Analyzing the Impact of COVID-19 on Agricultural Cooperatives in Rwanda: Coping Strategies of the Dukunde Umurimo Cooperative

This study aims to unravel the profound impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on Rwanda's agricultural cooperatives, concentrating on the nuanced dynamics within the Dukunde Umurimo cooperative. Its primary focus lies in assessing the extent of Covid-19's influence on the cooperative's members, exploring their adopted coping mechanisms, identifying post-pandemic challenges, and proposing strategies to alleviate these identified challenges. Employing a mixed-methods approach combining qualitative and quantitative research designs, the study encompassed 755 members of Dukunde Umurimo Cooperative, with a sample of 88 derived through the Yamane formula utilizing simple random and purposive sampling techniques. Data collection involved interviews, questionnaires, and documentation techniques. Utilizing descriptive statistics—frequency and percentage analysis—and comparative methods, the research evaluated cooperative productivity across pre-Covid, during, and post-Covid periods. Findings revealed a notable decrease in income and sales quantities during the Covid-19 period, followed by a significant post-pandemic increase. Concurrently, reductions in production, sales, and demand emerged as prominent challenges faced by Dukunde Umurimo cooperative members. Based on these findings, recommendations include strengthening resilience through diversification, and enhance the insurance risks management for the agricultural produce.