Districts In Rwanda Research Articles

Parents Teachers Association’s Participation Activities and Selected Public Secondary Schools’ Students Academic Performance in Rwanda

The participation of parents and teachers in the performance of school activities plays a significant role in both teachers and students’ school performance. The government of Rwanda through the Ministry of Education has put a lot of emphasis to involve educational stakeholders in various school activities. However, the effectiveness of PTA in some public secondary schools in Rwanda is low. This formed the motive of the study to assess the influence of Parents Teachers Association (PTA)’s participation activities on public secondary schools students’ academic performance in Nyamagabe district in Rwanda. This paper employed correlation research design. The target population was 240 people corresponding to the sample size of 156 respondents by using Yamane formula. Questionnaire and guided interview were used as data collection instruments. The findings of the study revealed that 83.9% of the variations in students’ academic performance was influenced by PTA’s participation activities as R square was 0.839. The remaining 16.1% of school students’ academic performance could be influenced by other factors. The findings also revealed there is a statistically significance high degree of positive relationship between PTA’s participation activities and school students’ academic performance as the P-value was 0.000 which was less than 0.0. The Pearson coefficient of correlation (r) was 0. 866.  The study concluded that effective participation of PTA members in school activities improve the school students’ academic performance. The study recommended that school head teachers should work hand in hand with parents and also create active participation of Parents Teacher Association (PTA) committee in performance of various school activities in order to improve the school performance. Teachers should strengthen collaboration with parents in order to share various strategies which could be used to make conducive teaching environment and enhance the school students’ performance. Moreover, parents should give their participation in performance of school activities and make effective communication with school staffs in order to develop the effective learning conditions of their children. Keywords: Parents Teacher Association, school activities, academic performance, Public Secondary Schools, Rwanda

The Determinants of Financial Performance of SACCOs in RWANDA: The Case of Gakenke District

This study examined different determinants of financial performance of SACCOs in Gakenke District in Rwanda. The study had an objective of to make an evaluation on whether determinants affect financial performance of SACCOs in Gakenke District. The hypothesis to be tested was that how different determinants affect financial performance of SACCOs. A sample of 63 employees out of 76 managers, accountants, loan officers and chairmen of BoD in SACCOs located in Gakenke District was considered .Simple random selection was considered based on purposive sampling technique. The study was both qualitative and quantitative in nature. Interviews, questionnaires and observations have been used to collect the required data. The collected data was presented using tables and pie charts. The findings were based on objectives of the study .The findings indicated that the majority of respondents agreed that different determinants affect financial performance of SACCOs.It is further revealed that many of SACCOs in Gakenke district do not use advertisement for product differentiation .Also the scope and coverage of SACCOs was limited to the employees in administration level only.The main conclusion was that there was overreliance on debts (deposits) financing when extra funds is needed by majority of SACCOs and SACCOs do not use their reserves to settle debts at maturity.The main recommendations of the study includes that the National Bank of Rwanda must avail enough fund for loan restructuring in order to reduce NPLs and increase the liquidity for SACCOs in order to increase the level of performance of SACCOs. Gakenke district should help the SACCOs in recovering debts and assist SACCOs to persuade borrowers to pay their debts and also depositors to increase their savings for better performance of SACCOs. The management of SACCOS must ensure that there is an adequate and strong credit committee and strong system of recovering of loans in order to increase their performance. Keywords: Financial Performance, Saving and credit co-operative, Return on Equity, Return on Investment. Return on Asset. DOI: 10.7176/RJFA/12-18-10 Publication date: September 30 th 2021

Exploring the genetic diversity and population structure of scarlet eggplant germplasm from Rwanda through iPBS-retrotransposon markers.

