VISION 2020 UMURENGE PROGRAM (VUP) AND POVERTY REDUCTION AMONG HOUSEHOLDS IN NGORORERO DISTRICT IN RWANDA

A Thesis Presented to the college of Higher degrees and Research Kampala International University Kampala, Uganda ~2S\22

In Partial fulfillment of the Requirement of the Degree Master of business administration (distance learning)

By UWIMANA DOM~LLE MBA /35586/112/DF

January, 2013 DECLARATION A

“This dissertation is my original work and has not been presented for a degree or any other academic award in any university or institution of learning”.

UW~V~k~ ~ Name and Signature of Candidate

AL~\ ~ Date DECLARATION B

“We confirm that the work reported in this dissertation was carried out by the candidate under our supervisor”.

Name and signature of

IL) // Date DEDICATION

This thesis is dedicated to my parents, my brothers, sisters, my friends and to aU who contributed to my studies.

111 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I acknowledge the effort of my supervisor Dr Ssendagi Muhammad without his tireless efforts, this work would not been successful

I thank DVC, CHDR, Dr Novembrieta R~ Sumil because I accomplish my course (Masters in Business Administration) in KIU ,due to her tireless effort

I also thank my parents, brothers, sisters and comrades for their parental love, care, and support throughout my course.

I also acknowledge the efforts, advice and support of my lecturers for their encouragement during the course of my studies.

I also acknowledge Ngororero District and VUP for permitting me to conduct a research in their organization.

In a special way, I do acknowledge the efforts of Kampala International University at large for their effort towards my study

It is worth mentioning my sincere gratitude to my respondents and the authors of the literature, consulted during the development of this great thesis.

Above all, I thank the Almighty God for his mercies, unfailing love and providence. I am equally indebted to my colleagues who help me in one way or another.

iv TABLE OF CONTENT

CHAPTER PAGE DECLARATION A DECLARATION B DEDICATION iii ACKNOWLEDGEMENT iv LIST OF TABLES vii LIST OF ACRONYMS viii ABSTRACT x

ONE THE PROBLEM AND ITS SCOPE 1 Background of the Study 1 Statement of the problem 3 The purpose of the Study 4 Objectives of the study 4 General Objective 4 Specific objective 4 Research questions. 5 Research hypotheses 5 Scope of the study 5 Geographical scope: 5 Theoretical scope: 5 Content scope: 6 Time scope: 6 Significance of the study 6 Operating definitions of key terms 7 Extreme poverty 7

TWO LITERATURE REVIEW 8 Concepts, Opinions, Ideas from Authors/Experts 8 Direct support 12 Public works 12 Financial services 13 Theoretical perspective 20 The cultural theory of poverty 21 Related studies 23

V THREE METHODOLOGY 25 Research design 25 Research population 25 Sampling Procedures 27 Research instruments 27 Questionnaire 27 Validity and Reliability of the Instruments 27 Data Gathering Procedures 28 During data gathering 28 After data gathering 28 Data Analysis 29 Ethical Considerations 29 Limitations of the Study 30

FOUR PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS AND INTERRPRETATION OF DATA 31

FIVE FINDINGS, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS 39 Findings 39 Conclusion 40 Recommendations 40 Areas for further research 42

REFERENCES 43

APPENDIX I TRANSMITTAL LETTER 51 APPENDIX II CLEARANCE FROM ETHICS COMMITTEE 52 APPENDIX 11 CLEARANCE FROM ETHICS COMMITTEE 53 APPENDIX III INFORMED CONSENT 54 APPENDIX IVA QUESTIONNAIRE TO DETERMINE VUP 55 APPENDIX IVB QUESTIONNAIRE TO DETERMINE POVERTY REDUCTION 57 RESEARCHER’S CURRICULUM VITAE 59

vi LIST OF TABLES

Table 1: Respondents of the Study 26 Table 2: Interpretation of the Mean Range 29 Table 3: Level of Vision 2020 Umurenge Program 32 Table 4: Level of Poverty reduction among households in Ngororero District in Rwanda 35 Table 5: The relationship between VUP and poverty reduction among households in Ngororero district in Rwanda 37 Table 6: Regression Analysis between Dependent and Independent variables 38

