NATIONAL STRATEGY FOR SUSTAINABLE GRADUATION ON RURAL HOUSEHOLD WELLBEING IN RWANDA A CASE OF SHYOGWE SECTOR IN MUHANGA DISTRICT

Abstract

This study aims to evaluate how the National Strategy for Sustainable Graduation impacts the well-being of rural households in Shyogwe Sector, Muhanga District, Rwanda. The research addressed specific objectives: assessing the strategy's contribution to rural household well-being, identifying key components influencing economic, social, and health outcomes, and exploring challenges and opportunities for sustainable development in Shyogwe Sector. The target population is 343, with a sample size of 185 respondents determined using Slovin's formula and selected through stratified sampling. The study utilized both secondary and primary data, with primary data collected via questionnaires. To ensure the validity and reliability of the research instruments, face-to-face evaluations, test-retest methodology, and Cronbach's coefficient (with a threshold of 0.7) was used. Concurrent triangulation enhanced the study's trustworthiness. Data collection involved structured questionnaires, and analysis included descriptive statistics, inferential statistics, and Pearson's correlation analysis to determine relationships between variables. Qualitative data was analyzed using thematic analysis, with results presented through narrative summaries and direct quotations. Quantitative data analysis included descriptive statistics (percentages, frequencies, counts) and inferential techniques like multiple regression. The findings from the regression analysis reveal significant insights into the factors influencing rural well-being. The constant term has a value of 1.495, indicating the baseline level of rural well-being when all predictors are at zero, with a high statistical significance (p < 0.001). Among the predictors, Skills Development Programs have a positive and statistically significant effect on rural well-being (B = 0.100, p = 0.033), suggesting that increased emphasis on skills training contributes positively to overall well-being. In contrast, Public-Private Partnerships show a non-significant negative effect (B = -0.017, p = 0.663), indicating that these partnerships may not currently be effectively enhancing rural well-being. Economic Empowerment has a substantial negative impact (B = -0.321, p < 0.001), implying that the current approach to economic empowerment may need reevaluation. The most substantial effect comes from Social and Community Development (B = 0.902, p < 0.001), highlighting its critical role in improving rural well-being. The regression analysis concludes that while skills development programs and social and community development significantly improve rural well-being, economic empowerment approaches need reassessment, and public-private partnerships do not currently have a substantial impact on enhancing wellbeing. Based on the findings, it is recommended to prioritize enhancing Social and Community Development initiatives, reassess and improve Economic Empowerment strategies, and ensure that Skills Development Programs continue to support rural well-being effectively, while reevaluating the role and impact of Public-Private Partnerships. Further research should explore the specific mechanisms by which social and community development programs impact rural well-being, as well as investigate the underlying reasons for the non-significant effects of public-private partnerships and economic empowerment initiatives