Scarlet eggplant (Solanum aethiopicum gr. gilo) is a part of African indigenous vegetables and acknowledged as a source of variations in the breeding of Brinjal. Since its genetic diversity is still largely unexplored, therefore genetic diversity and population structure of this plant were investigated in this study. Scarlet eggplant germplasm made of fifty-two accessions originated from two districts of Rwanda was assessed by employing the iPBS-retrotransposon markers system. Twelve most polymorphic primers were employed for molecular characterization and they yielded 329 total bands whereupon 85.03% were polymorphic. The recorded mean polymorphism information content was 0.363 and other diversity indices such as; mean the effective number of alleles, mean Shannon's information index and gene diversity with the following values; 1.298, 0.300 and 0.187 respectively. A superior level of diversity was noticed among accessions from Musanze district. The model-based structure, neighbor-joining, and principal coordinate analysis (PCoA) gathered scarlet germplasm in a divergence manner to their collection district. Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) displayed that the utmost variations (81%) in scarlet eggplant germplasm are resulting in differences within populations. The extensive diversity of scarlet eggplant in Rwanda might be used to form the base and genetic resource of an exhaustive breeding program of this economically important African indigenous vegetable. For instance, accessions MZE53 and GKE11 might be proposed as parent candidates due to their high relative genetic distance (0.6781).

Examining Mathematical Problem-Solving Beliefs among Rwandan Secondary School Teachers

This study explored teachers' beliefs about mathematical problem-solving. It involved 36 identified teachers of Kayonza District in Rwanda via an explanatory mixed-method approach. The findings indicate that most teachers show a positive attitude towards advancing problem-solving in the mathematics classroom. However, they expose different views on its implementation. Role of problem-solving, Mathematical problems, and Problem-solving in Mathematics were identified as main themes. Problem-solving was highlighted as an approach that helps teachers use time adequately and helps students develop critical thinking and reasoning that enable them to face challenges in real life. The study recommends teacher professional development initiatives with their capacity to bring problem-solving to standard.

Synthesizing postpartum care pathways, facilitators, and barriers for women after cesarean section: a qualitative analysis from rural Rwanda

Background In low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), c-section is the most commonly performed operation, and surgical site infection (SSI) is the most common post-operative complication following all surgical procedures performed. Whilst multiple interventions have been rolled out to address high SSI rates, strategies for optimal care of patients at risk of developing SSIs need to include an understanding of the general care seeking behaviors, facilitators, and barriers among high-risk groups, including mothers delivering via c-section. This study explores the healthcare experiences of women who delivered by c-section section, from giving birth through recovery, and their associated decision-making, perceptions of care, and social and financial supports. Methods We conducted protocol-guided interviews in rural Kirehe District, Rwanda with twenty-five mothers who delivered by c-section at Kirehe District Hospital between February-April 2018, exploring their experience with delivery, hospitalization, recovery, and complications. Coded interviews were analyzed using the Grounded Theory approach to identify emergent themes. Thematic saturation was achieved. Results Overall, women largely followed the tiered referral system, as it was designed. A majority faced financial barriers to returning to care, and a majority were not able to describe the reason for their c-section, the complications experienced, or the treatment prescribed. We constructed a process map to summarize key steps where interventions should be designed to promote facilitators, to reduce barriers, and to identify and target the women being diverted from this designated path. Conclusions Understanding the existing healthcare pathway and the associated facilitators and barriers among postpartum women is critical to designing appropriate interventions that properly serve their needs. Our findings strongly suggest that moving or complimenting post-operative wound assessments from the health center into home-based care, and ensuring unified messaging around c-section indications, care, and complications at the community-level are two of the areas that may improve utilization of existing healthcare infrastructure for women who deliver by c-section in rural districts in Rwanda.

