Developments outside of the agricultural sector and social protection will be critical to further reduce poverty. Productivity remains one of the major challenges but also one of the most effective solutions for accelerated agricultural growth in Rwanda. Agricultural investments should be designed considering the agricultural value-chain.
Policy atlas on food and nutrition security: Rwanda
Marivoet, Wim; Ulimwengu, John M.; Sall, Leysa Maty. Washington, DC 2020
Marivoet, Wim; Ulimwengu, John M.; Sall, Leysa Maty. Washington, DC 2020
Abstract | PDF (9.1 MB)
This report is the final outcome of various knowledge products and training material, usually labelled as “printed eAtlas”, which have been developed and shared with Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) under the Voice for Change Partnership (V4CP) programme.
Increased iron status during a feeding trial of iron-biofortified beans increases physical work efficiency in Rwandan women
Luna, Sarah V.; Pompano, Laura M.; Lung'aho, Mercy; Gahutu, Jean Bosco; Haas, Jere D.. 2020
Luna, Sarah V.; Pompano, Laura M.; Lung'aho, Mercy; Gahutu, Jean Bosco; Haas, Jere D.. 2020
Abstract | View
Background
Iron-biofortified staple foods can improve iron status and resolve iron deficiency. However, whether improved iron status from iron biofortification can improve physical performance remains unclear.
Objective
This study aimed to examine whether changes in iron status from an iron-biofortified bean intervention affect work efficiency.
Methods
A total of 125 iron-depleted (ferritin <20 μg/L) female Rwandan university students (18–26 y) were selected from a larger sample randomly assigned to consume iron-biofortified beans (Fe-Bean; 86.1 mg Fe/kg) or conventional beans (control: 50.6 mg Fe/kg) twice daily for 18 wk (average of 314 g beans consumed/d). Blood biomarkers of iron status (primary outcome) and physical work efficiency (secondary outcome) were measured before and after the intervention. Work performed was assessed during 5-min steady-state periods at 0-, 25-, and 40-W workloads using a mechanically braked cycle ergometer. Work efficiency was calculated at 25 W and 40 W as the work accomplished divided by the energy expended at that workload above that expended at 0 W. General linear models were used to evaluate the relation between changes in iron status biomarkers and work efficiency. Results The Fe-Bean intervention had significant positive effects on hemoglobin, serum ferritin, and body iron stores but did not affect work efficiency. However, 18-wk change in hemoglobin was positively related to work efficiency at 40 W in the full sample (n = 119; estimate: 0.24 g/L; 95% CI: 0.01, 0.48 g/L; P = 0.044) and among women who were anemic (hemoglobin <120 g/L) at baseline (n = 43; estimate: 0.64 g/L; 95% CI: 0.05, 1.23 g/L; P = 0.036). Among women who were nonanemic at baseline, change in serum ferritin was positively related to change in work efficiency at 40 W (n = 60; estimate: 0.50 μg/L; 95% CI: 0.06, 0.95 μg/L; P = 0.027). Conclusions Increasing iron status during an iron-biofortified bean feeding trial improves work efficiency in iron-depleted, sedentary women. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT01594359.
Iron-biofortified staple foods can improve iron status and resolve iron deficiency. However, whether improved iron status from iron biofortification can improve physical performance remains unclear.
Objective
This study aimed to examine whether changes in iron status from an iron-biofortified bean intervention affect work efficiency.
Methods
A total of 125 iron-depleted (ferritin <20 μg/L) female Rwandan university students (18–26 y) were selected from a larger sample randomly assigned to consume iron-biofortified beans (Fe-Bean; 86.1 mg Fe/kg) or conventional beans (control: 50.6 mg Fe/kg) twice daily for 18 wk (average of 314 g beans consumed/d). Blood biomarkers of iron status (primary outcome) and physical work efficiency (secondary outcome) were measured before and after the intervention. Work performed was assessed during 5-min steady-state periods at 0-, 25-, and 40-W workloads using a mechanically braked cycle ergometer. Work efficiency was calculated at 25 W and 40 W as the work accomplished divided by the energy expended at that workload above that expended at 0 W. General linear models were used to evaluate the relation between changes in iron status biomarkers and work efficiency. Results The Fe-Bean intervention had significant positive effects on hemoglobin, serum ferritin, and body iron stores but did not affect work efficiency. However, 18-wk change in hemoglobin was positively related to work efficiency at 40 W in the full sample (n = 119; estimate: 0.24 g/L; 95% CI: 0.01, 0.48 g/L; P = 0.044) and among women who were anemic (hemoglobin <120 g/L) at baseline (n = 43; estimate: 0.64 g/L; 95% CI: 0.05, 1.23 g/L; P = 0.036). Among women who were nonanemic at baseline, change in serum ferritin was positively related to change in work efficiency at 40 W (n = 60; estimate: 0.50 μg/L; 95% CI: 0.06, 0.95 μg/L; P = 0.027). Conclusions Increasing iron status during an iron-biofortified bean feeding trial improves work efficiency in iron-depleted, sedentary women. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT01594359.
Coronavirus: Lockdowns across Africa creating major economic loss
Thurlow, James. 2020
Thurlow, James. 2020
Assessing the coverage of biofortified foods: Development and testing of methods and indicators in Musanze, Rwanda
Petry, Nicolai; Wirth, James; Friesen, Valerie; Rohner, Fabian; Nkundineza, Arcade; Boy, Erick; Birol, Ekin; Mudyahoto, Bho. 2020
Petry, Nicolai; Wirth, James; Friesen, Valerie; Rohner, Fabian; Nkundineza, Arcade; Boy, Erick; Birol, Ekin; Mudyahoto, Bho. 2020
Abstract | View
Biofortification is a promising approach to increase micronutrient intakes, especially among populations that are hard to reach with other interventions. Information on the coverage of biofortified foods is needed to ascertain potential for impact, understand program performance, and identify bottlenecks. In this study, we aimed to develop and test methods and indicators for assessing household coverage of biofortified foods.
Including youth in agriculture through extension and advisory services
Davis, Kristin E.; Franzel, Steven; Luzobe, Beatrice; Miiro, Richard; Rurangwa, Raphael; Uwitonze, Nicholas. 2020
Davis, Kristin E.; Franzel, Steven; Luzobe, Beatrice; Miiro, Richard; Rurangwa, Raphael; Uwitonze, Nicholas. 2020
Abstract | View
In Africa south of the Sahara, more than 12 million new jobs a year are needed in rural areas to absorb young entrants. Agriculture provides scalable economic opportunities that can also reduce poverty. Engaging youth in extension and advisory services (EAS) can help address the employment challenge and contribute to economic development — by recruiting young people as providers and/or helping larger numbers of youth access services needed for them to engage in successful agricultural livelihoods. But little is known about how to engage youth in EAS, especially in the private sector.
Demand-driven extension and advisory services: Catalysing opportunities for youth in agriculture
Franzel, Steven; Lowicki-Zucca, Jane; Miiro, Richard; Uwitonze, Nicolas. 2020
Franzel, Steven; Lowicki-Zucca, Jane; Miiro, Richard; Uwitonze, Nicolas. 2020
Abstract | View
While education access has improved globally, gains are uneven, and development impacts driven by increases in education continue to be left on the table, especially in rural areas. Demand-driven extension and advisory services (EAS) – as a key institution educating rural people while providing agricultural advice and supplying inputs – have a critical role to play in bridging the education gap. This can help ensure that millions of young people successfully capitalise on opportunities in agriculture markets, as surveys in Rwanda and Uganda demonstrate.
Engaging young agripreneurs: Options to include youth in private sector extension and advisory services in Rwanda and Uganda
Franzel, S.; Miiro, R.; Uwitonze, N.; Davis, Kristin E.; Luzobe, B.; Rurangwa, R.. Washington, DC 2020
Franzel, S.; Miiro, R.; Uwitonze, N.; Davis, Kristin E.; Luzobe, B.; Rurangwa, R.. Washington, DC 2020
Abstract | View
Engaging young agripreneurs in private sector extension and advisory services (EAS) is critical for livelihoods in rural areas where millions of youth are unemployed and face many barriers to entry into agriculture. A study in Rwanda and Uganda examined this and found seven models to engage youth in EAS as providers or recipients of the services: (1) training youth to become agripreneurs; (2) village agents; (3) youth-led and other fee-based EAS providers; (4) paraprofessional EAS workers; (5) EAS internships; (6) credit and financial services; and (7) youth agripreneurship awards (Table 1). The models served different purposes, and all seven provided important benefits to youth. Achieving sustainability and scale were key measures of success that fee-based EAS and village agents models achieved while having high benefits to youth through earnings. Internships had high participation rates for women, although the potential for scaling may be limited. Training youth to become agripreneurs, though potentially of high value to many poor youth, relied on government and donor assistance. Paraprofessional EAS workers had modest benefits in terms of earnings and some potential for being sustainable and scalable. Credit also had high potential but appeared to be difficult to make sustainable and scalable. Youth agripreneurship awards were important and low-cost but relied on the generosity of donors.
Engaging young agripreneurs: Options to include youth in private sector extension and advisory services in Rwanda and Uganda: Executive summary
Franzel, S.; Miiro, R.; Uwitonze, N.; Davis, Kristin E.; Luzobe, B.; Rurangwa, R.. Washington, DC 2020
Franzel, S.; Miiro, R.; Uwitonze, N.; Davis, Kristin E.; Luzobe, B.; Rurangwa, R.. Washington, DC 2020
Abstract | View
Engaging young agripreneurs in private sector extension and advisory services (EAS) is critical for livelihoods in rural areas where millions of youth are unemployed and face many barriers to entry into agriculture. A study in Rwanda and Uganda examined this and found seven models to engage youth in EAS as providers or recipients of the services: (1) training youth to become agripreneurs; (2) village agents; (3) youth-led and other fee-based EAS providers; (4) paraprofessional EAS workers; (5) EAS internships; (6) credit and financial services; and (7) youth agripreneurship awards (Table 1). The models served different purposes, and all seven provided important benefits to youth. Achieving sustainability and scale were key measures of success that fee-based EAS and village agents models achieved while having high benefits to youth through earnings. Internships had high participation rates for women, although the potential for scaling may be limited. Training youth to become agripreneurs, though potentially of high value to many poor youth, relied on government and donor assistance. Paraprofessional EAS workers had modest benefits in terms of earnings and some potential for being sustainable and scalable. Credit also had high potential but appeared to be difficult to make sustainable and scalable. Youth agripreneurship awards were important and low-cost but relied on the generosity of donors.
Advancing research, policy, and capacity for food system transformation synthesis of achievements from the Feed the Future Innovation Lab for Food Security Policy
Resnick, Danielle; Haggblade, Steven; Benson, Todd; Crawford, Eric. East Lansing, MI 2019
Resnick, Danielle; Haggblade, Steven; Benson, Todd; Crawford, Eric. East Lansing, MI 2019
Abstract | PDF (971.7 KB)
This paper reviews FSP’s achievements from 2013 to 2018 and discusses some of the key lessons learned while also documenting the project’s vast range of publications, presentations, policy briefs, and other outputs. FSP aimed to strengthen food security policy through three mutually reinforcing mechanisms. First, research drawing on survey data and primary fieldwork in diverse locations has contributed empirical content on frontier issues related to agri-food system and nutrition transformation, especially in an era of rapid urbanization, climatic shocks, and technological innovations. Novel findings emerged in areas such as diet change, post-farm processing and distribution, and land and labor markets. Second, by developing a strong conceptual understanding of the drivers of policy change in local policy processes, FSP pursued diverse forms of engagement with policymakers to influence outcomes ranging from rice policy in Myanmar to coffee prices in Rwanda to produce cess rates in Tanzania. Third, FSP provided a natural lab for experiments in building capacity for policy research, with a variety of approaches pursued in different country settings and targeting different audiences. These approaches included strengthening university networks for policy research and dialogue, partnering with independent or quasi-independent policy analysis institutes and think tanks, and implementing various forms of training for a broad range of stakeholders to strengthen capacity for policy research and dialogue.
