Assessing the Effect of Land Degradation on Farmer's Livelihood: A Case of Muhanga District, Rwanda

This research focused on assessing the extent and nature of land degradation's impact on farmers' livelihoods in Muhanga District of the Southern Province, Rwanda. The specific objectives are to analyze the land degradation in Muhanga District of Southern Province, Rwanda, to assess the level of farmers’ livelihood in Muhanga District of Southern Province, Rwanda and to establish whether there is a significant effect of land degradation on farmer’s livelihood in Muhanga District, Southern Province of Rwanda. Therefore, the research will test the following hypotheses: H0: There is no significant effect of land degradation on livelihood of famers in Muhanga District of Southern Province, Rwanda and H1: There is a significant effect of land degradation on livelihood of famers in Muhanga District of Southern Province, Rwanda. The researcher used descriptive and correlational research design. The population of the study is 119,625 People in whole city of Muhanga, from whom a sample size of 391 is calculated using Cochran G. William formula. The data was collected using questionnaire and documentary. The data was analyseduwing means and standard deviation. The analysis of the coefficients in Table 4.21 shows that the variable "Land management practices" plays a significant role in affecting farmers' livelihoods. The standardized coefficient (Beta) of 0.371 is statistically significant (p < 0.001), indicating that land management practices is a prominent factor impacting farmers' livelihood. This suggests that Muhanga district has experienced a notable level of flood occurrences during the period of 2010-2022. The impact of land management practices on farmers' livelihood is substantial, highlighting the importance of understanding and addressing flood disasters in the region. The coefficient for "Deforestation" in Table 4.21 is highly significant with a Beta of 0.430 (p < 0.001). This indicates that deforestation due to land management practices has a significant impact on the livelihood status of farmers in Muhanga district. Farmers face substantial challenges in maintaining their livelihoods due to crop losses caused by land management practices... The findings indicate a moderate level of agreement among respondents regarding their awareness of soil erosion, its causes, and its significant contribution to land degradation. The acknowledgment of unsustainable agricultural practices and deforestation exacerbating soil erosion highlights the interconnected nature of these factors. This analysis forms a foundational understanding of the prevailing land degradation awareness in Muhanga District The regression analysis provides statistical evidence supporting the significant impact of certain aspects of land degradation on farmers' livelihood. Specifically, effective land management practices and addressing deforestation emerge as crucial factors positively influencing farmers' well-being. However, soil erosion and nutrient depletion, while acknowledged by respondents, may not exert a statistically significant impact based on the data. Based on the findings of the study on the effect of land degradation on farmers' livelihood in Muhanga District, Southern Province, Rwanda, the following recommendations are suggested: Encourage and support farmers in adopting sustainable agricultural practices that minimize soil erosion and nutrient depletion. This may include promoting agroforestry, contour plowing, cover cropping, and organic farming techniques. Agricultural extension services can play a crucial role in providing training and support. Implement reforestation programs to restore degraded lands and prevent further deforestation.