vii LIST OF ACRONYMS

BNR : National Bank of Rwanda CVI : Content validity Index DS : Direct Support DP : Development Partner CDF : Common Development Fund CPAF : Common Performance Assessment Framework DFID : Department for International Development EDPRS : Economic Development and Poverty Reduction Strategy EICV : Enquête Intégrale sur les Conditions de Vie des Ménages (Integrated Living Conditions Survey) EU : European Union FS : Financial Services GDP : Gross Domestic Product GoR : Government of Rwanda HoH : Head of Household IGA : Income Generating Activity KIU : Kampala International University JADF : Joint Action Development Forum MDG : Millennium Development Goal M&E : Monitoring and Evaluation MFI : Microfinance Institution MINALOC: Ministry of Local Government MINECOFIN: Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning MIS : Management Information System NGO : Non-Governmental Organization NISR : National Institute of Statistics P1CC : Pearson’s Linear Correlation Coefficient PPA : Participatory Poverty Assessment viii PRSP : Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper PW : Public Works RCA : Rwanda Cooperative Agency RwF : Rwandan Franc SACCO : Savings and Credit Cooperative SDP : Sector Development Plan Sida : Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency SPSS : Statistical package for social scientists SAQ : Self Administrated Questionnaires UCS : Ubudehe Credit Scheme UNICEF : United Nations Children’s Fund USD : United States Dollar VUP : Vision 2020 Umurenge Program WB : World Bank

ix ABSTRACT The study assessed the vision 2020 Umurenge program and poverty reduction among households in Ngororero district, Rwanda and was based on three specific objectives: to determine the level of Vision 20202 Umurenge program, to determine the level of poverty reduction among households in Ngororero district, Rwanda, to establish whether there is a significant relationship between Vision 2020 Umurenge program and poverty reduction among households in Ngororero district, Rwanda. It employed a descriptive correlation survey design, Used SAQ to collect data from 378 out of 7135 respondents, using simple random sampling. Data analysis was done using SPSS’s frequencies and percentages; means and PLCC. The findings showed that Both the level of Vision 2020 Umurenge program and poverty reduction among households in Ngororero district, Rwanda was very high. PLCC revealed positive and significant relationship between Vision 2020 Umurenge program and poverty reduction among households in Ngororero district, Rwanda. The researcher recommended that if poverty is to be reduced among households in Ngororero District, Rwanda vision 2020 Umurenge program is to improve; there should be an urgent need to sensitize the farming households in the study area on the relevance of family planning. There is need for the state and local government to extend the skills acquisition centers to more rural areas in the state and to further strengthened the existing ones. The government should improve the efficiency of its payments and public works implementation systems. The government should empower the financial services sub-components. Progress and lessons learnt from the Ubudehe Credit Scheme piloting in the first 60 sectors Basing on cultural theory of poverty by Oliver La Farge (1959) that guided the study, it was proved that improvement in Vision 2020 Umurenge program influence poverty reductiän among households in Ngororero District, Rwanda