Stories of Change: Rwanda: Understanding the drivers of stunting reduction among Rwandan children from 2005 to 2015
Ramani, Gayathri V.; Heckert, Jessica; Go, Ara; Iruhiriye, Elyse; Niyongira, Emmanuel; Olney, Deanna K.. Washington, DC 2019
Ramani, Gayathri V.; Heckert, Jessica; Go, Ara; Iruhiriye, Elyse; Niyongira, Emmanuel; Olney, Deanna K.. Washington, DC 2019
Abstract | PDF (379.3 KB)
Despite significant progress, childhood stunting is still a serious public health concern in Rwanda. To make further progress in reduc-ing child stunting it is essential to understand the context-specific drivers of stunting to devise strategies to address these causes. The primary objective of this study was to assess the drivers of change in stunting reduction among children 0-59 months of age between 2005 and 2015 in Rwanda.
Stories of Change - Rwanda, Final Report
Iruhiriye, Elyse; Olney, Deanna K.; Ramani, Gayathri V.; Heckert, Jessica; Niyongira, Emmanuel; Frongillo, Edward A.. Washington, DC 2019
Iruhiriye, Elyse; Olney, Deanna K.; Ramani, Gayathri V.; Heckert, Jessica; Niyongira, Emmanuel; Frongillo, Edward A.. Washington, DC 2019
Abstract | PDF (3.8 MB)
Globally, undernutrition is related to almost half of the deaths in children younger than five years of age. It leads to large human and economic costs to countries through increased morbidity and mortality in childhood, poor child growth and development, and hinders adult work capacity and productivity. These consequences, in turn, have serious implications for national development. Eliminating malnutrition has, therefore, been on the forefront of the political agenda of many countries worldwide and for global movements such as Scaling Up Nutrition (SUN). Extensive evidence on what nutrition-specific interventions work to reduce malnutrition exists. Less is known, however, about how to effectively implement these interventions at scale, and what mix of interventions is needed to effectively address the multiple co-existing nutrition problems in different contexts (including nutrition-sensitive programs). Additionally, greater clarity is needed on the role that commitment, program and policy coherence, and context-specific factors, play in creating enabling environments to reduce malnutrition. The Stories of Change (SoC) case studies, originally conducted in Bangladesh, Ethiopia, India (Odisha state), Nepal, Senegal, and Zambia, and now in Rwanda, aim to fill some of these knowledge gaps by examining the “drivers of change” in reducing malnutrition across different contexts.
Stories of Change: Rwanda: Understanding how Rwanda created an enabling environment for improvements in nutrition and the challenges that remain
Iruhiriye, Elyse; Olney, Deanna K.; Ramani, Gayathri V.; Heckert, Jessica; Niyongira, Emmanuel; Frongillo, Edward A.. Washington, DC 2019
Iruhiriye, Elyse; Olney, Deanna K.; Ramani, Gayathri V.; Heckert, Jessica; Niyongira, Emmanuel; Frongillo, Edward A.. Washington, DC 2019
Abstract | PDF (420.4 KB)
Understanding the context-specific causes of child malnutrition, including those related to political commitment and program and policy coherence, is essential for effectively reducing the prevalence of nutrition-related problems such as stunting and anemia and their subsequent negative impacts on human and national development. Between 2005 and 2015 Rwanda made substantial progress in reducing malnutrition, reducing stunting and anemia among children < 5 years of age by 14 and 15 percentage points, respectively. Despite these improvements, stunting and anemia remain important nutrition issues for young children in Rwanda with the prevalence of stunting (38%) among the highest in the world [8]. Furthermore, stunting reduction has varied across the country with some districts experiencing declines in stunting (“reduced stunting districts”), while in others stunting has either increased or stayed the same (“non-reduced stunting districts”). To facilitate greater progress in reducing child malnutrition in Rwanda, we conducted a Stories of Change Study which aimed to document the drivers of stunting and anemia reduction in Rwanda, understand what may have contributed to the variation in stunting reduction across districts, and to understand the remaining nutrition problems and the potential barriers and facilitators to future progress. The overall goal is for these results to be used by program implementers and policymakers to refine programs and policies to further reduce child malnutrition in Rwanda. This study was modeled after similar studies conducted in Bangladesh, Ethiopia, Odisha (India), Nepal, Senegal, and Zambia under the Stories of Change in Nutrition project.
Advancing research, policy, and capacity for food system transformation: Synthesis of achievements from the feed the future innovation lab for food security policy
Resnick, Danielle; Haggblade, Steven; Benson, Todd; Crawford, Eric. East Lansing, MI 2019
Resnick, Danielle; Haggblade, Steven; Benson, Todd; Crawford, Eric. East Lansing, MI 2019
Abstract | PDF (247.8 KB)
Since 2013, the Feed the Future Innovation Lab for Food Security Policy (FSP) has combined multidisciplinary research on emergent issues facing food systems with policy analysis to provide an enabling environment for improved food security. Supported by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), FSP is implemented through a consortium of three research institutions: Michigan State University (MSU), the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), and the University of Pretoria. These policy research institutions, together with local institutions, have provided data and analysis that national and subnational governments and regional bodies can use to generate informed policies around food and food security. This engagement has involved supporting national governments’ and regional organizations’ agri-food system–related policy processes with evidence generated through applied research on food systems. This evidence enabled participants in those processes to consider the merits of various policy options with a stronger conceptual and applied understanding of the issues at stake. As outlined in Box 1, FSP efforts targeted five main activity areas, with a regional emphasis on Africa and Asia.
COVID-19 food price monitor
International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI). Washington, DC 2019
International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI). Washington, DC 2019
Abstract | Link
The Food Security Portal's COVID-19 Food Price Monitor serves as a temperature check of market conditions for staple and non-staple foods at the local level. Food prices strongly influence livelihoods and dietary choices made by farmers, traders, processors, and consumers. When markets are tight, prices are sensitive to shocks such as a bad harvest or, in today’s context, supply disruptions caused by COVID-19. For the poor who spend most of their income on food, any food price increase may put their food security at risk. Price spikes could point at supply disruptions and, this way, the Monitor helps identify hotspots in food chains. The Food Price Monitor provides daily updates of prices in wholesale and retail markets for a wide range of food products. Alerts refer to price changes from the start of social distancing measures taken because of COVID-19.
Promoting rapid and sustained adoption of biofortified crops: What we learned from iron-biofortified bean delivery approaches in Rwanda
Vaiknoras, Kate; Larochelle, Catherine; Birol, Ekin; Asare-Marfo, Dorene; Herrington, Caitlin. 2019
Vaiknoras, Kate; Larochelle, Catherine; Birol, Ekin; Asare-Marfo, Dorene; Herrington, Caitlin. 2019
Abstract | View
Micronutrient deficiencies, also known as hidden hunger, affect two billion people worldwide, curtailing their ability to lead healthy, productive lives. Biofortified staple crops, bred to be rich in micronutrient content, are a cost-effective and scalable solution to alleviating micronutrient deficiency, particularly among rural households who consume what they produce. Delivery of biofortified planting material in Rwanda began in 2012, and it is important to learn from the efforts undertaken to date to inform the design of higher impact – lower cost delivery strategies for scaling up these crops. In this paper, we use a nationally representative household survey of bean producers and delivery data from seven consecutive seasons and apply duration analysis to estimate the impact of different delivery approaches on household time to adoption, disadoption and readoption of iron-biofortified beans in Rwanda. Proximity to formal delivery via sales of small packets of planting material quickens adoption and readoption, while delivery of larger quantities of planting material to small-scale producers within a village slows disadoption of iron-biofortified beans. Informal dissemination within social networks and access to extension are also major drivers of rapid adoption. In addition, households whose main decision maker for bean production is a woman, has some formal education, and more years of experience growing beans disadopt iron-biofortified beans more slowly than other households. These findings provide evidence that current efforts to promote iron-biofortified crops have been successful and are expected to inform future development of sustainable and cost-effective delivery models for biofortified crops in Rwanda and elsewhere.
Land consolidation, specialization and household diets: Evidence from Rwanda
Del Prete, Davide; Ghins, Léopold; Magrini, Emiliano; Pauw, Karl. 2019
Del Prete, Davide; Ghins, Léopold; Magrini, Emiliano; Pauw, Karl. 2019
Stories of change: How Rwanda created an enabling environment for reducing malnutrition (P22-011-19)
Iruhiriye, Elyse; Olney, Deanna K.; Heckert, Jessica; Ramani, Gayathri; Frongillo, Edward A.; Niyongira, Emmanuel. 2019
Iruhiriye, Elyse; Olney, Deanna K.; Heckert, Jessica; Ramani, Gayathri; Frongillo, Edward A.; Niyongira, Emmanuel. 2019
Abstract | View
Eliminating malnutrition is on many countries’ political agendas but knowledge of how enabling environments are created and used is needed. We assessed the drivers of change in stunting reduction among children <5 y of age in Rwanda and contributors to differential reduction over 10–25 y.
Impact of iron biofortified beans on yields and farmers' incomes: The case of Rwanda
Funes, José; Sun, Laixiang; Benson, Todd; Sedano, Fernando; Baiocchi, Giovanni; Birol, Ekin. 2019
Funes, José; Sun, Laixiang; Benson, Todd; Sedano, Fernando; Baiocchi, Giovanni; Birol, Ekin. 2019
Abstract | View
This paper investigates the economic impact of the adoption of conventionally-bred improved iron biofortified beans (IBB) by smallholder farmers in Rwanda. Created through conventional breeding, these beans contain higher levels of dietary iron as compared to beans more commonly used by smallholder farmers in Rwanda. Using observational studies and spatial econometrics methods, we estimated the treatment effect and heterogeneous impact of IBB production on farmers’ yields and potential incomes. We also used a national representative cross-sectional bean farmer survey collected in season B of 2015. Our results indicate that adoption of IBB has contributed to yield and income gains. IBB bush growers, on average, increased their yields by 23% per hectare equivalent to 152 kg (P < 0.05) due to their adoption of IBB, and their potential income by 24% per hectare, that is about $75 (P < 0.04). Farmers that grew IBB climbing varieties, on average, increased their yields by 22% per hectare equivalent to 194 kg (P < 0.04), and their potential agricultural income by 25% per hectare, equal to $116 (P < 0.04). Nationwide, this represents an additional total production value of $2.5 million for all IBB production in season B 2015. Additionally, we found evidence of negative selection by assessing the impact of IBB adoption on those smallholder farmers who are less likely to adopt—for instance, because of access to resources. Evidence suggests this is typically found among farmers that have small land-labor ratios and are closer to markets. Indeed, our findings suggest substantial gains in yields and incomes resulting from this group of farmers adopting iron biofortified seeds. Therefore, based on these results, policies that support greater access to improved iron biofortified bean seeds should be prioritized in Rwanda, and elsewhere in Africa We expect the adoption of IBB to not only improve yields and incomes, but also the dietary iron intake of household members. This would help to reduce the consequences of iron deficiencies—though these effects are measured elsewhere.
A case for space: The efficiency spillover effect of iron biofortified beans in Rwanda
Funes, José; Sun, Laixiang; Benson, Todd; Sedano, Fernando; Baiocchi, Giovanni. 2019
Funes, José; Sun, Laixiang; Benson, Todd; Sedano, Fernando; Baiocchi, Giovanni. 2019
Abstract | View
This paper provides an analysis on the technical efficiency of iron biofortified bean production in Rwanda, as well as recommendations for implementation of targeted biofortification programs. We employ a three-pronged approach to examine efficiency across matched pairs of treated (i.e., grew iron biofortified beans) and control (i.e., grew other improved or traditional beans) bean growing households. First, bean growing households (treatment and control) were matched by using the spatial propensity score matching (PSM) approach. Second, efficiency was estimated using spatial autoregressive models and non-spatial stochastic frontier models on the three data groups: treatment, control, and pool. Third, an econometric analysis was conducted to explore factors affecting farmers’ efficiencies. All these steps were implemented separately for farmers who grew bush beans and for those who grew climbing beans. Results showed that for both types of bean growers, farmers who grew iron biofortified varieties were relatively more efficient and obtained greater bean production (by 3 percent for bush and 13 percent for climbing) than the control group. A spatial univariate clustering spatial analysis on farmers efficiency helped identify geographic areas in which farmers with high technical efficiency (i.e., hotspots) and low technical efficiency (i.e., cold spots) were located, and can be reached through targeted, tailor-made interventions.
