Climate Change Adaptation And Performance Of Agriculture Projects In Rwanda A Case Of Kayonza Irrigation And Integrated Watershed Management Project

Abstract

The general objective of this study was to assess effect of climate change adaptation strategies on performance of KWIIP. Specifically, the study analyzed the effect of water management strategies on performance of KWIIP, ascertain the effect of climate-resilient agriculture on performance of KWIIP and determined the effect of community-based adoption on performance of KWIIP. The research aimed to enroll 151 participants, including 10 health and environment unit heads at the local level, 85 employees at the sector level, 15 administrators from KWIIP, and 41 project workers at the district level.  The Slovin formula was used to determine the sample size.  When applied to the provided sample, this formula yielded a sample size of 110. Cluster sampling included selecting respondents from pre-existing demographic categories. The research team employed a combination of a questionnaire, in-depth interviews, and document reviews to compile their findings. The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) was used by the researcher to assess the data that had been obtained. This study's methodology used both descriptive and correlational approaches. The results showed that the variables that might be used to forecast how well the KWIIP would do were community-based adoption, climate-resilient agriculture, and water management practices. The correlation coefficient was at 0.495. An R-squared value of 0.245 indicates that the three independent variables (Community-Based Adoption, Climate Resilient Agriculture, and Water Management Strategies) account for about 24.5% of the variation in the dependent variable. With each unit increase in Water Management Strategies, the projected performance of the KWIIP is expected to climb by 0.323 units (β=0.323, t=3.992, p=0.000). In a similar vein, the Performance of the KWIIP (β = 0.304, t = 3.160, p=0.002) is correlated with an increase of 0.304 units in Community-Based Adoption, as shown by a coefficient of 0.304. There seems to be only a minor correlation between Climate Resilient Agriculture and the success of the KWIIP (β=0.009, t =0.117, p=0.907). The dependent variable is significantly impacted by Water Management Strategies and Community-Based Adoption, as shown by their statistical significance (Sig. <0.05). Nevertheless, there is no substantial contribution from Climate Resilient Agriculture (p>0.05) to the prediction of KWIIP Performance. Wastewater recycling, improving water management with tech-driven solutions, and increasing awareness of flood-resistant crop types are all areas where KWIIP could use some work in terms of developing effective communication methods. Drought-resistant crops and other climate-resilient agricultural techniques should be included into KWIIP. To further assure broad adoption of sustainable practices, KWIIP should build feedback systems, engage leaders, conduct training programs, and include community people in decision-making.