x CHAPTER ONE THE PROBLEM AND ITS SCOPE Background of the Study World Bank (2005) defined poverty as the inability to attain a minimal standard of living, measured in terms of basic consumption needs or some income required for satisfying them. It is regarded as an evil that has plaque many nations of the world, killing, maiming and preventing economic growth and development. Consequently, the reduction of poverty globally has been a major agenda since September, 2000 when the United Nations’ member countries signed the Millennium declaration and set their commitments to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDG5). The 1st of the eight MDGs is to eradicate extreme poverty and hunger with a target to halve the number of people living on less than one dollar a day. Consequently, the poverty reduction strategic paper was developed by most country to facilitate poverty reduction. Poverty is mostly deep and pervasive in some of the rural areas of most of the developing countries including Rwanda. The rural areas of most developing countries are characterized with a state of human deprivation with regard to incomes, clothing, housing, health care, education, sanitary facilities and human rights. In Rwandan, nearly 75% of the country’s populations live in rural areas where poverty has been on the increase. Of the total rural population, 65% are directly or indirectly linked with agricultural sector. Consequently, poverty in Rwanda is regarded as a rural phenomenon. Rwanda is a landlocked country, situated in central and east Africa. It has a population of approximately 10.1 million (2009)1, the majority of whom are young people (in 2005, two thirds of the population were under 25). It is one of Africa’s most densely populated countries with an average of 373 people per square kilometer. Rwanda has sustained good economic growth during the past decade (with an average annual GDP growth rate of 8.4% in real terms between 2000 and 2009). However alongside impressive growth there has been limited impact on poverty. The percentage of people living in extreme poverty only decreased from 41.3% to 36.9% 1 between 2000/01 and 2005/06. When considered together with population growth, the absolute number of poor people grew from 4.8 million in 2000/01 to 5.4 million in 2005/06. A number of population groups are particularly vulnerable to poverty including older people, those living with disabilities, children, female-headed households, genocide survivors and the historically marginalized. The Government of Rwanda like others African countries adopted the decentralization policy in order to reduce the poverty and maintain the pure development. For achieving this objective eight (8) pillars were formulated: Eradicate extreme poverty and hunger; achieve Universal primary education; Promote gender equality and empower women; Reduce child mortality; Improve maternal health; Combat HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases; ensure environmental sustainability and develop a global partnership for development.

According to Campbell and Wright (2005), During the Government of Rwanda (GoR)’s Akagera IV Retreat in February 2007, the leadership of the country debated the scale of poverty in Rwanda as well as possible remedies. Social protection was not a strategic area identified under the first Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper (PRSP), and as a result, although an estimated 7 to lO% 4 of the national budget was allocated to social protection related programmes, the programmes were mainly small and uncoordinated, limiting their impact. The sector lacked a strategic plan, consolidated budget and monitoring framework. Vision 2o2oUmurenge Program (VUP), was conceived during this Akagera retreat as a response to the worrying poverty trends and sector constraints.

It is an integrated local development programme to accelerate poverty reduction, rural growth and social protection to enhance the attainment of the Vision 2020 objectives. It is a flagship programme of the Economic Development and Poverty

Reduction Strategy (EDPRS) 2008 — 2012, which provides a medium-term framework

2 for achieving the country’s long-term development aspirations, as embodied in Rwanda Vision 2020 and the Millennium Development Goals (MDG5). The objective of the social protection sector, including Vision 2020 Umurenge program (VUP), within the EDPRS is: “to provide social assistance to the most needy while supporting the able-bodied to graduate out of extreme vulnerability and poverty into more sustainable means of self-support.”

According to Bradshaw (2000) and Fung (2004) ,The Vision 2020 Umurenge program (VUP), goal is to contribute to the national target to reduce extreme income poverty from 36.9% in 2005/6 to 24.0% in 2012. The purpose is to accelerate the reduction of extreme poverty in VUP target Imirenge. These are underpinned by Training and Sensitization on community and social development issues (e.g. health, education, nutrition etc.). The programme is innovative in a number of ways. It is a large-scale social protection programme which is Government owned and led. There is an emphasis on people moving out of poverty and the four components are expected to provide a “staircase out of poverty”. Cash transfers and public works wages have an initial protective function, helping extremely poor households to meet their basic needs. Households are encouraged to save and invest, initially on a small-scale. With training and sensitization, having been brought into the formal sector through the banking system, and with access to credit products designed for the poor (including encouragement of group initiatives to reduce risk), the expectation is that capacity of households will be built, they can take credit and invest in income generating activities, and their livelihoods will become increasingly productive and resilient to shocks.