Changes in iron status are related to changes in brain activity and behavior in Rwandan female university students: Results from a randomized controlled efficacy trial involving iron-biofortified beans
Wenger, Michael J.; Rhoten, Stephanie E.; Murray-Kolb, Laura E.; Scott, Samuel P.; Boy, Erick; Gahutu, Jean-Bosco; Haas, Jere D.. 2019
Wenger, Michael J.; Rhoten, Stephanie E.; Murray-Kolb, Laura E.; Scott, Samuel P.; Boy, Erick; Gahutu, Jean-Bosco; Haas, Jere D.. 2019
Abstract | View
Background: Evidence suggests that iron deficiency (ID) affects cognitive performance, as measured in behavior. Although such effects must be mediated by changes in the brain, very few studies have included measures of brain activity to assess this relation. Objective: We tested the hypothesis that provision of iron-biofortified beans would result in improvements in measures of iron status, brain dynamics, and behavior.
Youth in extension and advisory services: Rwanda
Franzel, S.; Kinyua, H.; Rucibigango, M.; Davis, Kristin E.; Makh, S.. Washington, DC 2019
Franzel, S.; Kinyua, H.; Rucibigango, M.; Davis, Kristin E.; Makh, S.. Washington, DC 2019
Abstract | View
Approximately 88 percent of the world’s 1.2 billion youth (ages 15-24 as defined by the UN) live in developing countries. By 2050, the global population of youth is projected to rise to 1.8 billion, with 35 percent of that estimated to live on the African continent. This presents a challenge to many developing countries given the need to create economic opportunities for this growing segment of the population. According to the World Bank, even if countries had suitable conditions for growth and economic transformation, the job market in developing countries could not absorb the growing number of young people projected to become eligible for jobs. In addition to the youth bulge, meeting the growing global demand for food and nutrition also presents a challenge, with some estimates citing a need to increase food availability by 70-100 percent. At the same time, factors such as an increasingly globalized and connected world, higher global incomes, urbanization and widespread access to digital tools are creating new opportunities in agri-food systems for youth and other rural actors. Tapping into the potential of youth and creating opportunities for them in agriculture, including in extension and advisory services (EAS), will be key to meeting global food and nutrition needs as well as achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Feed the Future’s Food Secure 2030 vision. Rural extension and advisory services are defined as all the different activities that provide the information and services needed by farmers and other players in the agri-food system and rural development to develop and build their technical, organizational and management capacities, so they can improve their quality of life and well-being (Christoplos, 2010).
Land consolidation, specialization, and household diets: Evidence from Rwanda
del Prete, Davide; Ghins, Leopold; Magrini, Emiliano; Pauw, Karl. Washington, DC 2018
del Prete, Davide; Ghins, Leopold; Magrini, Emiliano; Pauw, Karl. Washington, DC 2018
Abstract | PDF (1.4 MB)
Despite rapid population growth, increasing land pressure and urbanization, farmers in Sub-Saharan Africa have not intensified their production in a sustainable manner and farming systems remain predominantly subsistence-oriented. Unsurprisingly, developing countries are directing large shares of their agricultural budgets to programs that actively promote crop intensification and the development of more commercially-oriented agricultural systems. Rwanda’s Crop Intensification Program (CIP), launched in 2007, is one such example. However, despite its apparent success in raising production of several priority crops, there are legitimate concerns about the food and nutrition security implications for households that are encouraged to consolidate their land, specialize in their production, and increasingly rely on markets for their food needs. Using recent household survey data and a propensity score matching difference-in-differences method, we find that participation in land consolidation activities had ambiguous consumption effects: it positively impacted on consumption of roots and tubers, but had a negative effect on meat, fish and fruits consumption and the potential availability of vitamin B12 in participants’ diets. This calls for a review of CIP implementation practices to enhance the program’s food and nutrition security outcomes, with improvements in market functioning and market access being potential starting points.
Accelerating progress to end hunger and undernutrition in Bangladesh, Ethiopia, Malawi, and Rwanda
Compact2025. Washington, D.C. 2018
Compact2025. Washington, D.C. 2018
Abstract | PDF (331.9 KB)
Compact2025 is a bold new initiative for ending hunger and undernutrition by 2025. It brings stakeholders together to set priorities, innovate and learn, fine-tune actions, build on successes, and synthesize sharable lessons in order to accelerate progress. Compact2025 and partners organized one-day roundtable discussions in Bangladesh (May 5, 2016), Ethiopia (March 28, 2016), Malawi (May 26, 2016), and Rwanda (March 24, 2016) to set the critical groundwork for assessing how to accelerate progress to end hunger and undernutrition in each country by 2025. The roundtables identified key knowledge, policy, and implementation gaps as well as opportunities, synergies, and priority areas for action. In all countries, there was a high degree of commitment, strong interest to work together across sectors, and out-of-the-box thinking for solutions to accelerate progress.
Factsheet on capacities in agricultural higher education: University of Kibungo, Rwanda Faculty of Agriculture and Rural Development
Tailor, Anish; Bugenimana, Eric Derrick; Aimable, Gatete; Beintema, Nienke M.. Washington, DC 2018
Tailor, Anish; Bugenimana, Eric Derrick; Aimable, Gatete; Beintema, Nienke M.. Washington, DC 2018
Abstract | PDF (251.3 KB)
Credible quantitative and qualitative information on existing capacities in agricultural higher education agencies in Africa are crucial for strategic planning, policy formulation, setting priorities and benchmarks, measuring progress toward benchmarks, and identifying capacity gaps. Decisionmakers require a solid understanding of existing staffing and student capacities in the higher education sector, as well as in the wider agricultural innovation systems in Africa south of the Sahara. Access to such information supports effective policymaking to address capacity issues in higher education, agricultural research, extension, and other areas. Such information remains extremely limited, however. To fill this need, the International Food Policy Research Institute’s Agricultural Science and Technology Indicators (ASTI/IFPRI) and the Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture (RUFORUM) initiated a partnership to pilot the collection of this type of data for RUFORUM’s member universities. This factsheet presents the available data results for Africa University, Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources. An online version of the data is available via the Portal on Agricultural Capacity in RUFORUM Universities: www.asti.cgiar.org/RUFORUM.
Factsheet on capacities in agricultural higher education: University of Rwanda College of Agriculture, Animal Sciences, and Veterinary Medicine
Tailor, Anish; Aimable, Gatete; Beintema, Nienke M.. Washington, DC 2018
Tailor, Anish; Aimable, Gatete; Beintema, Nienke M.. Washington, DC 2018
Abstract | PDF (256.8 KB)
Credible quantitative and qualitative information on existing capacities in agricultural higher education agencies in Africa are crucial for strategic planning, policy formulation, setting priorities and benchmarks, measuring progress toward benchmarks, and identifying capacity gaps. Decisionmakers require a solid understanding of existing staffing and student capacities in the higher education sector, as well as in the wider agricultural innovation systems in Africa south of the Sahara. Access to such information supports effective policymaking to address capacity issues in higher education, agricultural research, extension, and other areas. Such information remains extremely limited, however. To fill this need, the International Food Policy Research Institute’s Agricultural Science and Technology Indicators (ASTI/IFPRI) and the Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture (RUFORUM) initiated a partnership to pilot the collection of this type of data for RUFORUM’s member universities. This factsheet presents the available data results for Africa University, Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources. An online version of the data is available via the Portal on Agricultural Capacity in RUFORUM Universities: www.asti.cgiar.org/RUFORUM.
Rwanda: Agricultural R&D indicators factsheet update
Flaherty, Kathleen; Beintema, Nienke M.; Gatete, Aimable. Washington, DC 2018
Flaherty, Kathleen; Beintema, Nienke M.; Gatete, Aimable. Washington, DC 2018
Abstract | PDF (730 KB)
This country factsheet presents key agricultural R&D indicators in a highly accessible visual display. The publication also feature a more in-depth analysis of some of the key challenges that the country’s agricultural R&D system is facing, and the policy options to address these challenges.
Social network effects on consumer willingness to pay for biofortified crops
Muange, Elijah N.; Oparinde, Adewale. Washington, DC 2018
Muange, Elijah N.; Oparinde, Adewale. Washington, DC 2018
Abstract | PDF (1.5 MB)
This study investigated the effects of social networks on consumer willingness to pay (WTP) for two high-iron bean (HIB) varieties (HIB-A and HIB-B) using data collected from 572 farmers in rural Rwanda. The study used the Becker-DeGroot-Marshak mechanism to elicit consumer WTP in the absence and presence of radio messages providing positive and negative frames of information on nutritional benefits of HIB varieties at different frequencies. Instrumental variable and random effects models were used to assess the determinants of WTP.
Toward an understanding of economic growth in Africa: A reinterpretation of the Lewis model
Diao, Xinshen; McMillan, Margaret S.. 2018
Diao, Xinshen; McMillan, Margaret S.. 2018
Abstract | View
We develop a model economy that has many of the features of Lewis (1954) but that also includes an in-between sector as described by Lewis (1979). Our model underscores the importance of the following determinants of structural change: (i) productivity growth in the agricultural sector; (ii) productivity growth in the nonagricultural sector and; (iii) the terms of trade. Public investment enhances productivity growth in all sectors but when it is financed by foreign inflows, it also causes a real exchange rate appreciation leading to a contraction in the open modern sector. These results provide a partial explanation for recent patterns of growth in Rwanda and elsewhere in Africa where the nontradables or what we call the in-between sector has expanded more rapidly than the tradable sector. Our results also highlight the dilemma faced by poor countries in dire need of public investment with a very limited tax base.
Rwanda: Desk study of extension and advisory services
MacNairn, Ian; Davis, Kristin E.. Washington, DC 2018
MacNairn, Ian; Davis, Kristin E.. Washington, DC 2018
Abstract | View
Rwanda is a unique African country with a unique history. Like many other sub-Saharan African countries, agriculture is the key livelihood for the majority of the nation’s people. Rwanda is also one of the most densely-populated countries in the world, and there are many challenges for rural agriculture: access to land, access and high cost of agricultural inputs, small average landholdings, soil erosion and an undercapitalized private sector. Despite these barriers, Rwanda’s agricultural sector has produced significant agricultural growth since the 1994 genocide, taking advantage of the many opportunities that the country’s agricultural sector has including good technical capacity in both the private and public sector, two to three cropping seasons per year, manageable access to urban markets for most areas, good governmental support for ICT and business, lower levels of corruption compared to its neighbors, and opportunities for export to other countries in the East African Community. However, poverty levels, while declining, are still high.
A4NH flagship 2: Biofortification
International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) . Washington, D.C. 2017
International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) . Washington, D.C. 2017
Abstract | PDF (304.9 KB)
Micronutrient deficiency affects approximately 2 billion people globally and is caused by poor-quality diets resulting in low intakes of key micronutrients. Children who are micronutrient deficient in early childhood are at a much higher risk of infections, and less able to recover than healthy children. Biofortification uses plant breeding to improve the nutritional content of food crops, especially staple foods that poor people already consume, in order to reduce inadequate intakes and micronutrient deficiency in the most at-risk populations.
Nourished: How Africa can build a future free from hunger and malnutrition
Malabo Montpellier Panel. Dakar, Senegal 2017
Malabo Montpellier Panel. Dakar, Senegal 2017
Abstract | PDF (7.6 MB)
The main objective of this report is to identify interventions that work and recommend options for policies and programs to eliminate hunger and malnutrition in all its forms. The report begins with a review of the African and global policy agenda, setting out the challenges and complexity of addressing all forms of malnutrition in Africa. It then offers an overview of successful interventions and innovative approaches that have been implemented in some countries and discusses critical threats—climate change and conflicts—that jeopardize progress on reducing malnutrition. Lastly, the report reviews the experiences of seven African countries that have been particularly successful in reducing malnutrition levels and draws some important lessons for other countries.
Demand-pull creation, public officer’s endorsement, and consumer willingness-to-pay for nutritious iron beans in rural and urban Rwanda
Oparinde, Adewale; Murekezi, Abdoul; Birol, Ekin; Katsvairo, Lister. Washington, D.C. 2017
Oparinde, Adewale; Murekezi, Abdoul; Birol, Ekin; Katsvairo, Lister. Washington, D.C. 2017
Abstract | PDF (507.8 KB)
Several studies have suggested demand-pull creation in urban areas as a strategy to drive the adoption of novel agricultural products in rural areas. However, questions remain about whether urban consumers have preferences that are similar to those of rural smallholder producers who produce what they consume. This paper compares urban and rural consumers’ preferences for novel agricultural products by using the case of biofortified iron beans in Rwanda; tests the effects of two marketing levers in field experiments using the Becker-DeGroot-Marshak mechanism; and examines the effect of a public officer’s endorsement on consumer demand for iron beans, along with, and the impact of, information length to inform the design of cost-effective marketing strategies for iron beans. The study results show that with or without information on the nutritional benefits of iron beans, rural and urban consumers have similar preferences for one of the two varieties of iron beans tested, which suggests an avenue for demand-pull creation in the urban area. However, the length of the information and a public officer’s endorsement have no significant effect on consumer demand for iron beans. This paper suggests that providing cogent information on the nutritional benefits could alone be effective in branding and marketing iron beans.