\u201c\u2026 the way we welcome them is how we will lead them to love family planning.\u201d: family planning providers in Rwanda foster compassionate relationships with clients despite workplace challenges

BackgroundRwanda has markedly increased the nation’s contraceptive use in a short period of time, tripling contraceptive prevalence in just 5 years between 2005 and 2010. An integral aspect of family planning programs is the interactions between family planning providers and clients. This study aims to understand the client-provider relationship in the Rwandan family planning program and to also examine barriers to those relationships.MethodsThis qualitative study in Rwanda utilized convenience sampling to include eight focus group discussions with family planning providers, both family planning nurses and community health workers, as well as in-depth interviews with 32 experienced modern contraceptive users. Study participants were drawn from the two districts in Rwanda with the highest and lowest modern contraceptive rates, Musanze and Nyamasheke, respectively Data analysis was guided by the thematic content approach, Atlas.ti 8 was utilized for coding the transcripts and collating the coding results, and Microsoft Excel for analyzing the data within code.ResultsData analysis revealed that, despite workplace related challenges – including inadequate staffing, training, and resources, relationships between providers and clients are strong. Family planning providers work hard to understand, learn from, and support clients in their initiation and sustained use of contraceptives.ConclusionGiven the existing context of purposeful efforts on the part of family planning providers to build relationships with their clients, if the current level of government support for family planning service provision is enhanced, Rwanda will likely sustain many current users of contraception and engage even more Rwandans in contraceptive services in the future.

Reducing Hygiene-Related Disease and Malnutrition in Rwanda

Water sanitation and hygiene-related disease and malnutrition are a high priority in developing countries, including Rwanda. Interventions that can trigger and sustain household-level behavioral change and practice are needed. A case-control study was conducted to assess the potential of the Community Health Club (CHC) intervention, which consisted of village-based health education on water sanitation, hygiene, nutrition, and monitoring of households’ practices to reduce water sanitation and hygiene-related disease and malnutrition. The study targeted one village which had been exposed to the CHC. As a control, one village was picked from among villages that had not been exposed to CHC intervention. The two villages were in the catchment area of the Nyabitimbo Health Center and shared the same water sources for domestic use in the Rusizi district in Rwanda. The study examined the prevalence of intestinal worms, diarrhea, and malnutrition among children under 5 years old as recorded in the registries of Nyabitimbo Health Center for the period of the study, 2013–2015. The study results revealed that the CHC intervention was associated with a reduction of intestinal worms, diarrhea, and malnutrition, but the results were only statistically significant for intestinal worms and malnutrition. The present study, being exploratory, can serve for planning and practice purposes at the specific study area.

Testing Citizen Satisfaction in the Local Government: Focusing on the Vision 2020 Umurenge Program in Rwanda

It is very important for public administration scholars and practitioners to understand how citizens form judgments regarding programs implemented at the local government level. The expectancy disconfirmation model of citizen satisfaction (EDM) focuses on comparing performance and expectations and was found important to understand that. This study tests the application of the expectancy disconfirmation model of citizen satisfaction in the local government of Rwanda focusing on the Vision 2020 Umurenge Program (VUP), which is a flagship of the social protection programs in Rwanda since 2008. It predicts that satisfaction with the program may increase the level of citizen participation. Data was collected from 379 VUP beneficiaries of the program in the Gicumbi district of Rwanda using an online survey questionnaire. We applied the Structural Equation Model and correlation analysis to analyze the data. The results found EDM applicable to how citizen forms judgment about satisfaction with VUP where there is a positive relationship between expectations and actual performance of the program (positive disconfirmation) and a positive influence of EDM with VUP to citizen participation. The study suggests that the governments should take into consideration the citizens’ feedback so as to meet their expectations and their satisfaction which may increase the level of citizen participation.

Insights from the Implementation and Adoption of Community-Based Health Interventions

Abstract Effective implementation of health interventions is critical for maximum adoption and optimal health outcomes. This qualitative study assessed the differences in Community Health Club (CHC) implementation in villages using qualitative research methods. Villages in Rusizi district in Rwanda were purposively selected with high, medium, and low adoption rates. The results revealed that the traits and skills of intervention facilitators (providers or implementers) at the village level, the involvement of the head of the village in the CHC intervention activities, and the support supervision by the Community Environmental Health Officer from the health center may have contributed to high rates of adoption of the intervention. Poor community organization, mistrust, lack of equal consideration among intervention beneficiaries, and lack of skills and capacity for intervention facilitators may have contributed to the low rates of intervention adoption. The results of this study suggest the need for capacity building of implementers, local leaders, and supervisors for improved (1) skills to adapt to local contexts and maximize the intervention adoption, (2) involvement and participation of local leadership, and (3) support supervision, guidance, and close monitoring, respectively. for effective implementation and maximum adoption of CHC intervention.