Statement of the prob~em Rwanda as a country has been experiencing sustained good economic growth during the past decade However alongside impressive growth there has been limited impact on poverty. The percentage of people living in extreme poverty only decreased When considered together with population growth, the absolute number of poor people has grown .The challenge of high poverty levels is exacerbated by rising and high levels of 3 inequality, as measured by the gini-coefficient which is high by global standards. A number of population groups are particularly vulnerable to poverty including older people, those living with disabilities, children, female-headed households, genocide survivors and the historically marginalized. The Government of Rwanda has adopted the decentralization policy in order to reduce the poverty and maintain the pure development which include Eradicate extreme poverty and hunger; achieve Universal primary education, Promote gender equality and empower women; thus the government has come up with programmes such as VUP as a response to the worrying poverty trends. Henceforward the need for this study is to assess impact of the Vision 2020 Umurenge Program (VUP) on the Poverty reduction among households in Ngororero District in Rwanda

The purpose of the Study The purpose of the study was to, 1. Describe the relationship between VUP and poverty reduction 2. Determine the cause and effects of the two variables 3. Test hypothesis of no significant relationship between VUP and poverty reduction 4. Bridge the gaps of previous studies and to validate existing information based on the theory to which this study was based.

Objectives of the study The objective included the following:

Genera’ Objective The general objective of this study was to identify the correlation between Vision 2020 Umurenge Program (VUP) and Poverty reduction among households in Ngororero District in Rwanda.

Specific objective 1. To determine the levels of VUP among households in Ngororero district Rwanda 2. To determine the level of poverty reduction among households in Ngororero district Rwanda 4 3. To establish the relationship between VUP and poverty reduction among households in Ngororero district Rwanda

Research questions. 1. What was the level of VUP among households in Ngororero district Rwanda? 2. What was the level of poverty reduction among households in Ngororero district Rwanda? 3. Was there a relationship between the levels of VUP and poverty reduction among households in Ngororero district Rwanda?

Research hypotheses The study was guided by the following hypothesis; There was no significant relationship between levels of VUP and Poverty reduction among households in Ngororero district Rwanda.

Scope of the study Geographkail scope: This research was conducted in Ngororero District in Western Province, Rwanda. Ngororero district is one of the five districts that comprise Rwanda’s Western Province. It is bordered by Nyabihu District to the north, Gakenke District to the northwest, Rutsiro District to the west and Karongi District to the south; all in Western Province. Muhanga District in Southern Province, lies to the east of Ngororero District.

Theoretica’ scope: The cultural theory of poverty by Oliver La Farge (1959) was used in this research. It explains the persistence of poverty as a product of the culture of poverty. The culture of poverty became a strong idea in the War on Poverty with the writings of Oscar Lewis on their study of poor Latin American families in an effort to explain the similarities between lower class families in Mexico and Puerto Rico.

5 Content scope: The research intended to identify the relationship between VUP and poverty reduction among households in Ngororero district in Rwanda .It intended to determine the level of VUP (availability and utilization of its components), level of poverty reduction. Besides, the study intended to establish the cause and effect relationship between the independent variables (Vision 2020 Umurenge Program and dependent variable (Poverty reduction).

Time scope: This study was conducted in a period of four months, the time which included collecting, analyzing and interpretation of data from October 2012 to January 2013

Significance of the study

The study will benefit the following groups:

The leaders of Ngororero District will use the findings of this research to know if VUP is accomplishing the goals of vision 2020 Umurenge program. To the future researchers: This study adds literature/knowledge to the existing literature.

To the Government of Rwanda: The Government of Rwanda will use the findings of this research in order to evaluate whether in the poorest sectors of country in which Vision 2020 Umurenge Program (VUP) was started, there is the Poverty reduction.

Also,the Government of Rwanda will use the findings of this research in order to get knowledge of where it must put forces in order to achieve the Millennium Development

Goals (MDG5) among them , the first objective is to eradicate extreme poverty and hunger. It should also use these findings to establish the ways which it will follow for starting Vision 2020 Umurenge Program in the others sectors because with these 6 findings, the Government will know where VUP had strength and where it had the weakness.

To Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning (MINECOFIN): The Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning will use the findings as empirical information to monitor and evaluate within funds expected to support the rural growth.

Due to the findings of this research, MINECOFIN will know which projects; the people are able to invest in more. And thus will permit it to empower those projects in the future time.

Operating definitions of key terms For the purpose of the study, the following terms are defined as they are used in the study: Vision 2020 Umurenge Program (VUP) : is a new initiative by the Government of Rwanda (G0R) in collaboration with development partners and NGO5. It is led by the Ministry of Local Government, Good Governance, Community Development and Social Affairs (MINALOC) and supported by the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning (MIN ECOFIN).

