IMPACT OF AGRICULTURAL POLICIES ON FOOD SECURITY IN RWAMAGANA DISTRICT
Faculty of Environmental Studies, University of Lay Adventists Kigali, Rwanda.
* Corresponding Author: Email: nzeyimanapie@gmail.com
Research Article
International Journal of Life Science Research Archive, 2026, 11(02), 053–068.
Article DOI: 10.53771/ijlsra.2026.11.2.0067
Publication history:
Received on 11 June 2026; revised on 15 October 2026; accepted on 17 October 2026
Abstract:
Agricultural policy plays a crucial role in shaping food security by influencing agricultural productivity, market stability, and household access to food resources. Recognizing food security as a multidimensional concept encompassing availability, access, and stability, this study assessed how agricultural policies affect food security in Rwamagana District. The main objective was to assess the impact of agricultural policies on food security, while the specific objectives were to assess food availability status, examine existing agricultural policies, and determine their impact on food security in the district. The study adopted a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative data collected from 397 farming households using structured questionnaires and qualitative data obtained from interviews with farmers and local leaders. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics (frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviation) and inferential statistics, including Pearson correlation, ANOVA, and regression analysis. The findings revealed that agricultural policies have a positive and significant effect on food security in the study area. Specifically, 78.6% of respondents reported increased crop production, 66.5% indicated improved household food security, and 75.8% reported increased income from agricultural activities. Pearson correlation results showed a strong positive relationship between agricultural policies and food security (r = 0.68, p < 0.001), while regression analysis confirmed that agricultural policies significantly predict food security outcomes (R = 0.68, R² = 0.46, β = 0.68, p < 0.001), explaining 46% of the variation in food security. However, the study also found persistent challenges, including unequal access to agricultural inputs, moderate extension service coverage, and seasonal food shortages affecting 33.5% of households. The study concludes that although agricultural policies significantly improve food security, their full impact is constrained by implementation gaps and structural limitations. It recommends strengthening input distribution systems, improving extension service coverage, and enhancing market access to ensure sustainable food security in the district.
Keywords:
Agricultural policies, Food security, Food availability, Rural households, Rwamagana District
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Copyright © 2026 Author(s) retain the copyright of this article. This article is published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Liscense 4.0