Exploring future agricultural development and biodiversity in Uganda, Rwanda and Burundi
van Soesbergen, Arnout; Arnell, Andrew P.; Sassen, Marieke ; Stuch, Benjamin; Schaldach, Rüdiger; Göpel, Jan; Vervoort, Joost; Mason-D’Croz, Daniel; Islam, Shahnila; Palazzo, Amanda. 2017
van Soesbergen, Arnout; Arnell, Andrew P.; Sassen, Marieke ; Stuch, Benjamin; Schaldach, Rüdiger; Göpel, Jan; Vervoort, Joost; Mason-D’Croz, Daniel; Islam, Shahnila; Palazzo, Amanda. 2017
Consumer market segments for biofortified iron beans in Rwanda: Evidence from a hedonic testing study
Murekezi, Abdoul; Oparinde, Adewale; Birol, Ekin. 2017
Murekezi, Abdoul; Oparinde, Adewale; Birol, Ekin. 2017
Distributional effects of growth and public expenditures in Africa: Estimates for Tanzania and Rwanda
Almanzar, Miguel; Torero, Maximo. 2017
Almanzar, Miguel; Torero, Maximo. 2017
The role of foreign aid in the fast-growing Rwandan economy: Assessing growth alternatives
Diao, Xinshen. New York, NY 2017
Diao, Xinshen. New York, NY 2017
Iron beans in Rwanda: Crop development and delivery experience
Mulambu J.; Andersson, Meike S.; Palenberg, M.; Pfeiffer, Wolfgang; Saltzman, Amy; Birol, Ekin; Oparinde, Adewale; Boy, Erick; Herrington, Caitlin; Asare-Marfo, Dorene; Lubobo, A.; Mukankusi, C.; Nkalubo, S.. 2017
Mulambu J.; Andersson, Meike S.; Palenberg, M.; Pfeiffer, Wolfgang; Saltzman, Amy; Birol, Ekin; Oparinde, Adewale; Boy, Erick; Herrington, Caitlin; Asare-Marfo, Dorene; Lubobo, A.; Mukankusi, C.; Nkalubo, S.. 2017
Abstract | View
HarvestPlus and its partners have successfully developed and delivered iron bean varieties to more than one million farming households in Rwanda, DRC, and Uganda to help combat the adverse health effects of iron deficiency widespread in these countries. Focusing primarily on Rwanda, this chapter summarizes the country, nutritional and consumer background, crop development, release, and delivery of iron bean varieties and synthesizes lessons learned and future challenges.
Assessing the adoption of improved bean varieties in Rwanda and the role of varietal attributes in adoption decisions
Larochelle, Catherine; Asare-Marfo, Dorene; Birol, Ekin; Alwang, Jeffrey. Washington, D.C. 2016
Larochelle, Catherine; Asare-Marfo, Dorene; Birol, Ekin; Alwang, Jeffrey. Washington, D.C. 2016
Abstract | PDF (733.5 KB)
Beans are grown by nearly all rural households in Rwanda, provide a large share of calorie intakes, and are a vital source of proteins and micronutrients. Because of the importance of this crop, significant research efforts have been devoted to select, breed, and disseminate bean varieties with superior production, consumption, and market attributes, while addressing challenges related to climate changes and food insecurity. As a result, nearly 100 bean varieties have been released in Rwanda over the last four decades. This study aims at documenting this effort; it assesses adoption of improved bush and climbing bean varieties, identifies determinants of and barriers to adoption, and analyzes farmers' preferred variety attributes. Based on recent household data, 86 and 50 percent of households have adopted improved climbing and bush bean varieties, respectively. Adoption is positively associated with membership in farmers associations and size of landholding devoted to bean cultivation. Agro-climatic factors are strong predictors of adoption in general and of specific popular improved varieties. Varietal attributes most associated with high adoption rates are high yield, early maturity, storability, and taste. Findings from this study can serve to inform future breeding and dissemination efforts of improved bean varieties in Rwanda.
Extension services in Rwanda take up the volunteer farmer trainer approach
International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI). Washington, D.C. 2016
International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI). Washington, D.C. 2016
Abstract | PDF (179 KB)
The East Africa Dairy Development program successfully used the volunteer farmer trainer (VFT) approach in Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda. PIM-supported research on the VFT approach was in part responsible for its uptake by 21 development organizations in Rwanda. Three years after the end of the EADD program in Rwanda, VFTs are still training farmers with support from the government, NGOs, and producer organizations.
Assessing the Adoption of High Iron Bean Varieties and Their Impact on Iron Intakes and Other Livelihood Outcomes in Rwanda: Listing Exercise Report
Asare-Marfo, Dorene; Herrington, Caitlin; Alwang, Jeffrey; Birachi, Eliud; Birol, Ekin; Diressie, Michael Tedla; Dusenge, Leonidas; Funes, José; Katungi, Enid; Labarta, Ricardo; LaRochelle, Catherine; Katsvairo, Lister; Lividini, Keith; Lubowa, Abdelrahman; Moursi, Mourad; Mulambu, Joseph; Murekezi, Abdoul; Musoni, Augustine; Nkundimana, Jean d’Amour; Oparinde, Adewale; Vaiknoras, Kate; Zeller, Manfred. Washington, D.C. 2016
Asare-Marfo, Dorene; Herrington, Caitlin; Alwang, Jeffrey; Birachi, Eliud; Birol, Ekin; Diressie, Michael Tedla; Dusenge, Leonidas; Funes, José; Katungi, Enid; Labarta, Ricardo; LaRochelle, Catherine; Katsvairo, Lister; Lividini, Keith; Lubowa, Abdelrahman; Moursi, Mourad; Mulambu, Joseph; Murekezi, Abdoul; Musoni, Augustine; Nkundimana, Jean d’Amour; Oparinde, Adewale; Vaiknoras, Kate; Zeller, Manfred. Washington, D.C. 2016
Abstract | PDF (2.3 MB)
An impact assessment (IA) study was conducted in Rwanda in 2015 Season B in order to establish the adoption rates of HIB varieties among rural bean producing and to generate useful information on delivery and breeding efforts by analyzing the facilitating/hindering factors to adoption and diffusion of HIB varieties. A nationally representative listing exercise preceded the main household survey for the impact assessment. The listing exercise was conducted across 120 rural villages in 29 provinces of Rwanda and was administered to a total of 19,575 households. The aims of the listing exercise were to determine the adoption rate of High Iron Beans (HIBs) and to inform second-stage sampling for the main impact assessment survey that was to follow. This report presents results from the listing exercise.
Rwanda: Agricultural R&D indicators factsheet
Beintema, Nienke M.; Gatete, Aimable; Perez, Sandra. Washington, D.C. 2016
Beintema, Nienke M.; Gatete, Aimable; Perez, Sandra. Washington, D.C. 2016
Abstract | PDF (836.5 KB)
This country factsheet presents key agricultural R&D indicators in a highly accessible visual display. The publication also feature a more in-depth analysis of some of the key challenges that the country’s agricultural R&D system is facing, and the policy options to address these challenges.
Assessing the adoption of high-iron bean varieties and their impact on iron intakes and other livelihood outcomes in Rwanda: Main survey report
Asare-Marfo, Dorene; Herrington, Caitlin; Birachi, Eliud; Birol, Ekin; Cook, Kristy; Diressie, Michael Tedla; Dusenge, Leonidas; Funes, José; Katsvairo, Lister; Katungi, Enid; Labarta, Ricardo; LaRochelle, Catherine; Lividini, Keith; Moursi, Mourad; Mulambu, Joseph; Murekezi, Abdoul; Musoni, Augustine; Nkundimana, Jean d'Amour; Vaiknoras, Kate; Zeller, Manfred. Washington, D.C. 2016
Asare-Marfo, Dorene; Herrington, Caitlin; Birachi, Eliud; Birol, Ekin; Cook, Kristy; Diressie, Michael Tedla; Dusenge, Leonidas; Funes, José; Katsvairo, Lister; Katungi, Enid; Labarta, Ricardo; LaRochelle, Catherine; Lividini, Keith; Moursi, Mourad; Mulambu, Joseph; Murekezi, Abdoul; Musoni, Augustine; Nkundimana, Jean d'Amour; Vaiknoras, Kate; Zeller, Manfred. Washington, D.C. 2016
Abstract | PDF (3.4 MB)
An impact assessment (IA) study was conducted in Season B 20152 to establish the reach of high-iron bean (HIB) varieties to Rwandan bean farmers since these varieties were released in 2010, and to understand the adoption and diffusion patterns that have occurred so far. The IA was carried out in two parts. The first part was a listing survey, which was conducted at the beginning of Season B 2015, during the planting period. A total of 19,575 households were enlisted in 120 randomly selected villages throughout the country, and 93 percent of those households were bean-producing households. The listing exercise revealed that 28 percent of bean farmers had grown at least one HIB variety in at least one season, since 2010—the equivalent of approximately half a million households. In Season B 2015, 20 percent of bean farmers were reported to be
growing an HIB—the equivalent of approximately 350,000 households. Detailed results of the listing exercise are available in a separate report3. The second part of the study was a more detailed household survey, which was conducted among a subsample of nearly 1,400 bean-farming households, immediately after harvest had taken place. Both the listing and main household survey are nationally representative of rural bean producing households in Rwanda. This report presents key descriptive results from the main survey and sheds light on issues that may be investigated further in forthcoming publications. Key takeaways from the report are summarized below.
growing an HIB—the equivalent of approximately 350,000 households. Detailed results of the listing exercise are available in a separate report3. The second part of the study was a more detailed household survey, which was conducted among a subsample of nearly 1,400 bean-farming households, immediately after harvest had taken place. Both the listing and main household survey are nationally representative of rural bean producing households in Rwanda. This report presents key descriptive results from the main survey and sheds light on issues that may be investigated further in forthcoming publications. Key takeaways from the report are summarized below.
Food System Transformations: Brazil, Rwanda, and Vietnam
International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI). Washington, D.C. 2016
International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI). Washington, D.C. 2016
Abstract | PDF (701.2 KB)
Brazil, Rwanda, and Vietnam implemented forward-looking policies that led to their improved food security and nutrition. Alongside strong agricultural productivity growth, high profitability, and improved nutrition, these countries attracted private sector investment along the entire food value chain. The presence of strong partnerships contributed to this success. Governmentled initiatives were complemented with collaborations that led to improvements, including, for example, climate-smart approaches to agricultural production. Further, food system transformations in these countries contributed to significant reductions in hunger and undernutrition. These transformations did not happen without setbacks, however; a common challenge was the issue of inclusive land rights, especially for small farmers. This document describes food system transformations in Brazil, Rwanda, and Vietnam by comparing several aspects of the food system—including interventions in land tenure, nutrition, and finance— against the backdrop of each country’s political economy. It also discusses remaining and emerging challenges in each country. These case studies present a variety of context-specific approaches that could provide lessons for other countries and help pave the way to a transformed global food system.
Accelerating progress to end hunger and undernutrition in Bangladesh, Ethiopia, Malawi, and Rwanda 2016
Compact2025. Washington, D.C. 2016
Compact2025. Washington, D.C. 2016
Abstract | PDF (362.6 KB)
Compact2025 is a bold new initiative for ending hunger and undernutrition by 2025. It brings stakeholders together to set priorities, innovate and learn, fine-tune actions, build on successes, and synthesize sharable lessons in order to accelerate progress. Compact2025 and partners organized one-day roundtable discussions in Bangladesh (May 5, 2016), Ethiopia (March 28, 2016), Malawi (May 26, 2016), and Rwanda (March 24, 2016) to set the critical groundwork for assessing how to accelerate progress to end hunger and undernutrition in each country by 2025. The roundtables identified key knowledge, policy, and implementation gaps as well as opportunities, synergies, and priority areas for action. In all countries, there was a high degree of commitment, strong interest to work together across sectors, and out-of-the-box thinking for solutions to accelerate progress.