Examining the Journey of a Pay-as-You-Go Solar Home System Customer: A Case Study of Rwanda

Solar home systems (SHSs) are successfully addressing energy access deficits across the globe, particularly when combined with pay-as-you-go (PAYG) payment models, allowing households to pay for energy services in small instalments. To increase energy access, it is vital to understand the PAYG SHS customer journey in depth. To aid this, the paper presents unique data from active customers, consisting of structured interviews (n = 100) and two focus groups (n = 24) across two districts in Rwanda. These results are presented under a novel customer journey framework, which describes all the individual stages a customer might experience, including awareness and understanding, purchase, usage, upgrade, recommendation and retaining or switching energy source. The paper reveals that the customer journey is non-linear and cyclical in nature, acknowledging that a household operates in a social network within which they could influence or be influenced by others. It also highlights the growing importance of SHS recommendations in raising awareness of SHSs, pointing to the shifts in the off-grid energy market environment where customer awareness no longer appears to be a main adoption barrier.

Analysis of the profitability of honey production in Nyamagabe District in Rwanda

Analysis of the profitability of honey production in Nyamagabe District in Rwanda

Factors influencing complementary feeding practices in rural and semi-urban Rwanda: a qualitative study.

The aim of the present study was to identify and describe the factors influencing feeding practices of children aged 6-23 months in Rwanda. This is a cross-sectional descriptive qualitative study. A total of ten focus group discussions were conducted separately with mothers, fathers, grandmothers and community health workers (CHWs) from five different districts in Rwanda. The discussions were recorded, transcribed verbatim, and thematically analysed using qualitative data analysis software, Atlas.ti. The study participants were mothers, fathers and grandmothers of children aged 6-23 months and CHWs in charge of child health. Caregivers' knowledge and beliefs about the benefits of breast-feeding and timely introduction of complementary food were found to be the primary individual factors facilitating good infant and young child feeding practices. The common belief of caregivers that infants should be given liquids (thin gruel, fruit juices and meat broth) as first foods instead of semi-solid foods was a barrier to good feeding practices. The community-based nutrition education and counselling programmes were facilitators of good complementary practices at the group level. At the society level, poverty in rural agrarian households was a barrier to optimal feeding practices. The study shows that there is a need to empower caregivers with more specific guidelines, especially on complementary feeding.

Assessment of the roles and farmer-preferred traits of sweetpotato in a crop-livestock farming system in Rwanda: implications for breeding dual-purpose varieties

Abstract In Rwanda, sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas [L.] Lam) is a highly valued crop in a crop-livestock mixed farming system. The objective of this study was to assess the role of sweetpotato in the crop-livestock farming system, to identify farmer-preferred traits, and to establish farmer-led priorities in breeding dual-purpose varieties (DPVs) in Rwanda. A participatory rural appraisal (PRA) study was conducted in three selected districts of Rwanda, namely, Bugesera, Huye, and Nyagatare. Data on the uses of sweetpotato and farmers’ trait preferences in sweetpotato varieties were collected and analysed. In Huye District, a high percent (56.7%) of respondents consumed sweetpotato every day, followed by Nyagatare with 53.3% consuming it at least twice a week. Most farmers (52.2%) used sweetpotato vines for livestock feed, depending on their availability. All respondents wanted to grow new sweetpotato varieties with improved root production combined with high aboveground biomass. About 87.7, 66.6, 56.6, and 51.1% of the respondents indicated that root-related traits of the crop such as high dry matter content (DMC), red skin colour, marketable root size, and yellow flesh colour were additional preferred traits, respectively. Therefore, farmers-preferred DPVs with improved root and green fodder yields could be developed to enhance the sustainable production and adoption of sweetpotato in a mixed farming system in Rwanda.

High levels of depressive symptoms among people with lower limb lymphoedema in Rwanda: a cross-sectional study.

