Abstract:
The study conducted is titled, Promotion of agribusiness cluster in rice value chain and its impact on
farmer’s welfare in Rwanda, a case of Mukunguri agribusiness cluster (Nyamiyaga sector, Kamonyi
District).The objectives of study were to examine the structure of Rice agribusiness cluster , to
analyze the level of agriculture production in the Rice agribusiness cluster area , to analyze the
contribution of Mukunguri Agribusiness Cluster to the welfare of farmers and to set up the best
strategies that can improve the performance of Mukunguri agribusiness . In conducting the study the
mixed approach of qualitative and quantitative were adopted, proposing sampling technique were
used in sampling ,while questionnaire, interview, documentary, and debriefing meeting through
focus group discussion were used in data collection. Descriptive statistical analysis was used in data
analysis. The findings showed that before the implication of MRPIC the rice value chain was
composed by agri-shops as inputs suppliers, rice farmers as producers of paddy rice, and KABUYE
s.a in collecting, processing and wholesaling function. The supermarkets, shops, open market and
urban traders in retailing. Nowadays, value chain actors as well as supporters have changed. MRPIC
LTD is currently negotiating with cooperatives and individual farmers to establish a contract farming
which determine their business partnership in Rice value chain. The results also showed during
agribusiness cluster, cooperative arrived to increase the working area, productivity and total
production. The findings also revealed the increase of members capacity in the adhesion to health
insurance ,and the tangible improvement in housing where the house property owner had increased
from 81% to 98.4%.The study recommended
that MRPIC LTD and COOPRORIZ
ABAHUZABIKORWA must take advantage of new relationship with involvement of all
stakeholders with strong collaboration.
