Climate Change Resilience Practices and Their Implication on Agricultural Production in Rwanda: A Case of Maize Production in Boneza, Gihango, Mukura and Musasa Sectors, Rutsiro District (2019-2025)

Abstract

Climate change poses a significant threat to agricultural production in Rutsiro District, Rwanda, particularly among smallholder maize farmers in the rain-fed sectors of Boneza, Gihango, Mukura, and Musasa, where soil erosion, erratic rainfall, and declining soil fertility continue to reduce maize productivity. Although the Government of Rwanda, through MINAGRI and REMA, has promoted climate resilience practices such as agroforestry, conservation agriculture, improved seed varieties, and water management, limited empirical evidence exists on their effectiveness in the study area. This study examined the effect of climate change resilience practices on maize production between 2019 and 2025 using a mixed-methods research design. A sample of 389 maize farmers was selected from a population of 14,306 using Yamane's formula, complemented by 10 key informant interviews and four focus group discussions. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics, correlation, and regression analysis, while qualitative data were analysed thematically. The findings revealed relatively high adoption of agroforestry (74.9%), water management (67.4%), and conservation agriculture (64.0%), while qualitative evidence showed that improved seed varieties were the most preferred practice because of their early maturity, higher productivity, and support through government and development partner programmes. Maize yield increased by 47%, from 1.85 tons/ha in 2019 to 2.72 tons/ha in 2025, and food-secure households increased from 27.8% to 53.4%. Correlation analysis showed a significant positive relationship between climate resilience practices and maize yield (r = 0.529, p < 0.01), while regression analysis indicated that the four practices jointly explained 41.5% of the variation in maize yield (R² = 0.415). However, high input costs, inadequate irrigation infrastructure, and limited access to extension services remained major barriers to adoption. The study concludes that climate resilience practices significantly improve maize production and household food security in the study area. It recommends strengthening the implementation of climate-smart agriculture policies through increased investment in agricultural extension services, subsidised improved seeds and irrigation technologies, farmer training, and improved access to agricultural finance to enhance the adoption of integrated climate resilience practices and sustain agricultural productivity