Impact of Crop Intensification Program on Sustainable Maize Production in Rwanda

Abstract

This paper focused on crops production under Crop Intensification Program (CIP) with an overall objective of generating knowledge about the impact of CIP on crops production in Rwanda. The purpose of this study was to assess whether the Crop Intensification Program is effective in boosting Maize Production yields among the maize growers in the sector. Specifically, the researcher analyzed Maize production before and after the program. According to Paraid t test, there is difference between Maize before and after CIP because t stat (= 2.69) is greater than t critical value (= 2. 13) and P value (= 0. 03) which is less than 0. 05 and this means that there is significance between Maize crop production before and after CIP. The result showed that, CIP increased Maize production in Rwanda due to improved seed and fertilizers use. However, even if the CIP has a positive impact on Maize production, there is a long way to go if VISION 2020 and MDG1 are to be achieved and three major constraints were mentioned that hamper Maize production and these were the low commercialization of Maize output, climate related shocks and harvest and post-harvest handling constraints. To overcome these constraints the government of Rwanda and MINAGRI in particular should create market opportunities to Maize growers in order to help them to generate income which through it, they will improve their living conditions and purchase seeds, fertilizers and others related inputs for the next agricultural season. This study concludes that the CIP has a positive impact on Maize crop production due to the increase of productive inputs (fertilizers use), of improved seeds, Improvement of irrigation, district and sector agronomists.