Rwanda: Ending hunger and undernutrition: challenges and opportunities
Compact2025. Washington, D.C. 2016
Compact2025. Washington, D.C. 2016
Abstract | PDF (1.5 MB)
This scoping report was prepared to inform the Compact2025 roundtable discussion by providing an overview of the food security and nutrition challenges and opportunities in Rwanda. It includes the current food security and nutrition policy landscape across key sectors and actors in Rwanda as well as critical knowledge, policy, and implementation gaps. Additionally, the scoping report presents a SWOTanalysis (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats) that crystallizes the main elements that drive or hamper food security and nutrition in the country. To determine what is holding back progress, this report identifies several key research and action gaps, including the need for better coordination both horizontally (within and across ministries, donors, and other actors) and vertically (across tiers of government down to community-level implementation); continued investment in agricultural research and development (R&D) and innovation; and improved targeting and coverage of food security and nutrition actions.
In Rwandese women with low iron status, iron absorption from low-phytic acid beans and biofortified beans is comparable, but low-phytic acid beans cause adverse gastrointestinal symptoms
Petry, Nicolai; Rohner, Fabian; Gahutu, Jean B.; Campion, Bruno; Boy, Erick; Tugirimana, Pierrot L.; Zwahlen, Christian; Wirth, James P.; Moretti, Diego; Zimmermann, Michael B. 2016
Petry, Nicolai; Rohner, Fabian; Gahutu, Jean B.; Campion, Bruno; Boy, Erick; Tugirimana, Pierrot L.; Zwahlen, Christian; Wirth, James P.; Moretti, Diego; Zimmermann, Michael B. 2016
Economic impact of refugees
Taylor, J. Edward; Filipski, Mateusz J.; Alloush, Mohamad; Gupta, Anubhab; Rojas Valdes, Ruben Irvin; Gonzalez-Estrada, Ernesto. 2016
Taylor, J. Edward; Filipski, Mateusz J.; Alloush, Mohamad; Gupta, Anubhab; Rojas Valdes, Ruben Irvin; Gonzalez-Estrada, Ernesto. 2016
Radio messaging frequency, information framing, and consumer willingness to pay for biofortified iron beans
Oparinde, Adewale; Birol, Ekin; Murekezi, Abdoul; Katsvairo, Lister; Diressie, Michael Tedla; Nkundimana, Jean d'amour; Butare, Louis. 2016
Oparinde, Adewale; Birol, Ekin; Murekezi, Abdoul; Katsvairo, Lister; Diressie, Michael Tedla; Nkundimana, Jean d'amour; Butare, Louis. 2016
What will it take for biofortification to have impact on the ground? Theories of change for three crop-country combinations
Johnson, Nancy L.; Guedenet, Hannah; Saltzman, Amy. Washington, D.C. 2015
Johnson, Nancy L.; Guedenet, Hannah; Saltzman, Amy. Washington, D.C. 2015
Abstract | PDF (866.1 KB)
These theories of change were developed to help the HarvestPlus program deliver on its planned outcomes and impacts. HarvestPlus expects to contribute to the reduction in micronutrient deficiency among women and children in rural areas of developing countries through the breeding and dissemination of staple crop varieties with increased levels of key micronutrients. After ten years of breeding, economic, and nutrition research to develop and assess varieties and their potential impact on human nutritional outcomes, HarvestPlus is entering a third five-year phase focused on delivering micronutrient-rich varieties at scale in nine target countries. To support program design, implementation, and evaluation in the “delivery” phase of the HarvestPlus program (2014–2018), theories of change were developed for three crop-country combinations—maize in Zambia, beans in Rwanda, and cassava in Nigeria—to describe how HarvestPlus expects to contribute to the outcome of reducing inadequate micronutrient intake among women and children in different agricultural and socioeconomic contexts in which HarvestPlus works. The evidence supporting the assumptions and risks for each link in the pathway is summarized and assessed. The results show that for some parts of the impact pathway, outcomes and causal links are well defined and supported by evidence. In other areas, the program logic needs to be better articulated so that hypotheses can be formulated and evidence generated. Addressing these gaps through research, adaptations in delivery activities, and monitoring can increase the likelihood of achieving expected outcomes as well as improve the ability of HarvestPlus and other nutrition-sensitive agricultural programs to learn from current activities to inform a broader scaling up.
Consumer acceptance of biofortified iron beans in rural Rwanda: Experimental Evidence
Oparinde, Adewale; Birol, Ekin; Murekezi, Abdoul; Katsvairo, Lister; Diressie, Michael T.; Nkundimana, Jean d'Amour; Butare, Louis. Washington, D.C. 2015
Oparinde, Adewale; Birol, Ekin; Murekezi, Abdoul; Katsvairo, Lister; Diressie, Michael T.; Nkundimana, Jean d'Amour; Butare, Louis. Washington, D.C. 2015
Abstract | PDF (509.3 KB)
Iron deficiency among children and women of child-bearing age is a public health problem in many developing countries. Iron-biofortified varieties of commonly consumed staple crops have the potential to contribute to the daily iron requirements in diets. This paper examines consumer acceptance and willingness to pay (WTP) for two iron bean varieties in Rwanda: red iron bean (RIB) and white iron bean (WIB). Using the Becker-DeGroot-Marshak mechanism, the paper investigates the effect of (1) nutrition information; (2) information frame (i.e., information emphasizing loss or negative consequences of not having enough iron in diets versus information emphasizing gains or benefits of having enough iron in diets); and, (3) the frequency of providing the information on consumer WTP for iron bean varieties. Econometric models are used that take into account several issues, such as social interaction, non-payment effect, and home inventory of beans.
Rwanda: Country brief
HarvestPlus. Washington, D.C. 2015
HarvestPlus. Washington, D.C. 2015
Abstract | PDF (880 KB)
HarvestPlus improves nutrition and public health in Rwanda by promoting beans that provide more iron in the diet. We work with more than 30 partners drawn from government, business, and civil society
2015 Nutrition country profile: Rwanda
International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI). Washington, D.C. 2015
International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI). Washington, D.C. 2015
Abstract | PDF (594.6 KB)
The 193 individual country profiles capture the status and progress of all UN Member States, and the 80+ indicators include a wealth of information on child, adolescent and adult anthropometry and nutritional status, in addition to intervention coverage, food supply, economics, and demography. This tool is particularly useful for nutrition champions at the country-level, as it presents a wide range of evidence needed to assess country progress in improving nutrition and nutrition-related outcomes.
The impact of agricultural extension services on social capital
van Rijn, F.; Nkonya, Ephraim M.; Adekunle, A.. 2015
van Rijn, F.; Nkonya, Ephraim M.; Adekunle, A.. 2015
Toward an understanding of economic growth in Africa
Diao, Xinshen; McMillan, Margaret S.. Cambridge, MA 2015
Diao, Xinshen; McMillan, Margaret S.. Cambridge, MA 2015
Aid effectiveness: How is the L’Aquila food security initiative doing?
Benin, Samuel. Washington, D.C. 2014
Benin, Samuel. Washington, D.C. 2014
Abstract | PDF (814.9 KB)
This paper uses case studies of Bangladesh, Ghana, Rwanda, and Senegal to assess the degree to which the L’Aquila Food Security Initiative (AFSI) has been implemented within the framework of managing for development results (MfDR) and to evaluate progress in various outcomes, including economic governance, agricultural growth, poverty, and food and nutrition security (FNS).
Measuring progress toward empowerment: Women's empowerment in agriculture index: Baseline report
Malapit, Hazel J.; Sproule, Kathryn; Kovarik, Chiara; Meinzen-Dick, Ruth Suseela; Quisumbing, Agnes R.; Ramzan, Farzana; Hogue, Emily; Alkire, Sabina. Washington, D.C. 2014
Malapit, Hazel J.; Sproule, Kathryn; Kovarik, Chiara; Meinzen-Dick, Ruth Suseela; Quisumbing, Agnes R.; Ramzan, Farzana; Hogue, Emily; Alkire, Sabina. Washington, D.C. 2014
Abstract | PDF (7.8 MB)
This report provides a comprehensive analysis of the Women’s Empowerment in Agriculture Index (WEAI) baseline survey results, summarizing both findings from the WEAI survey and the relationships between the WEAI and various outcomes of interest to the US Government’s Feed the Future initiative. These poverty, health, and nutrition outcomes include both factors that might affect empowerment and outcomes that might result from empowerment. The analysis includes thirteen countries from five regions and compares their baseline survey scores. WEAI scores range from a high of 0.98 in Cambodia to a low of 0.66 in Bangladesh.
The role of agriculture in the fast-growing Rwandan economy: Assessing growth alternatives
Diao, Xinshen; Bahiigwa, Godfrey; Pradesha, Angga. Washington, D.C. 2014
Diao, Xinshen; Bahiigwa, Godfrey; Pradesha, Angga. Washington, D.C. 2014
Abstract | PDF (1.3 MB)
This study assesses the future growth prospects of Rwanda. The report first focuses on broad economic growth using a rather aggregated 18-sector dynamic general equilibrium model to display the trade-off between rapid growth and structural change. The analysis shows that with the current investment pattern, rapid growth is possible but structural transformation is slow. With an overvalued exchange rate, growth in the tradable sector slows down and its share in the economy stays small. The importance of agriculture thus should be considered in the broad development strategy, for its role not only in poverty reduction but also in economic growth.
Biofortification progress briefs
HarvestPlus. Washington, DC 2014
HarvestPlus. Washington, DC 2014
Abstract | PDF (1.8 MB)
The following briefs were solicited by HarvestPlus for the Second Global Conference on Biofortification, “Getting Nutritious Foods to People,” which took place in Kigali, Rwanda from March 31 to April 2, 2014. The conference, an interactive global consultation attended by more than 300 leaders in agriculture, food, nutrition, and health, was officially hosted by the Government of the Republic of Rwanda and organized by HarvestPlus. The conference culminated in a series of commitments to tackle hunger and micronutrient deficiency through nutrition-sensitive agriculture, captured in the Kigali Declaration on Biofortified Nutritious Foods. The briefs were developed as background information for the conference and are intended to present existing evidence onbiofortification, identify knowledge gaps, and stimulate discussion on how to leverage biofortification to improve nutritionand health.
Delivery of iron beans in Rwanda
Katsvairo, Lister. Washington, D.C. 2014
Katsvairo, Lister. Washington, D.C. 2014
Rwanda: Agricultural R&D Indicators Factsheet
Rahija, Michael; Gatete, Aimable. Washington, D.C. 2014
Rahija, Michael; Gatete, Aimable. Washington, D.C. 2014
Towards understanding economic growth in Africa: A reinterpretation of the Lewis Model
Diao, Xinshen; McMillan, Margaret S.. Washington, D.C. 2014
Diao, Xinshen; McMillan, Margaret S.. Washington, D.C. 2014
Abstract | PDF (840.9 KB)
Africa’s recent economic growth is at a historical high, the patterns associated with this growth appear to be quite different from the Asian experiences where rapid growth was fueled by labor intensive, export-oriented manufacturing. Because this pattern differs with our typical view of structural transformation, a heated debate has begun over the sustainability of Africa’s growth. In our view, Africa’s recent growth is still not well understood and thus it is difficult to say much that is meaningful about future prospects for growth on the continent. Against this background, we adapt Lewis’s (1954) dual-economy model to the economies of Africa to better understand the role that the “in-between” sector as defined by Lewis (1979) has played in Africa’s recent growth. Our framework incorporates the coexistence of a closed and an open modern economy and takes into account the diversity and heterogeneity of the activities that characterize modern African economies.
2014 Nutrition country profile: Rwanda
International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI). Washington, D.C. 2014
International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI). Washington, D.C. 2014
Capacity strengthening strategy through capacity needs assessment for Country Level Strategic Analysis and Knowledge Support System (SAKSS): Rwanda
Bizoza, Alfred R.; Rwirahira, John; Bizimana, Claude. Washington, D.C. 2014
Bizoza, Alfred R.; Rwirahira, John; Bizimana, Claude. Washington, D.C. 2014
Abstract | PDF (4.8 MB)
This study aims at assessing the capacity needs for different stakeholders involved in food and agricultural policy processes in order to develop a country specific capacity strengthening strategy to meet the strategic analysis and knowledge management needs of the Rwandan agricultural sector and rural development. Specifically the study intends to assess specific needs for strategic agricultural policy analysis and investment planning, monitoring and evaluation, and knowledge management in Rwanda. The study also seeks to identify what individual and organizational capacities are needed and to show how the existing capacities can be harnessed through their effective use in the organizations involved in the CAADP process. The study further highlights the current organizational and capacity constraints underpinning the policy process for the policy organizations to effectively play their role in meeting the objectives of CAADP. Finally, the study proposes a capacity development strategy for implementing SAKSS in Rwanda.
