The Influence of A gricultural externsion services on food security in rural communities of Rwanda.Case of Ngoma Sector

Abstract

This study investigated the impact of agricultural extension services on food security within Ngoma Sector, Rulindo District, based on a sample of 100 respondents. The sample's demographic composition was 75% female and 25% male, with an average age of 35 years. Educational attainment was very high, with 90% of respondents having completed elementary and secondary education. The majority of homes (79%) had four to seven people, with 92% using banking services. The main crops grown are beans (23%), maize (15%), bananas (11%), and sweet potatoes (10%). Livestock ownership included hens (18%), cows and goats (38%), and goats (28%). The research aimed to evaluate the impact of agricultural extension services on rural Rwandan productivity, household food security, and identify challenges faced by extension workers and farmers. According to the research, training accounted for 85% of all extension services given. A large majority (93%) of respondents recognized agricultural extension services' strong positive impact on food security, 93% expressed great satisfaction with these services. Despite the fact that 92% of respondents reported acceptable food consumption, 76% were classified as moderately food insecure. A Pearson correlation coefficient of about 0.968 suggested a substantial positive relationship between agricultural extension services and food security. These findings showed the crucial significance of agricultural extension services in improving food security, but the persistence of moderate food insecurity among a sizable section of the population emphasized the necessity for ongoing assistance and focused interventions.