EFFECTS OF AGRICULTURAL INPUTS AND CLIMATE SMART TECHNOLOGIES AND PRACTICES ON MAIZE YIELD IN RWANDA (from 2017 to 2022)

Abstract

The rapid global population growth, projected to exceed 9.8 billion by 2050, necessitates a corresponding surge in agricultural production to meet increased food demand. Maize, identified by FAO as a globally vital food crop, plays a crucial role in food security due to its nutritional richness, providing energy, dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals. It also serves as a vital raw material in various industries. In Rwanda, maize stands as the second major crop, with 56% of household farmers engaged in its cultivation. Despite Rwanda's commitment to agricultural transformation and global recognition, a notable gap persists in maize yield and production, leading to a deficit. This study's purpose was to evaluate the impact of agricultural inputs and climate-smart technologies on maize yield in Rwanda, utilizing six years of SAS data from NISR (2017-2022). Cross-sectional analysis was done by using STATA. The results showed that maize cultivation predominates in season A, with its area being three times that of season B. The Eastern Province consistently maintains a substantial share (ranging from 47% to 64%) of the total maize cultivation area nationwide. Remarkably, the Northern Province emerges as the top performer in maize yield, and the 5 districts that stand out for their exceptional yield are Burera, Gisagara, Nyaruguru, Nyagatate and Ngoma with a yield ranging from 1.6 to 2.16MT/ha. The study revealed that the adoption of organic and inorganic fertilizers, along with improved seeds, pesticides, effective irrigation, erosion control, and pure cropping systems have shown a positive impact on maize yield. Conversely, the presence of drought and heavy rainfall exerts detrimental effects on yield. In conclusion, the formulation of strategic interventions to optimize agricultural practices is imperative for sustaining maize production in Rwanda and meeting the growing demand for this essential crop.