A 2011 Social Accounting Matrix (SAM) for Rwanda
Pradesha, Angga; Diao, Xinshen. Washington, D.C. 2014
Pradesha, Angga; Diao, Xinshen. Washington, D.C. 2014
Abstract | PDF
This paper documents a Rwanda Social Accounting Matrix (SAM) for the year 2011. The national SAM is based on newly estimated supply-use tables, national accounts, state budgets, and balance of payments. The SAM reconciles these data using cross-entropy estimation techniques. The final SAM is a detailed representation of Rwanda's economy. It separates 54 activities and commodities; labor by different sectoral types; and households by rural/urban areas as well expenditure quintiles. Labor and household information is drawn from the most recent Rwanda Living Expenditure Survey. Finally, the SAM identifies government, investment and foreign accounts. It is therefore an ideal tool for economywide impact assessments, including SAM-based multiplier analysis and computable general equilibrium (CGE) modeling.
Have coffee producers benefited from the new domestic cherry market?
Murekezi, Abdoul; Jin, Songqing; Loveridge, Scott. 2014
Murekezi, Abdoul; Jin, Songqing; Loveridge, Scott. 2014
Phytic acid concentration influences iron bioavailability from biofortified beans in Rwandese women with low iron status
Petry, Nicolai; Egli, Ines; Gahutu, Jean B.; Tugirimana, Pierrot L.; Boy, Erick; Hurrell, Richard. 2014
Petry, Nicolai; Egli, Ines; Gahutu, Jean B.; Tugirimana, Pierrot L.; Boy, Erick; Hurrell, Richard. 2014
A rapid initial assessment of the distribution and consumption of iron-folic acid tablets through antenatal care in Rwanda
Fiedler, John L.; D'Agostino, Alexis; Sununtnasuk, Celeste. Arlington, VA 2014
Fiedler, John L.; D'Agostino, Alexis; Sununtnasuk, Celeste. Arlington, VA 2014
Strategies for improving adoption of soil-fertility technologies in Rwanda
Bizimana, Claude. Washington, D.C. 2013
Bizimana, Claude. Washington, D.C. 2013
Abstract | PDF (224.4 KB)
Factors influencing the adoption of soil-fertility technologies (measured by soil testing and use of chemical fertilizers) in key areas of the southern province, where soil-fertility problems are prevalent and potentially impact the performance of the coffee sector, were studied. The results of the analysis, using household survey data, principal components, and linear discriminant analysis, show that farm fragmentation, age, wealth, and education are the most important factors influencing adoption of the two soil-fertility technologies.
Rwanda
Tenge, Ngoga G.; Alphonse, Mutabazi; Thomas, Timothy S.. Washington, D.C. 2013
Tenge, Ngoga G.; Alphonse, Mutabazi; Thomas, Timothy S.. Washington, D.C. 2013
Selecting sites to prove the concept of IAR4D in the Lake Kivu Pilot Learning Site
Farrow, Andrew; Opondo, Chris; Rao, KPC; Tenywa, Moses; Njeru, Rose; Kashaija, Imelda; Kamugisha, Rick; Ramazani, Michel; Nkonya, Ephraim M.; Kayiranga, Didace; Lubanga, Lunze; Nabahungu, Leon; Kamale, Kambale; Mugabo, Josaphat; Mutabazi, Sunday. 2013
Farrow, Andrew; Opondo, Chris; Rao, KPC; Tenywa, Moses; Njeru, Rose; Kashaija, Imelda; Kamugisha, Rick; Ramazani, Michel; Nkonya, Ephraim M.; Kayiranga, Didace; Lubanga, Lunze; Nabahungu, Leon; Kamale, Kambale; Mugabo, Josaphat; Mutabazi, Sunday. 2013
Strategies and priorities for African agriculture
Diao, Xinshen, ed.; Thurlow, James, ed.; Benin, Samuel, ed.; Fan, Shenggen, ed.. Washington, D.C. 2012
Diao, Xinshen, ed.; Thurlow, James, ed.; Benin, Samuel, ed.; Fan, Shenggen, ed.. Washington, D.C. 2012
Abstract | PDF (4.3 MB)
This book examines the potential of agriculture to contribute to national growth and poverty reduction. It also evaluates the financial costs of accelerating agricultural growth. The analysis is based on ten country case studies that apply similar economywide approaches to linking growth, poverty, and investment. The findings indicate that, in most African countries, improving agriculture’s performance is essential to achieving pro-poor growth. They also point to export agriculture having high growth potential and becoming a prominent part of agricultural strategies. The research shows that broad-based growth will be difficult to achieve without expanding staple-foodcrop production and livestock production, since only they have the scale and linkages to poor households needed to reduce national poverty within a reasonable period of time. Finally, the case studies confirm the need for greater investment in agriculture. However, the efficiency of agricultural investments will have to improve if development targets are to remain attainable.
Rwanda
Diao, Xinshen; Fan, Shenggen; Kanyarukiga, Sam; Yu, Bingxin. Washington, D.C. 2012
Diao, Xinshen; Fan, Shenggen; Kanyarukiga, Sam; Yu, Bingxin. Washington, D.C. 2012
Abstract | PDF (204.8 KB)
Despite a remarkable transition to peace and development over the past 10 years, Rwanda is still marked by the consequences of the 1994 genocide. Gross domestic product (GDP) growth averaged 7.3 percent per year between 1995 and 2006, and public investment has picked up and reached 9.4 percent of GDP in 2007. With security and political stability restored and the business environment improved, private investment has risen from 6 percent in 2001 to an estimated 9 percent of GDP in recent years (Rwanda, MINECOFIN 2008). Progress has also been made in improving education and health indicators. For examples, the number of primary school students rebounded to pre-genocide long-term levels only five years after the conflict. Today Rwanda’s gross primary school enrollment ratio is higher than in most other Sub-Saharan countries with similar income levels, and the number of students in secondary school has almost tripled since 1996 (Lopez and Wodon 2005). Moreover, in terms of health indicators, World Bank (2008a) estimates that, while infant mortality increased from 85 to 137 per thousand between 1988–92 and 1992–94, it has since receded to 97.5 per thousand in 2006.
East African agriculture and climate change: A comprehensive analysis - Rwanda
Tenge, Ngoga G.; Alphonse, Mutabazi; Thomas, Timothy. Washington, D.C. 2012
Tenge, Ngoga G.; Alphonse, Mutabazi; Thomas, Timothy. Washington, D.C. 2012
Strategies and priorities for African agriculture
Diao, Xinshen; Thurlow, James; Benin, Samuel; Fan, Shenggen. Washington, D.C. 2012
Diao, Xinshen; Thurlow, James; Benin, Samuel; Fan, Shenggen. Washington, D.C. 2012
Abstract | PDF (804.7 KB)
The 2000s were Africa’s “decade of growth.” Countries in Africa south of the Sahara reached milestones in the 21st century’s first decade that once seemed impossible, achieving improved governance, macroeconomic stability, and sustained economic growth that exceeded the region’s performance in previous decades. Among the economic sectors that improved was agriculture, which grew 3.4 percent per year over 2001-2010, outpacing Africa’s population growth rate, which was 2.5 percent, for the first time in the last three decades. Nevertheless, the agricultural sector’s growth has lagged behind national economic growth in Africa. Given
Trends in key agricultural and rural development indicators in Rwanda
Bizimana, Claude; Usengumukiza, Felicien; Kalisa, John; Rwirahira, John. Nairobi, Kenya 2012
Bizimana, Claude; Usengumukiza, Felicien; Kalisa, John; Rwirahira, John. Nairobi, Kenya 2012
Abstract | PDF (1.4 MB)
This report gives an account of the progress towards achieving the Vision 2020 goals and Economic Development and Poverty Reduction Strategy (EDPRS) targets, the first Millennium Development Goal (MDG1), and the implementation of the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) compact in Rwanda. It is significant that these various targets have a common goal of engendering the modernization and transformation of the agriculture sector. On the progress towards CAADP implementation, Rwanda held a roundtable meeting in 2007 which culminated in the signing of a CAADP compact between the Government of Rwanda, development partners, civil society and the private sector. In 2009, Rwanda was the first country in Africa to hold its post-CAADP compact high-level stakeholder meeting, at which all partners deliberated on the country’s agriculture sector investment plan. As a result, the agriculture-led growth is viewed as a main strategy to achieve MDGs; policy efficiency, dialogue, review and accountability mechanisms are in place and the country SAKSS node is established and operational. More importantly, Rwanda allocated 10.2% of its national budget to the agriculture sector for the fiscal year 2010/11 and achieved an average annual growth of 7.4% in 2010.
Rwanda
Flaherty, Kathleen; Munyengabe, Jean Marie. Washington, D.C. 2011
Flaherty, Kathleen; Munyengabe, Jean Marie. Washington, D.C. 2011
Abstract | PDF
The war and accompanying Tutsi genocide of the early 1990s devastated Rwanda’s agricultural research agencies, and they continue to face challenges related to the resulting loss of human resource capacity and physical infrastructure. Nevertheless, since then the country has made progress in rebuilding its agricultural research and development (R&D) system. As of 2009, investment in agricultural R&D totaled 3.6 billion Rwandan francs or 19.2 million PPP dollars, both in 2005 constant prices, which represents a slight increase over 2005 levels, largely due to modest growth in the higher education sector after 2007 (Figure 1; Table 1). Unless otherwise stated, all dollar values in this note are expressed in purchasing power parity (PPP) prices.1
Agricultural growth and investment options for poverty reduction in Rwanda
Diao, Xinshen; Fan, Shenggen; Kanyarukiga, Sam; Yu, Bingxin. Washington, D.C. 2010
Diao, Xinshen; Fan, Shenggen; Kanyarukiga, Sam; Yu, Bingxin. Washington, D.C. 2010
Abstract | PDF
Agricultural development strategies that are put forward by individual African countries delineate priorities for actions to enhance agricultural and overall development. Understanding alternative agricultural growth options and their linkages with poverty reduction and prioritizing agricultural investments are the two key components of an agricultural development strategy. However, the relationships between growth and poverty reduction and between targeted growth and required public investment are not straightforward, and solid research is needed to support an evidence-based policymaking process. This monograph provides such a study using Rwanda as a case. An economywide model is developed for the study and is applied to the most recent economic data and public investment information to analyze agricultural growth and investment options for poverty reduction in Rwanda. The monograph shows that the country�s targeted agricultural subsector growth, if achieved, would allow Rwanda to meet the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) target of 6 percent annual growth in agricultural gross domestic product (GDP) by 2020. With comparable growth in the nonagricultural sector, rapid economic growth would result in the national poverty rate falling to 35.5 percent by 2015, a reduction of 25 percentage points over the 1999 rate. Although the majority of rural households benefit from rapid agricultural growth, the most vulnerable households�those with very small landholdings and with few opportunities to participate in the production of export crops�appear to benefit less. The report shows that economywide growth led by the agricultural sector has a greater effect on poverty reduction than does the same level of growth driven by the nonagricultural sector. Among agricultural subsectors, growth driven mainly by increased productivity in staple crops has the greatest poverty reduction effect. The report points out that meeting the CAADP 6 percent agricultural growth target in Rwanda will require the allocation of public resources to the agricultural sector to rise significantly and reach 10 percent of the total government budget. Estimated economywide returns to public investment in agriculture are high and will come not only from growth in the agricultural sector. Through linkage and multiplier effects, one dollar of public investment in agricultural staples generates US$3.63 of increased agricultural GDP (AgGDP) and US$0.21 of increased nonagricultural GDP. In the agricultural sector, economywide returns from investing in staple foods, including staple crops and livestock, are much higher than those from investing in export crops. But even though the investment returns are high, the planned amount of investment in Rwanda will not be enough to significantly improve the current low yields of many foodcrops in the country. The average yield for maize will stay at a low level in 2015�a level already reached by many African countries today. The report also points out the trade-offs between rapid growth and low economywide returns from investing in the export sector. Targeting the export sector through public policy and investment will bring double-digit growth to the sector, measured by an increase in GDP; however, economywide returns to such investments are low. The weak linkages of the export sector with other economic activities on both the supply and demand sides reduce the role of the export sector as a key driver in both overall economic growth and poverty reduction. Nevertheless, the export sector has often attracted more government attention than has the agricultural sector in many African countries, with favorable policies and investment support. The findings of this report, which show relatively low economywide returns to public spending in the export sector and relatively less poverty reduction from growth led by exports, further emphasize the importance of broad-based agricultural growth. Agricultural development strategy, including effective public investment strategy, has to focus on growth that benefits a majority of farmers. Only such a strategy can be expected to be efficient and effective for growth, poverty reduction, and economic development in general.