BackgroundThere is a growing body of evidence that mental distress and disorder are common among people with lower limb lymphoedema, although no research has been conducted on this subject in Rwanda.MethodsThis research was embedded within a mapping study to determine the national prevalence and geographical distribution of podoconiosis in Rwanda. Using a cluster sampling design, adult members of households within 80 randomly selected sectors in all 30 districts of Rwanda were first screened and 1143 patients were diagnosed with either podoconiosis (n=914) or lower limb lymphoedema of another cause (n=229). These 1143 participants completed the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ)-9 to establish the prevalence of depressive symptoms.ResultsOverall, 68.5% of participants reported depressive symptoms- 34.3% had mild depressive symptoms, 24.2% had moderate, 8.8% moderately severe and 1.2% severe depressive symptoms. The mean PHQ-9 score was 7.39 (SD=5.29) out of a possible 0 (no depression) to 27 (severe depression). Linear regression showed unemployment to be a consistently strong predictor of depressive symptoms; the other predictors were region (province), type of lymphoedema and, for those with podoconiosis, female gender, marital status and disease stage.ConclusionsLevels of depressive symptoms were very high among people with lower limb lymphoedema in Rwanda, which should be addressed through holistic morbidity management and disability prevention services that integrate mental health, psychosocial and economic interventions alongside physical care.

Design and impact evaluation of a digital reproductive health program in Rwanda using a cluster randomized design: study protocol

BackgroundRwandan adolescents have limited access to high-quality family planning and reproductive health (FP/RH) information and care to prevent unplanned pregnancy and HIV/STIs. In addition to the immediate implications for health and well-being, teenage pregnancy is a significant cause of school drop-out, limiting girls’ future potential and employment opportunities. This study introduces a direct-to-consumer digital education program that uses storytelling to deliver age-appropriate FP/RH information and economic empowerment training to adolescents. It also facilitates access to high-quality, youth-friendly FP/RH care and products. We evaluate two different school-based models of its implementation to understand how to optimize the uptake of contraception and HIV testing among adolescents.MethodsThe study consists of two distinct phases. The first formative intervention design phase, conducted from 2016 to 2019, used a human-centered design methodology to develop the intervention alongside over 600 Rwandan adolescents, their parents, teachers, and healthcare providers. Through this methodology, we sought to maximize the fit between evidence-based practices (uptake of modern contraception and HIV testing) and the implementation context of adolescents in Rwanda. The second phase is an impact evaluation, in which we will use a Hybrid Trial Type 2 Effectiveness-Implementation study design to determine the overall effectiveness of this digital intervention as well as the relative effectiveness of the two different school-based implementation models. This takes the form of a 3-arm cluster-randomized non-inferiority trial, with a sample of 6000 youth aged 12–19 in 60 schools across 8 districts in Rwanda. Primary outcome measures include use of modern contraception, delayed initiation of childbearing, and uptake of HIV testing.DiscussionThis study will yield insights into not only whether this digital intervention is successful in achieving the intended sexual and reproductive health outcomes, but also which mechanisms are likely to drive this effectiveness. The methodologies used are broadly applicable to the design, implementation, and evaluation of other behavior-based health programs in low and middle-income countries.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04198272. Prospectively registered 13 December 2019.

Spatial analysis of soil erosion sensitivity using the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation model in Nyamasheke District, Western Province of Rwanda

AbstractPrevious studies have identified that Nyamasheke District in Rwanda is highly vulnerable to soil erosion. This has led to a loss of fertile soil, with a high level of land degradation. Nevertheless, the district’s spatial and temporal sensitivity to soil erosion remains unknown in different specific parts of the district. This study aimed to analyze spatial soil erosion sensitivity and mapping of vulnerable areas to soil erosion in the district. The Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) model integrated within a GIS environment was used to estimate annual soil loss for the district. The RUSLE factors were derived from a 30 m resolution digital elevation model, digital soil map of the world, monthly rainfall records from 20 stations within and around the district, and Landsat7/ETM + and Landsat8/OLI imagery. Annual soil loss change was statistically analyzed using an empirical model in the district. The results showed a decreasing trend in soil erosion over time, with the highest annual soil losses estimated at 92.4, 16.1, and 15.1 t ha−1 year−1 in the years 2008, 2015, and 2018, respectively. Areas with the highest soil erosion sensitivity, with soil loss ranging between 10 and 40 t ha−1 year−1, were found in sectors of Kanjongo, Cyato, Rangiro, Macuba, and Karambi.

