Knowledge, Attitude and Practices of Smallholder Farmers on Conservation Agriculture in Rwanda

Soil fertility decline in Rwanda is way beyond the continental average. This becomes an economic threat to the country considering that over 80% of the population derive their livelihood from agriculture. A survey was conducted to assess the level of knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) of smallholder farmers on conservation agriculture in Bugesera and Musanze districts of Rwanda. A total of 300 farmers were randomly selected from eight villages in Musanze and Bugesera districts. An open-ended structured questionnaire was used to collect data through household interviews from participants. Results of this study showed poor access to information on Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs) and Conservation Agriculture (CA) among smallholder farmers in the study area resulting into poor adoption of these practices. The use of organic and mineral fertilizers stands at 80% and roughly 60% respectively. However, farmers do not follow guidelines for the use of fertilizers but rather determine application rates by estimation or by random. Such inappropriate use of fertilizers is linked to increasing soil degradation countrywide which also contribute to the declining crop yield. There is a need to mobilize resources required to train farmers on practices that are conservational of soil nutrients and water such as GAPs and the CA practices.