Poverty: is the state of poverty where an individual fails to meet the basic necessary of life

Extreme poverty

Extreme poverty! absolute poverty! abject poverty, is stated as “a condition characterized by severe deprivation of basic human needs, including food, safe drinking water, sanitation facilities, health, shelter, education and information.

7 CHAPTER TWO

LITERATURE REVIEW Concepts, Opinions, Ideas from Authors/Experts

Vision 2020 Umurenge Program (VUP) According to Campbell, & Wright, (2005), “Vision 2020 Umurenge” is a new initiative by the Government of Rwanda (GoR) in collaboration with development partners and NGOs. It is led by the Ministry of Local Government, Good Governance, Community Development and Social Affairs (MINALOC) and supported by the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning (MINECOFIN). The Vision 2020 Umurenge Program (VUP) uses the existing decentralization system and leverages technical and financial assistance to accelerate the rate of poverty reduction in Rwanda. The aim is to eradicate extreme poverty by 2020. The initiative builds on past experiences which show that “isolated” interventions by sector ministries, donors or NGOs are not sufficient to lift people out of extreme poverty in a cost-effective and sustainable fashion. The other extreme recourse to “integrated” development has also shown its limits in many circumstances. One of the main limitations of both isolated and integrated approaches has been the failure to address two of the most important insights of economics: (i) “resources are scarce” and (ii) “people respond to incentives.”

Because resources are scarce compared to people’s needs, choices must be made. When choices are made for people (e.g. centralized planning), there are risks of not satisfying these needs or distorting local incentives; this generally leads to wastes of resources. When choices are made by people (e.g. participatory mechanisms), these risks are alleviated but the incentives may not be compatible with the stated aim of eradicating extreme poverty. In order to capture these insights, the VUP balances central guidelines for socio-economic transformation (i.e. economic growth, job creation 8 and extreme poverty eradication) with local participatory mechanisms. This intends to make the best possible use of scare resources while, at the same time, ensuring adequate local incentives for sustainable progress

The VUP is organized around three components. The first component revives public works but planned using community-based participatory approaches (e.g. Ubudehe) to build community assets and create off-farm employment infrastructure. Examples include projects like watershed management, terracing, water harvesting, irrigation, feeder/access roads construction, building of classrooms, health facilities, training centers, business workshops, village settlements, etc. The second component innovates with credit packages to tackle extreme poverty as well as to foster entrepreneurship and off-farm employment opportunities; these packages are designed to make the best possible use of scarce public resources, involve the private financial sector, and provide people with incentives to improve their own productive capacities. Examples include credits to diversify/specialize farming/livestock activities, develop off-farm skills, purchase/build household/business assets, etc. The third component includes direct supports to improve access to social services or to provide for landless households with no members qualifying for public works or credit packages; such unconditional supports seek to expand health and education coverage as well as to encourage the development of 11appropriate11 skills, handicraft, or social service activities.

Targeting people’s productive capacities will have at least three additional benefits. First, it will allow creating off-farm employment opportunities, thereby facilitating the eventual transition to a modern knowledge-based society according to Rwanda Vision 2020. Second, it will allow accelerating the process of monetization and formalization of the economy, thereby ensuring long-term sustainability. Third, it will allow redirecting social protection to the neediest people who are landless and unable

9 to work, thereby rationalizing and improving the effectiveness of social protection programs, along the social protection strategy.

