Effect of Vision Umurenge Programme on Sustainable Poverty Reduction Among Beneficiary and Non-Beneficiary Households in Huye Town, Rwanda

This study examined associations between Vision Umurenge Programme (VUP) participation and multidimensional household welfare in Huye Town, Rwanda, using a comparative cross-sectional survey supported by key-informant interviews and contextual field observations. From approximately 1,040 eligible households, 180 were targeted; 110 valid questionnaires (61.1%) were retained after tracing difficulties, household absence and incomplete returns, comprising 83 beneficiaries and 27 non-beneficiaries. The quantitative analysis used group comparisons, correlation, multiple regression and propensity score matching (PSM); qualitative information assisted interpretation but was not independently quantified. Financial Services access was strongly associated with income-generating activity (IGA) engagement (χ² = 70.17, p < 0.001). In the primary regression, Financial Services (β = 0.635, p < 0.001), household size (β = 0.116, p < 0.001) and education (β = 0.186, p = 0.010) were significant; Direct Support and Public Works were not. Among 26 matched pairs, beneficiary households had higher composite scores (paired t = 2.529, p = 0.018) and productive asset counts (paired t = 2.575, p = 0.016), but not significantly higher income or food consumption scores. These findings indicate associations, not proven programme effects, given the small, uneven groups, possible unobserved confounding and single-time-point data. The findings support strengthening Financial Services access, and testing targeted livelihood and nutrition support; adjustments to wages require separate cost and adequacy evidence.