Podoconiosis in Rwanda: Knowledge, attitudes and practices among health professionals and environmental officers.

BackgroundPodoconiosis is a neglected tropical disease commonly found in volcanic regions, where soil is rich in silica. It usually manifests as bilateral lower limb edema. The majority of people affected by podoconiosis are farmers who do not wear shoes. The condition was recently documented in all 30 districts in Rwanda but knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) of Rwandan health professionals and environmental officers towards podoconiosis are unknown.Methodology/FindingsThe objective of this study was to assess the knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) of Rwandan health providers and environmental officers towards podoconiosis in order to improve patient healthcare experiences and health outcomes, and to reduce stigma against affected individuals. To achieve this goal, we administered a KAP assessment to physicians (N = 13), nurses/midwives (N = 59), community health workers (N = 226), and environmental officers (N = 38) in the third highest podoconiosis prevalence district in Rwanda (Musanze).All 336 respondents had heard of podoconiosis, but 147 (44%) respondents correctly identified soil as the only direct cause of podoconiosis. The awareness of signs and symptoms and risk groups was lower than any other category (31.5% and 47.5%, respectively). The overall attitude toward podoconiosis was positive (86.1%), with CHWs least likely to harbor negative beliefs against podoconiosis patients. One particular area where most respondents (76%) expressed negative attitude was that they saw people with podoconiosis as a threat to their own health and their family’s health. Prescription of antibiotics and use of ointments/soap to manage wounds was low (5% and 32.2%, respectively), in part due to supply shortages at health facilities.ConclusionsThis study identified clear gaps in health provider knowledge and practices that affect patient care for those with podoconiosis. Improved access to essential medicines at health facilities and podoconiosis-focused training sessions for practicing health providers are necessary to minimize the burden and stigma of affected individuals.

A practice improvement package at scale to improve management of birth asphyxia in Rwanda: a before-after mixed methods evaluation

BackgroundHelping Babies Breathe (HBB) is a competency-based educational method for an evidence-based protocol to manage birth asphyxia in low resource settings. HBB has been shown to improve health worker skills and neonatal outcomes, but studies have documented problems with skills retention and little evidence of effectiveness at large scale in routine practice. This study examined the effect of complementing provider training with clinical mentorship and quality improvement as outlined in the second edition HBB materials. This “system-oriented” approach was implemented in all public health facilities (n = 172) in ten districts in Rwanda from 2015 to 2018.MethodsA before-after mixed methods study assessed changes in provider skills and neonatal outcomes related to birth asphyxia. Mentee knowledge and skills were assessed with HBB objective structured clinical exam (OSCE) B pre and post training and during mentorship visits up to 1 year afterward. The study team extracted health outcome data across the entirety of intervention districts and conducted interviews to gather perspectives of providers and managers on the approach.ResultsNearly 40 % (n = 772) of health workers in maternity units directly received mentorship. Of the mentees who received two or more visits (n = 456), 60 % demonstrated competence (received > 80% score on OSCE B) on the first mentorship visit, and 100% by the sixth. In a subset of 220 health workers followed for an average of 5 months after demonstrating competence, 98% maintained or improved their score. Three of the tracked neonatal health outcomes improved across the ten districts and the fourth just missed statistical significance: neonatal admissions due to asphyxia (37% reduction); fresh stillbirths (27% reduction); neonatal deaths due to asphyxia (13% reduction); and death within 30 min of birth (19% reduction, p = 0.06). Health workers expressed satisfaction with the clinical mentorship approach, noting improvements in confidence, patient flow within the maternity, and data use for decision-making.ConclusionsFraming management of birth asphyxia within a larger quality improvement approach appears to contribute to success at scale. Clinical mentorship emerged as a critical element. The specific effect of individual components of the approach on provider skills and health outcomes requires further investigation.

