IMPACT OF COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION ON PERFORMANCE OF DRYLAND RESTORATION INITIATIVES: A CASE STUDY OF COMBIO AND TREPA PROJECTS IN RWAMAGANA DISTRICT, EASTERN RWANDA
Faculty of Environmental Studies, University of Lay Adventists Kigali, Rwanda.
* Corresponding Author: Email: tuyisengechrisy@gmail.com
Research Article
International Journal of Life Science Research Archive, 2026, 11(02), 020–031.
Article DOI: 10.53771/ijlsra.2026.11.2.0056
Publication history:
Received on 06June 2026; revised on 15 October 2026; accepted on 17 October 2026
Abstract:
This study examined the impact of community participation on the performance of dryland restoration initiatives implemented under the TREPA and COMBIO projects in Rwamagana District, Rwanda, since 2022. Despite increasing investments in dryland restoration, limited empirical evidence existed regarding how different levels and forms of community participation influence restoration outcomes in Rwanda. The existing literature showed that environmental constraints, particularly climate variability, can significantly impact forest cover dynamics and restoration success regardless of participation levels. The study adopted a mixed-methods cross-sectional descriptive-correlational research design. Data were collected from 245 respondents across four sectors of Rwamagana District (Nzige, Muyumbu, Munyaga, and Fumbwe) using structured questionnaires, field observations, 40 key informant interviews, and four focus group discussions. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, Independent Samples t-tests, ANOVA, and Multiple Linear Regression in SPSS Version 25, while qualitative data were analyzed thematically. The findings revealed that community participation varied across planning, implementation, and monitoring stages. Participation during planning was relatively low to moderate, whereas implementation participation was generally high, with more than 72% of respondents actively involved in restoration activities such as tree planting, maintenance, and site protection. Monitoring participation was moderate, with stronger engagement observed in interventions where communities demonstrated greater ownership and responsibility. Restoration performance was generally moderate to high, with most respondents estimating tree survival rates between 51% and 75%, while sites characterized by stronger community participation demonstrated comparatively better restoration outcomes. Pearson correlation analysis revealed a strong positive and statistically significant relationship between community participation and restoration performance (r = 0.71, p < 0.001). Multiple regression analysis further showed that participation in implementation strongly predicted tree survival and immediate benefits, while participation in monitoring significantly predicted community ownership and sustainability. The study concludes that meaningful and inclusive community participation is a key determinant of successful and sustainable dryland restoration outcomes.
Keywords:
Community ownership, Community participation, Dryland restoration, Short-term restoration outcomes, Tree survival
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