Why do Farmers in Nyaruguru District Adopt Organic Coffee Production Methods?

Abstract

Purpose: Nyaruguru is the most southerly district in Rwanda, lying between the cities of Butare and Cyangugu and along the Burundian border. It is mountainous, containing part of the montane forest of Nyungwe, one of Rwanda's most popular tourist destinations. Innovation and adoption of new technologies in agriculture is one of the keys that should reduce poverty in that area. The aim of this study is to analyse the factors influencing farmer’s adoption of organic coffee production practices in Rwanda. Methodology: This study employed a cross-sectional survey design and a multi-stage sampling technique to select a sample for this study. However, a total sample size of 150 respondents was used. The functional form of the stochastic frontier production (or cost) model employed for this study is the Cobb-Douglas (C-D) functional form. In the analysis, descriptive statistics and a Tobit model were used with the help of STATA.  Findings: The study found out that appropriate seeds and planting material is one of the most important factors in production. The findings of logit regression analysis also indicated that four factors such as education level, land size, farming experience, gender and enhanced soil fertility had positive and significant influence on adoption of organic coffee production practices. The demand for organic products creates new export opportunities. The market returns from organic agriculture can potentially contribute to local food security by increasing family incomes. Conclusion: The study conclude that the most common constraints to adoption of organic coffee production practices were lack stable and reliable market, high cost of inputs, lack of extension services, and inadequate capital. Recommendations: The study recommended that efforts aiming at promoting organic coffee production practices among smallholder’s farmers should focus on enhancement of farmer-awareness, provision of training and technical advice on organic farming practices. This can be achieved through agricultural extension services and developing information networks among farmers. Also, the government should strive to improve extension services through field visit and strive to stabilize coffee markets.