Investigating the effectiveness of land use consolidation– a component of the crop intensification programme in Rwanda

Abstract

Fragmented agriculture land use remains a policy concern in Rwanda. In response to this, since 2008, land use consolidation (LUC) has been at the central of the agricultural intensification as a component of the Crop Intensification Programme (CIP). It is designed to reduce poverty and ensure national food and nutrition security. Despite emerging positive LUC's effects, fragmented land use persists especially more on the hillside than the marshlands. Existing studies assessing the effectiveness and impacts of LUC have so far generated a mixed and opposing evidence. To enlighten on the current status and dynamics of LUC, this paper has used a systematic review of research conducted to take stock of available empirical evidence on LUC's impacts across economic, food and nutrition security, and environmental and climate change resilience outcomes. Our results substantiate that none of the identified case studies has provided a strong basis to establish the overall effectiveness and impact of land use consolidation. Existing studies have only addressed some constituents of LUC and impacts on certain outcomes while leaving others unpacked. This leaves the studies vulnerable to potential biases, leading consequently to under or overestimate of LUC's effects. Going forward, we stress a need for a comprehensive impact study, specifically designed for a comprehensive empirical evaluation of LUC, taking into account its overall policy and development ecosystem. This will help to establish the achieved impact and inform a clear direction of its future interventions contributing to sustainable agriculture transformation agenda of Rwanda.