Climatic Change and Performance of Agro-based Projects of Rwanda Co-operative Agricultural Growth
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.31305/rrijm.2025.v10.n10.001Keywords:
Climatic Change, Agro-based Projects, Co-operative Agricultural GrowthAbstract
Climate change posed major challenges to agriculture, significantly affecting the performance of agro-based projects in Rwanda. The Rwanda Cooperative Agricultural Growth (RCAG) initiative was particularly impacted by shifting precipitation patterns, rising temperatures, and seasonal climate variability, which threatened productivity, sustainability, and profitability. This study assessed how climate variability influenced the performance of agro-based projects under RCAG. Specifically, it examined the effects of precipitation shifts, rising temperatures, and seasonal variability on agricultural productivity and project outcomes. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining quantitative and qualitative data. The study adopted descriptive and correlational research designs. The target population consisted of 500 cooperative farmers, extension officers, and policymakers, from which a sample of 222 respondents was drawn using Taro Yamane’s formula. Stratified random sampling was applied to farmers, while purposive sampling identified key informants. Data were collected through structured questionnaires and key informant interviews. Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS for descriptive and inferential statistics, while qualitative data were analyzed thematically. Ethical considerations such as informed consent, confidentiality, and institutional approval were strictly observed. The findings revealed that precipitation shifts had a strong effect on yield, sustainability, and economic viability (M = 4.62, SD = 0.75), while rising temperatures significantly reduced productivity and increased adaptation costs (M = 4.68, SD = 0.66). Seasonal variability also disrupted farm planning and project outcomes (M = 4.64, SD = 0.70). Regression analysis showed that climatic factors collectively explained 84.3% of the variance in agro-based project performance (R² = 0.843, p < 0.001). Qualitative interviews supported these results, with cooperative leaders highlighting challenges such as irregular rainfall, high irrigation costs, and the limited affordability of climate-smart technologies. The study concluded that climate change significantly affected the performance of agro-based projects in Rwanda, with precipitation shifts being the most influential factor. It recommended that resilience strategies should integrate government policies, affordable technological innovations, and farmer awareness programs.
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