Abstract :
[en] This study attempted to examine the role of institutions in boosting rural and agricultural development in the region of Volcanic Highlands in Rwanda. Both qualitative and quantitative data were collected from a random sample of 401 small-scale farmers through a questionnaire. Data were analysed using a weighted-least squares method to account for heteroscedasticity, a common issue in cross-section studies. Results from the crop output function reveal a positive and significant effect of cooperative membership, a positive non-significant effect of extension services, and a negative non-significant effect of land tenure, credit access and market access on farm production, respectively. In terms of the net farm income function, the results demonstrate that farmer cooperation, land tenure, extension services, and access to the output market have a positive non-significant influence, but that access to finance has a negative non-significant effect. It was therefore suggested that agricultural sector programmes and activities should be readapted and strengthened in order to leverage rural and agricultural development in Rwanda.
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