1 Understanding food insecurity in rural Rwanda: how women ...

More documents

Recommendations

Info

Agriculture has important functions to perform in the economic development of most developing countries (Haruna and Umar 2011). However, many agricultural economists believed agricultural increase can only be achieved with introduction of new technology in traditional agriculture (Mohammed et al. 2005). The introduction of simple technologies in the form of improved seeds, agrochemicals, fertilizers and improved cultural practices is one of the quickest ways of improving agricultural production technology raising the productivity of agricultural resources (Haruna and Kushwaha 2003). Although a lot of efforts have been made to improve agricultural systems in order to increase the agricultural production both globally and internationally, it is still necessary to investigate in how the vulnerable poor members of communities benefit from the increase in agricultural production. 4.8. The role of governments in food security Governments in the developing countries found it necessary to invest in efforts enabling them to increase their own agricultural production. This is because, although the factors behind the food crisis are numerous, one of the longer-term reasons remains the decline in agricultural production in many developing countries (Behnassi and Yaya 2011, 107). Rwanda’s longterm development strategy articulated in the document “Vision 2020” has the ultimate goal of vanquishing poverty and misery, and attains a per capita income of middle-income countries by the year 2020. Agricultural transformation is one of the major pillars for achievement of the Vision 2020 goals. In order to achieve food security, the government of Rwanda uses policies such as the Economic Development and Poverty Reduction Strategy (EDPRS), the National Agricultural Policy (NAP), and the Strategic Plan for the Transformation of Agriculture (PSTA). 2 The agricultural sector remains the economic backbone of Rwanda; it employs about 87 percent of the working population, produces around 46 percent of GDP and 2 EDPRS identifies seven priority areas, including two that are relevant to food and nutrition security: “Poverty and vulnerability reduction” and “rural development and agricultural transformation”. The EDPRS was developed in 2007 as a medium term strategy and the United Nations Development Assistance Framework (UNDAF) 2008-2012 is entirely aligned with the EDPRS. In addition, the National Agricultural Policy (NAP) was adopted in 2004 and is based on the guidelines of Vision 2020. Its overall objective is to ensure sustained economic growth through poverty reduction and increasing farmers' incomes. Its specific objectives are: i) empower rural communities as active actors in the development of agriculture, ii) increase agricultural production, livestock and forestry through improved productivity of land and water iii) increase cash income through diversification of economic activities in rural areas iv) strengthen the link production/market v) sustainable management of natural resources and vi) improving the economic and social status of women and youth farmers in rural areas. 14
generates about 80 percent of the total export revenues. The ultimate objective of the agricultural policy is to contribute to the national economic growth, to achieve improved food security and the nutritional status of the population and increase the incomes of the rural households (Republic of Rwanda 2004, 1). Agricultural increase is very beneficial especially for rural households since over 80 percent of Rwanda's population live in rural areas and a large part of the farmers have an average size of their land less than 1 hectare per household. The rural incomes come mainly from the sale of food crops, livestock and crops. However, there may be a tension between the aim of increased agricultural production and increased food security, for instance when policies oblige people to grow export crops rather than mixed crops in their lands. In Rwanda, the agricultural production remains insufficient to meet the needs of the growing population thus inducing food insecurity and increasing poverty levels especially in rural areas where it is hard to find non-agricultural work. Although agricultural productivity is not the only solution to food insecurity, it is essential because higher productivity, especially in food staples and on smallholder farms, builds food security by increasing food availability and lowering the price of staple foods, thus improving access. It also boosts the incomes of millions of smallholder farmers, raising living standards and thus enlarging people’s capabilities and knowledge (United Nations Development Programme 2012, 22). V. Methodology 5.1. Design of the study The present study is qualitative. Qualitative research is a means for exploring and understanding the meaning individuals or groups ascribe to a social or human problem (Cresswell 2009, 3). The advantage of qualitative research is using multiple forms of data collection rather than rely on a single data source (Cresswell 2009, 175). The present study will use semi-structured interviews and observation. 5.2. Research instruments/ interviews and observation The present study will collect data using semi-structured interviews and observation. While conducting semi-structured interviews I will have an interview guide i.e. a list of questions or specific topics to be covered. Due to flexibility in semi-structured interviews, the order of questions will change where necessary and some questions that are not included in the guide 15
Page 1 and 2: Understanding food insecurity in ru
Page 3 and 4: esearch problems, the third part co
Page 5 and 6: • What are the causes of food ins
Page 7 and 8: and the threats should not be limit
Page 9 and 10: have an income, substantial evidenc
Page 11 and 12: availability addresses the “suppl
Page 13: (2008) says that food security in Z
Page 18 and 19: References Ansoms and McKay (2010).

1 Understanding food insecurity in rural Rwanda: how women ...

You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles

Delete template?

Save as template?