Agricultural growth and investment options for poverty reduction in Rwanda
Lambert, Melissa; MacNeil, Marcia. Washington, D.C. 2009
Lambert, Melissa; MacNeil, Marcia. Washington, D.C. 2009
Agricultural growth and investment options for poverty reduction in Rwanda
Diao, Xinshen; Fan, Shenggen; Kanyarukiga, Sam; Yu, Bingxin. New York, NY 2008
Diao, Xinshen; Fan, Shenggen; Kanyarukiga, Sam; Yu, Bingxin. New York, NY 2008
The role of agriculture in development
Diao, Xinshen; Hazell, P. B. R.; Resnick, Danielle; Thurlow, James. Washington, DC 2007
Diao, Xinshen; Hazell, P. B. R.; Resnick, Danielle; Thurlow, James. Washington, DC 2007
Abstract | PDF
"This report provides a nuanced perspective on debates about the potential for Africa’s smallholder agriculture to stimulate growth and alleviate poverty in an increasingly integrated world. In particular, the paper synthesizes both the traditional theoretical literature on agriculture’s role in the development process and discusses more recent literature that remains skeptical about agriculture’s development potential for Africa. In order to examine in greater detail the relevance for Africa of both the “old” and “new�� literatures on agriculture, the paper provides a typology of African countries based on their stage of development, agricultural conditions, natural resources, and geographic location... More broadly, the paper demonstrates that conventional theory on the role of agriculture in the early stage of development remains relevant to Africa. While the continent does face new and different challenges than those encountered by Asian and Latin American countries during their successful transformations, most African countries cannot significantly reduce poverty, increase per capita incomes, and transform into modern economies without focusing on agricultural development." -- from Authors' Abstract
Agricultural growth and investment options for poverty reduction in Rwanda
Diao, Xinshen; Fan, Shenggen; Yu, Bingxin; Kanyarukiga, Sam. Washington, D.C. 2007
Diao, Xinshen; Fan, Shenggen; Yu, Bingxin; Kanyarukiga, Sam. Washington, D.C. 2007
Abstract | PDF
An economywide, multimarket (EMM) model was developed for Rwanda to analyze the linkages and trade-offs between growth and poverty reduction goals at both macro- and micro-economic levels. The model includes 30 agricultural commodities or commodity groups from eight broad agricultural subsectors, along with two aggregated nonagricultural sectors. The analysis compares the economic, income, and poverty effects of a variety of growth scenarios based on existing national subsector growth targets. The analysis shows 6 percent of CAADP’s agricultural GDP growth target is achievable if growth reaches its target at the agricultural subsectoral level. But it is not enough for the country to achieve the MDG One, although the national poverty rate in 2015 will be 17 percent lower than that in 2005. Moreover, the household groups with the smallest landholding size, female-headed, or with few opportunities to participate cash crop production seem to benefit less from such growth. The study also examines the different growth-poverty linkages at agricultural subsector level, and shows that growth driven by productivity increases in staple crops and livestock production can reduce the poverty more than in the case where growth is driven by export crops or by the nonagricultural sector. The analysis also shows that to achieve growth required by CAADP and MDG One, the country needs to substantially beef up its public investment in agriculture. The share of agricultural spending in total government spending is required to increase from the current level of 5 percent to 10-35 percent in 2015.
The role of agriculture in development
Diao, Xinshen; Hazell, P. B. R.; Resnick, Danielle; Thurlow, James. Washington, DC 2007
Diao, Xinshen; Hazell, P. B. R.; Resnick, Danielle; Thurlow, James. Washington, DC 2007
Abstract | PDF
This report provides a nuanced perspective on debates about the potential for Africa’s smallholder agriculture to stimulate growth and alleviate poverty in an increasingly integrated world. In particular, the paper synthesizes both the traditional theoretical literature on agriculture’s role in the development process and discusses more recent literature that remains skeptical about agriculture’s development potential for Africa. In order to examine in greater detail the relevance for Africa of both the “old” and “new? literatures on agriculture, the paper provides a typology of African countries based on their stage of development, agricultural conditions, natural resources, and geographic location... More broadly, the paper demonstrates that conventional theory on the role of agriculture in the early stage of development remains relevant to Africa. While the continent does face new and different challenges than those encountered by Asian and Latin American countries during their successful transformations, most African countries cannot significantly reduce poverty, increase per capita incomes, and transform into modern economies without focusing on agricultural development. -- from Authors' Abstrac
The role of agriculture in development
Diao, Xinshen; Hazell, P. B. R.; Resnick, Danielle; Thurlow, James. Washington, DC 2006
Diao, Xinshen; Hazell, P. B. R.; Resnick, Danielle; Thurlow, James. Washington, DC 2006
Abstract | PDF
"This paper provides a nuanced perspective on debates about the potential for Africa’s smallholder agriculture to stimulate growth and alleviate poverty in an increasingly integrated world. In particular, the paper synthesizes both the traditional theoretical literature on agriculture’s role in the development process and discusses more recent literature that remains skeptical about agriculture’s development potential for Africa. In order to examine in greater detail the relevance for Africa of both the “old” and “new” literatures on agriculture, the paper provides a typology of African countries based on their stage of development, agricultural conditions, natural resources, and geographic location... More broadly, the paper demonstrates that conventional theory on the role of agriculture in the early stage of development remains relevant to Africa. While the continent does face new and different challenges than those encountered by Asian and Latin American countries during their successful transformations, most African countries cannot significantly reduce poverty, increase per capita incomes, and transform into modern economies without focusing on agricultural development." -- from Authors' Abstract
AIDS, Poverty, and Hunger: An Overview
Gillespie, Stuart. Washington, D.C. 2006
Gillespie, Stuart. Washington, D.C. 2006
Abstract | PDF (144.4 KB)
The AIDS epidemic is a global crisis with impacts that will be felt for decades to come. More than 28 million people have died since the first case was reported in 1981. In 2005, AIDS killed 2.8 million people, and an estimated 4.1 million became infected, bringing to 38.6 million the number of people living with the virus around the world; 24.5 million of these people live in Sub-Saharan Africa (where in some countries one in three adults are infected) and 8.3 million live in Asia (UNAIDS 2006).
Understanding Rwandan Agricultural Households' Strategies to Deal with Prime-Age Illness and Death: A Propensity Score Matching Approach
Donovan, Cynthia; Bailey, Linda A.. Washington, D.C. 2006
Donovan, Cynthia; Bailey, Linda A.. Washington, D.C. 2006
Abstract | PDF (100.8 KB)
The increasing prevalence of HIV in Rwanda, along with the likelihood of continued effects of the genocide of 1994, suggests that many rural households may be facing extreme stress, and their agricultural production may be changing. Policymakers and development practitioners seek to understand how Rwandan households are affected and how they are reacting to the stress so that development policies can best support improvements in rural livelihoods under this changing environment. If production systems are shifting to less nutritious crop mixtures or ones that increase the potential for soil erosion on the hillsides, measures may be needed to counterbalance the negative effects.
AIDS, poverty, and hunger
Gillespie, Stuart, ed.. Washington, DC 2006
Gillespie, Stuart, ed.. Washington, DC 2006
Abstract | PDF (1.5 MB)
More than a quarter-century after HIV was identified, the long-wave, intergenerational nature of AIDS epidemics is becoming starkly evident. We may have passed the peak of the infection wave in many countries, but the multiple impact waves continue to gather momentum. Advances are indeed being made in prevention, treatment, care, and support. Yet, in 2006 in many of the hardest-hit countries, fewer than one in eight people living with HIV have sustained access to lifesaving drugs. At the same time, we are learning more about the intertwining of HIV and AIDS with poverty, nutrition, and agriculture. It is now clear that, if the Millennium Development Goals on hunger and AIDS are to be met, especially in eastern and southern Africa, we need to continue to research these dynamics and proactively address them through better, AIDS-responsive food policy and programming. Against this backdrop, the International Food Policy Research Institute convened the �International Conference on HIV/AIDS and Food and Nutrition Security: From Evidence to Action� in Durban, South Africa, April 14�16, 2005. ... As highlights from the conference, the chapters in this book amply illustrate the diversity of activity and the imperative for interdisciplinary work in this new field. Economists, nutritionists, anthropologists, health specialists, and other development professionals have approached the issue from different angles, often using innovative methods, to generate important new findings.
HIV/AIDS and the Agricultural Sector in Eastern and Southern Africa: Anticipating the Consequences
Jayne, Thomas S.; Villarreal, Marcela; Pingali, Prabhu; Hemrich, Gunter. Washington, D.C. 2006
Jayne, Thomas S.; Villarreal, Marcela; Pingali, Prabhu; Hemrich, Gunter. Washington, D.C. 2006
Abstract | PDF (117.2 KB)
This chapter is intended to respond to the need to better understand the implications of the AIDS pandemic for the agricultural sectors in the hardest-hit countries of eastern and southern Africa. The six countries of the world with estimated HIV prevalence rates exceeding 20 percent1 are all in southern Africa: Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia, South Africa, Swaziland, and Zimbabwe (UN Census Bureau 2003). Five other countries, all in southern and eastern Africa (Cameroon, Central African Republic, Malawi, Zambia, and Mozambique), have HIV prevalence rates between 10 and 20 percent. For shorthand, we hereafter refer to these countries as the “hardest hit” countries.
The Ecology of Poverty: Nutrition, Parasites, and Vulnerability to HIV/AIDS
Stillwaggon, Eileen. Washington, D.C. 2006
Stillwaggon, Eileen. Washington, D.C. 2006
Abstract | PDF (80.4 KB)
HIV/AIDS continues to spread throughout the developing world, in transition countries, and among poor and marginalized populations in industrialized countries. In its third decade, and even with increased resources, global AIDS policy is still failing to stem the epidemic. HIV prevention fails because it ignores the fundamental causes of the epidemic, it is unscientific, and it attempts to intervene at the last minute with programs limited to behavior change.
Stigma When There Is No Other Option: Understanding How Poverty Fuels Discrimination toward People Living with HIV in Zambia
Bond, Virginia. Washington, D.C. 2006
Bond, Virginia. Washington, D.C. 2006
Abstract | PDF (88.6 KB)
Based on qualitative fieldwork in urban and rural Zambia (see Bond et al. 2003), this chapter aims to demonstrate that HIV-related stigma and discrimination are fueled by the practicalities of limited resources and narrow options and, in this wider context of poverty and household fatigue, that the poor, women, orphans, and rural dwellers are particularly vulnerable to HIV-related stigma and discrimination. It is apparent that a significant proportion of discriminatory actions are caused by the fact that HIV and AIDS can be so very hard to manage in the context of poverty. Significant differences between the urban and rural sites that emerged in our material, with overall less stigma manifested in the urban site and more pronounced stigma in the rural site, suggest that it is possible to alleviate household stress and reduce this type of stigma and discrimination by providing services and support.
Scaling up Multisectoral Approaches to Combating HIV and AIDS
Gillespie, Stuart; Kadiyala, Suneetha; Binswanger-Mkhize, Hans P.. Washington, DC 2006
Gillespie, Stuart; Kadiyala, Suneetha; Binswanger-Mkhize, Hans P.. Washington, DC 2006
Abstract | PDF (98.6 KB)
The AIDS pandemic is a global crisis with impacts that will be felt for decades to come, demanding massive responses at many levels. Such responses need to continue to be grounded in the three core pillars of prevention, care and treatment, and mitigation. But these responses need to be much larger in scale, far more broadly based, and better connected so as to better match the scale, breadth, and interconnectedness of the pandemic’s causes and impacts.
