EMPOWERING WOMEN THROUGH LAND OWNERSHIP AND EDUCATION AS A PATHWAY TO POVERTY ALLEVIATION IN RWANDA A CASE STUDY OF MUHANGA DISTRICT

Abstract

This study, titled Empowering Women through Land Ownership and Education as a Pathway to Poverty Alleviation in Rwanda: A Case Study of Muhanga District (2020 - 2024), aims to explore the contribution of women’s land ownership and educational empowerment in reducing poverty. The study focuses on four key objectives: examining the current status of women’s access to land ownership and education in Muhanga District; analyzing the socio-economic implications of land ownership and educational empowerment on household poverty levels; identifying the barriers and challenges women face in accessing land rights and education; and investigating potential policy interventions and grassroots initiatives aimed at promoting women's empowerment to alleviate poverty in Muhanga District and beyond. Utilizing a mixed- methods approach, the research sampled 383 women using purposive and simple random techniques from a population of 103,844. Data was collected through questionnaires, interviews, and documentation, then analyzed using both descriptive and thematic methods. The findings reveal that legislative reforms have improved women’s access to land (100% agreed), and empowered them to assert their rights (70% agreed), and increased community awareness of women’s land rights (73% agreed). Furthermore, land ownership has enhanced women's socio- economic status by increasing household income (61% confirm), and fostering entrepreneurial activities (100% confirm it). Despite these gains, significant challenges remain, including legal complexities (60% agreed) and cultural norms (100% agreed). The study recommends strengthening legal frameworks, expanding financial assistance programs, and promoting awareness campaigns to further support women’s land rights and empowerment, ultimately contributing to poverty alleviation in the district.