The VUP features as a flagship program under the Economic Development and Poverty Reduction Strategy (EDPRS) covering the budget years 2008 to 2012. As such, the VUP seek to instigate changes in the efficiency of poverty reduction. This will require managing change in three related areas. First, assist local governments to coordinate the implementation of national sector ministries’ strategies. Second, instill the notion of interconnectedness of services across sector ministries. Third, change attitudes through pro-active interventions of all sector ministries to accelerate the rate of poverty reduction in Rwanda. Consistent with the assessment for achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDG5) and the objectives of Rwanda Vision 2020, the VUP requires investments of $72 per capita and per year. Starting with 30 Imirenge (out of 416 in the country), it initially targets a population of about 600,000 people (= 30/416 x 9 million population). Thus, the VUP requires $44 million or RwF 24 billion for the first year. It is expected that 50% will be required for public works (i.e. salaries and material), 30% for credit packages, and 20% for direct supports. The appeal of such program components is that 90% of the money goes directly in the pockets of the poor. In addition, the money going to credit packages is revolving; indeed, it is expected that at least 80% of that money can be re-used for further loans by microfinance institutions. VUP is also innovative in that it places a strong emphasis not only on poverty reduction, but on social cohesion and empowerment, through the use of participatory community-based methods rooted in Rwandan culture (for targeting, project selection and provision of microcredit), and decentralized planning aric[ financing. The G0R is strongly committed to a policy of decentralization, and the VUP is seen as a key programme to support and strengthen it, since the sector (Umurenge) and village (Umudugudu) are the key implementation levels of the VUP.

10 Public works are planned using community-based participatory approaches (e.g. Ubudehe) and intend to build productive community assets. Since private land ownership is widespread in Rwanda, public works can take place on either public or private land (e.g. terracing). However, the case must be made that the assets benefit the community at large. Indeed, when such benefits are clear, the community will have the incentive, or a vested interest, to conduct the maintenance of these community assets, thereby ensuring sustainability.

Credit packages to tackle extreme poverty as well as to foster entrepreneurship and off-farm employment opportunities; these packages are designed to make the best possible use of scarce public resources, involve the private financial sector, and provide people with incentives to improve their own productive capacities. Direct supports to improve access social services or to provide for landless households with no members qualifying for public works or credit packages; such unconditional supports seek to expand health and education coverage as well as to encourage the development of “appropriate” skills, handicraft, or social service activities.

These three components are not necessarily mutually exclusive. For instance public works can be complemented with credit packages, etc. In addition, a distinction is made between a household and members of the household. This is crucial to cater for women and youth which represent important productive capacities but may not be heads of households. Hence, eligibility to these programs intends to address the concerns of women and the youth populations. The program components will be implemented through a set of projects which will be design and coordinated at Umurenge level and implemented at Umudugudu level. Both program components and projects are linked to technical specialists in sector ministries which also provide the strategic direction and priorities as well as specific technical standards.

11 Direct support

In this component of VUP,Direct support is Unconditional cash transfers. It is an entitlement-based program; all of those identified as eligible receive transfers. In Direct Support, eligible is Extremely poor households, in operational areas, who have no land (less than 0.25 hectares) and no adults able to do manual work. Despite the strong economic growth that has taken place in Rwanda over the last ten years, many people still live in extreme poverty. To improve their situation, the government has launched a programme that helps the most vulnerable households by the means of direct cash support.

PubHc works

According to Bradshaw, T. K. (2000), Public works is a multi-dimensional concept in economics and politics, touching on multiple arenas including: recreation (parks, beaches), aesthetics (trees, green space), economy (goods and people movement, energy), law (police and courts), neighborhood (community centers, social services buildings). Essentially, it represents any constructed object that augments a nation’s physical infrastructure such as and others.

According to Wahlstrom, S. (1999), these are a broad category of infrastructure projects, financed and constructed by the government, for recreational, employment, and health and safety uses in the greater community.. They include public buildings (municipal buildings, schools, hospitals), transport infrastructure (roads, railroads, bridges, pipelines, canals, ports, airports), public spaces (public squares, parks, beaches), public services (water supply, sewage, electrical grid, dams), and other, usually long-term, physical assets and facilities. Though often interchangeable with public infrastructure and public capital, public works does not necessarily carry an 12 economic component, thereby being a broader term. So, Public works is second component of VUP which paid employment on community asset development projects However unlike DS, PW is not an entitlement-based program; participation depends on the budget and amount of work available in the sector. The eligible in public works is extremely poor households who have no land (less than 0.25 hectares) but who have at least one adult ( >. 18 years) able to do manual work. Public works are intended for adult women and men. This includes pregnant women during her first six months of pregnancy, lactating women after 10 months of giving birth, and female heads of households. It excludes sick or mentally challenged people unable to undertake even light work; pregnant women in their final trimester of pregnancy; and lactating women in the first 10 months after child birth A public works programme (PWP) is the provision of employment by the creation of predominantly public goods at a prescribed wage for those unable to find alternative employment. This functions as a form of social safety net. PWP5 are activities which entail the payment of a wage (in cash or in kind) by the state, or by an Agent (or cash- for work/CFW). One particular form of public works, that of offering a short-term period of employment has come to dominate practice, particularly in regions such as Sub Saharan Africa. Applied in the short term, this is appropriate as a response to transient shocks and acute labour market crises. Zampaglione (2012).