Stakeholder Involvement and Performance of Donor Funded Projects in Rwanda: A Case Study of Empowering Youth Through an Inclusive Cooperative Movement in Rwanda' Project (eyicm) in Bugesera District

This study aimed at examining the role of stakeholder’s involvement on performance of donor funded project in Rwanda. The role of stakeholder participation in project performance cannot be overlooked. A review of case studies has demonstrated a relationship between the two. The study undertook to demonstrate how stakeholder participation influences the performance of donor funded projects. The study considered stakeholders’ participation in three phases of the project cycle; initiation, planning and implementation. In assessing project performance, the study was limited to two (2) key project performance indicators; timely completion and cost implication. The study was guided by three objectives: identify the influence of stakeholder participation in project initiation on project performance, understand the influence of stakeholder participation in project planning on project performance and determine the influence of stakeholder participation in project implementation on project performance. The researcher studied EYICM Project in Bugesera District, which was co-funded by European Commission and Plan International. The respondents projected representatives from donors, representatives from the implementing agency, and the project beneficiaries. Data were collected using questionnaire from project beneficiaries and interview guide from donor and implementing agency representatives. The total sample size of 75 was used in the study. Descriptive design was used to analyze data; specifically, the researcher used SPSS and mainly measures of central tendency used to describe data. The researcher correlated the dependent and independent variables in order to test the relationship between the variables. The study expressed a significant relationship between stakeholders’ engagement in project initiation and project performance where r=0.064, p<0.01. in addition, the researcher found significant correlation between project acceptability by the community and performance of the project where r=-0.646, p<0.01. The outcome of the study will show the extent to which stakeholders involvement at all levels of project management cycle influences the performance of donor funded projects. As a result of investigation conducted through questionnaire and interview guide, the researcher discovered that most respondents confirmed stakeholders’ participation in project initiation with 49% strongly agree and 21% agree being involved in needs assessment; 36% strongly agree and 21% agree being involved in proposing solutions; 30% strongly agree and 36% agree being involved in setting project objectives. At the level of planning, 36% strongly agreed, 14% agreed that their engagement contributed to project acceptability by the community; 40% strongly agree, 30% agreed that it created the ownership of the project by the community and lastly, at implementation level, 40% strongly agreed, 28% agreed that it created the sense of ownership of project by the community while 38% strongly agreed, 32% agreed that it contributed to community empowerment. On the basis of the study findings, the researcher made the following conclusions; The role of stakeholders’ involvement on performance of donor funded project influenced performance of EYICM project in Bugesera District. Therefore, on the influence of project management factors on the EYICM project in Bugesera District, the study concluded that the adequate institutional management skills, donor contribution, positive government policies and institutional management practices aids the performance of the EYICM Project in Bugesera District in Rwanda.

Average vs. distributional effects: Evidence from an experiment in Rwanda

Programs and policies in education overwhelmingly focus on improving the average academic achievement for students. However, educational interventions focused on literacy improvement can impact readers at different levels of the reading score distribution differently, and the distributional differences may be more pronounced by sex. In this paper, I explore data from a field experiment in a district in Rwanda that was intended to make classroom reading pedagogy more effective and engage students, families, and communities in reading activities outside of school to improve students’ reading outcomes.I study the distributional effects of the intervention on students on two higher-order reading outcomes – Kinyarwanda fluency and Kinyarwanda text comprehension, measured for students who met a basic literacy threshold. I find that a) the set of interventions had a positive and significant, albeit modest effect on students at or above the 25th percentile of the reading distributions b) the program had positive and significant effects on reading outcomes for girls only, and these effects differed along the reading achievement distribution. This work underscores the importance of tailoring programs and policies to the needs of different types of learners.