Multisectoral HIV/AIDS Approaches in Africa: How Are They Evolving?
Gavian, Sarah; Galaty, David; Kombe, Gilbert. Washington, D.C. 2006
Gavian, Sarah; Galaty, David; Kombe, Gilbert. Washington, D.C. 2006
Abstract | PDF (154.1 KB)
The response to HIV/AIDS in Africa has evolved considerably since the first cases were reported on the continent in the early 1980s. After the initial medical and public health responses through the mid-1990s, there was an enormous expansion in the scope of the strategic approaches and level of political and financial commitment to fight the disease. In the absence of a vaccine or cure, the global response expanded far beyond the traditional confines of the health sector. Perceiving strong links between AIDS and the greater development processes, national and international organs reached out to a wide array of stakeholders to implement a broad multisectoral agenda. This expansion in vision was accompanied by a corresponding development of institutional structures and coordination mechanisms. Efforts to extend, harmonize, and improve the management of the multisectoral response are very much continuing today.
AIDS and Watersheds: Understanding and Assessing Biostructural Interventions
Loevinsohn, Michael. Washington, DC 2006
Loevinsohn, Michael. Washington, DC 2006
Abstract | PDF (256.8 KB)
Over the past 15 years, evidence has accumulated of how HIV/AIDS impacts rural people who depend for their food and livelihood on agriculture and the management of natural resources. Evidence is also available, though less extensive, of how changes in the rural environment influence the dynamics of HIV/AIDS. It is striking, however, how little this understanding has yet to contribute to the methods used in the struggle with HIV/AIDS. The “expanded response” that UNAIDS is spearheading to meet the targets set by the UN General Assembly Session on HIV/AIDS in 2001 includes no reference to agricultural or natural resource–based measures for prevention, treatment, and care (Stover et al. 2002). This is hardly surprising because there is as yet little documented evidence of their effectiveness in HIV/AIDS control terms or feasibility on a wide scale. Much less is it clear how such efforts might be financed. Across the sectoral divide, agricultural and natural resource management policies and programs are aimed at enhancing food security, improving nutrition, and expanding livelihood opportunities. However, the decisionmakers responsible for the most part have a very limited understanding of how these may be affecting HIV/AIDS risks, positively or negatively, and how these inadvertent effects can be optimized. Few have a clear understanding of how HIV/ AIDS is affecting or will in the future affect attainment of the objectives they now pursue and what adjustments will be necessary to keep these in sight.
Measuring the Impact of Targeted Food Assistance on HIV/AIDS-Related Beneficiary Groups: Monitoring and Evaluation Indicators
Egge, Kari; Strasser, Susan. Washington, D.C. 2006
Egge, Kari; Strasser, Susan. Washington, D.C. 2006
Abstract | PDF (101.6 KB)
In October 2005, the Consortium for the Southern Africa Food Security Emergency (C-SAFE) transitioned to its final year of a regional “developmental relief ” program. Yet, members continued to collaborate on this specific learning activity given their common objectives of improving monitoring and evaluation (M&E) for HIV/AIDS-related beneficiary groups. C-SAFE’s strategic objectives included (1) improving and maintaining nutritional status, (2) protecting productive assets, and (3) improving community resilience to food security shocks.
HIV/AIDS, Nutrition, and Food Security: Looking to Future Challenges
Barnett, Tony. Washington, D.C. 2006
Barnett, Tony. Washington, D.C. 2006
Abstract | PDF (59.7 KB)
Rollout of antiretroviral (ARV) therapy under the aegis of the WHO’s “3 by 5” initiative, with funding from numerous donors via the Global Fund for TB, HIV/ AIDS, and malaria, the U.S. PEPFAR and U.K. DFID, gives cause for hope for all those millions of people in Africa who are living with HIV/AIDS. Midway through 2005 nobody seriously believed that the target of 3 million people on treatment by year end would be achieved. However, it was a necessary goal at that stage. But for those concerned with meeting the challenge of HIV/AIDS impacts, increased antiretroviral therapy (ART) availability has to be seen for what it is: an opportunity to take a breath in the struggle against the impact of AIDS and think, and think hard, about what we do next.
Distributional and nutritional impact of devaluation in Rwanda
Minot, Nicholas. 1998
Minot, Nicholas. 1998
Theoretical analysis of policy effects on household decisions and outcomes: a case study of smallholders in high-altitude areas of Rwanda
Bliven, Neal Wayne. Washington, DC 1995
Bliven, Neal Wayne. Washington, DC 1995
The impact of policies on smallholders: Rwanda case study
Bliven, Neal Wayne. Washington, D.C. 1994
Bliven, Neal Wayne. Washington, D.C. 1994
Consumption effects of commercialization of agriculture
Bouis, Howarth. Baltimore, MD 1994
Bouis, Howarth. Baltimore, MD 1994
Abstract | PDF (687.8 KB)
The commercialization of agricultur has, in many diverse circumstances, led both to an increase in household income and to changes in the way household resources are organized to earn that income, Have these changes meant that food intakes are more nutritions and that health and sanitation conditions are improved? This chapter addresses three central questions: (1) to what extent are increments in income spent on nonfood items, in particular, health-related items; (2) to what extent are increments in income spent on food, and (controlling income) dows the switch to commercial production alter the marginal propensities to spend on food; and (3) to what extent do increments in food expenditures lead to greater calorie intakes, both at the household level and at the individual preschooler level?
Commercialization of agriculture and food security: Development strategy and trade policy issues
Islam, Nural. Baltimore, MD 1994
Islam, Nural. Baltimore, MD 1994
Abstract | PDF (901.3 KB)
The choice between subsistence food crops, on the one hand, and cash crops, especially nonfood cash crops predominantly meant for exports, on the other hand, is a subject of considerable debate among policy makers as well as development specialists. The debate raises issues not only at the level of farming households but also at the level of national and international policies, including macroeconomic policies such as trade and exchange rate policies. This chapter reviews and focuses on those aspects of principal relevance in the context of an overall agrcultural development strategy and food security.
Health and nutrition effects of commercialization of agriculture
Kennedy, Eileen. Baltimore, MD 1994
Kennedy, Eileen. Baltimore, MD 1994
Abstract | PDF (1 MB)
One of the most contentious issues in the cash crop/food crop debate revolves around the impact of commercialization of agriculture on the health and nutritional status of women and children/ This chaper examines the effects of commercialization of agriculture on preschoolers' health nad nutritional status. The chapter also assesses the effects on women along the lines of the conceptual ramework described in chapter 2.
Production, employment, and income effects of commercialization of agriculture
von Braun, Joachim. Baltimore, MD 1994
von Braun, Joachim. Baltimore, MD 1994
Abstract | PDF (1.4 MB)
The three chapters in Part III report synthesis is findings from the microlevel IFPRI research in The Gambia, Guatemala, Kenya, the Philippines, and Rwanda, as well as from the other case studies presented in Part V. Any attempt to synthesize and generalize on the basis of the detailed case studies runs the risk of excessively extrapolating from special circumstances and of losing insights gained from these case studies, whose strengths are the detailed~assessments of the commercialization-production-income-consumption-nutrition chain and the important feedbacks from these elements. This chapter, on the first elements of the commercialization chain, is therefore to be seen in the context of the following two chapters, and all the three synthesis chapters together are to be seen in the context of the rich insights from the individual studies discussed later.
Introduction and overview [in Agricultural commercialization, economic development, and nutrition]
von Braun, Joachim. Baltimore, MD 1994
von Braun, Joachim. Baltimore, MD 1994
Abstract | PDF (349.2 KB)
Why should there be a book about the commercialization of subsistence agriculture, economic development, and nutrition? There are two compelling resasons. First, concerns and suspicions about adverse effects on the poor of commercialization of subsistence agriculture persist and influence policy of developing countries and of donor agencies. Second, in rural areas of low-income countries, nutritional welfare is determined by many complex factors whose relationships to agricultural commercialization and economic development need to be traced in order to design optimal rural growth policies that benefit the poor.
Agricultural processing enterprises: Development potentials and links to the smallholder
Abbott, John C.. Baltimore, MD 1994
Abbott, John C.. Baltimore, MD 1994
Abstract | PDF (714.3 KB)
In countries where farming and fishing are major productive activities, processing enterprises can have a strategic developmental role. Infrastructural, institutional, and contractural issues arise around them. Whereas consumption and nutrition effects of agricultural commercialiazation linked to specific processing enterprises are traced in some of the detailed studies in Part V (for example, export vegetables, chapter 12; spices plantation, chapter 14; dairy, chapter 15; sugarcane factories, chapter 13 and 16), this chapter gives an overview of the broader experiences, potentials and problems of agricultural processing enterprises.
Agricultural commercialization, economic development, and nutrition
von Braun, Joachim, ed.; Kennedy, Eileen T., ed.. Baltimore, MD 1994
von Braun, Joachim, ed.; Kennedy, Eileen T., ed.. Baltimore, MD 1994
Abstract | PDF (21 MB)
Why should there be a book about the commercialization of subsistence agriculture, economic development, and nutrition? There are two compelling reasons. First, concerns and suspicions about adverse effects on the poor of commercialization of subsistence agriculture persist and influence policy of developing countries and of donor agencies. Second, in rural areas of low-income countries, nutritional welfare is determined by many complex factors whose relationships to agricultural commercialization and economic development need to be traced in order to design optimal rural growth policies that benefit the poor. In view of the challenges of rapid urbanization and the chances of commercialization, the question is not if subsistence agriculture should be overcome, but how. Thus, the purpose of this book is to clarify concepts, add comprehensive factual information, and assist policy and program analysts in identifying potentials and risks of promoting commercialization of agriculture for poverty alleviation.
Contract farming and commercialization of agriculture in developing countries
Glover, David. Baltimore, MD 1994
Glover, David. Baltimore, MD 1994
Abstract | PDF (562.5 KB)
The distributional benefits of commercialization of agriculture, access to commercialization opportunities, and sharing of commercialization risks are functions of institutional arrangements. Obviously, the indirect food security and nutritional effects are, thereby, partly a function of such institutional arrangements. This chapter explores the relevance to food security of one form of contractual relationship in agriculture: formal contracts between producers and buyers (generally processors or exporters), a production and marketing system known as contract farming. The chapter does not refer to the extensive literature on informal contractual relations, such as sharecropping, or on traditional systems of contract farming, such as the extensive "strange farmer" system in West Africa's groundnut sector. The chapter draws generalizations and conclusion from studies done by the author and by other researchers. The latter include two research networks initiated by the author. One network surveyed the experience with contract farming in several East and Southern African countries (Eastern Africa Economic Review 1989); the second examined the experience in Thailand, Malaysia, and the Philippines (Glover and Lim, forthcoming).
The triple role of potatoes as a source of cash, food, and employment: Effects on nutritional improvement in Rwanda
Blanken, Jürgen; von Braun, Joachim; de Haen, Hartwig. Baltimore, MD 1994
Blanken, Jürgen; von Braun, Joachim; de Haen, Hartwig. Baltimore, MD 1994
Abstract | PDF (967.5 KB)
Potatoes, of all food crops, had the fastest average annual growth rate of production in Rwanda between 1970 and 1985: 6.8 percent. This increase in potato production was mainly brought about by a rapid expansion of the cultivated and harvested acreage, which grew by 6.7 percent per year during the same period, whereas average yields only slightly increased by 0.1 percent per year. In 1983, potato production covered an estimated 3.3 percent of the total harvest food crop acreage, and contributed to 3.1 percent of total calorie production (Delepierre 1985).
Conclusions for agricultural commercialization policy
von Braun, Joachim; Kennedy, Eileen T.. Baltimore, MD 1994
von Braun, Joachim; Kennedy, Eileen T.. Baltimore, MD 1994
Abstract | PDF (742.1 KB)
Agricultural commercialization, economic development, and nutrition are linked with one another. Policies influence the strength and direction of these linkages and welfare outcomes. Ignoring the linkages may be to the disadvantage of the nutritional welfare of the poor; opportunities to improve the well-being of the poor may be lost. In this concluding chapter, we attempt to draw some generalized lessons from the receding chapters.
The triple role of potatoes as a source of cash, food, and employment: effects on nutritional improvement in Rwanda
Blanken, Juergen; von Braun, Joachim; de Haen, Hartwig. Baltimore, MD 1994
Blanken, Juergen; von Braun, Joachim; de Haen, Hartwig. Baltimore, MD 1994
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