Exploring Crop Choices: Benefits, Challenges, and Rationale Among Rwandan Farmers

Farming decisions on crop choices are guided by different factors including natural conditions, household needs, traditions, stakeholder recommendations, and productivity. The best decision varies for each farmer based on specific circumstances. There are both benefits and challenges in farmers’ crop growing experience. In Rwanda, agriculture employs 70% of the population, contributing 33% to the GDP across three main agricultural seasons. However, food and nutritional insecurity remain pressing issue affecting both human and economic progress. This study explored the rationale, benefits, and challenges of farmers’ choices. This study used a qualitative descriptive approach, conducting six focus group discussions (FGDs) in each participating district. Each FGD comprised 10 participants, ensuring gender balance. Recruitment was facilitated by local community health workers (CHWs), with participants providing informed consent. Trained data collectors utilized voice recorders to collect the data. The researchers transcribed the data verbatim, anonymized the data, and translated the same data into English. Data analysis revealed four key themes- reasons for cultivation, factors influencing crop choice, farmers’ livelihoods, and farming challenges. Findings highlight the need for holistic and context-specific solutions in Rwandan agricultural development, emphasizing stakeholder collaboration to support informed decision-making and sustainable agriculture.