Finanda~ servkes According to Pradip Tapadar (December 2005). Patgrave Macmillan. Financial services are the economic services provided by the finance industry, which encompasses a broad range of organizations that manage money, including credit unions, banks, credit card companies, insurance companies, consumer finance companies, stock brokerages, investment funds and some government sponsored enterprises.

13 According to Hansen, N. (1970). Financia’ Services The financial services microcredit sub-component went through a long process of redesign in 2009, which ddayed its imp’ementation. Initially the intention was to sub-contract the microcredit scheme to private financial institutions. However lengthy negotiations were unsuccessful, with financial institutions finding the anticipated risks and costs of transacting with the poor to be too high. There were also discussions on whether the VUP microcredit could be managed by the Umurenge SACCO5. However these are relatively new bodies, and were felt to be too immature to be able to currently adopt this role. Instead, the government decided to manage the microcredit facility itself, and the Ubudehe Credit Scheme was designed, based on the Ubudehe community and household grant experience. As a very new sub-component, it is still quite early to be able to assess what is working well with the UCS, and what the challenges are. However initial field visits found that delays between project proposal submission and loan approval meant a number of individuals and groups were using loans for a different type of income generating activity to that submitted (mainly because of seasonality of the projects). There were also indications that the project proposal review system could be strengthened, and that VUP’s plans for group strengthening and financial literacy training were needed, and should be designed and rolled-out as early as possible.

Ubudehe Credit Scheme (UCS) is microcredit with a pro-poor focus, providing individual, group or cooperative loans. The initial UCS investment is a grant from the VUP. Once the investment reaches a maximum sector limit based on effective demand, it is expected to operate as a revolving loan fund.

Credit packages are intended for adult women and men. This includes pregnant women, lactating women, and female heads of households. It excludes sick or mentally challenged people unable to undertake even light work. Restrictions apply for the landless unable to work who cannot generate income to pay back the loan.

14 Poverty According to Alcock, P. (1993), Poverty is the state of human beings who are poor. That is, they have little or no material means of surviving little or no food, shelter, clothes, healthcare, education, and other physical means of living and improving one’s life. Some definitions of poverty, are relative, rather than absolute, poverty reduction would not be considered to apply to measures which resulted in absolute decreases in living standards, but technically lifted people out of poverty. World Bank: Poverty is pronounced deprivation in well-being, and comprises many dimensions. It includes low incomes and the inability to acquire the basic goods and services necessary for survival with dignity. Poverty also encompasses low levels of health and education, poor access to clean water and sanitation, inadequate physical security, lack of voice, and insufficient capacity and opportunity to better one’s life.

Re~at~ve poverty According to Klein, Martin H. (October 2008), Relative poverty is defined contextually as economic inequality in the location or society in which people live. For much of history, poverty was considered largely unavoidable as traditional modes of production were insufficient to give an entire population a comfortable standard of living.

Poverty reduction According to Zuckerman, Elaine. 2002 Poverty reduction (or poverty alleviation) is any process which seeks to reduce the level of poverty in a community, or amongst a group of people or countries. Poverty reduction programs may be aimed at economic or non economic poverty. Some of the popular methods used are education, economic development, and income redistribution. Poverty reduction efforts may also be aimed at removing social and legal barriers to income growth among the poor.

15 Poverty reduction (or poverty alleviation) is any process which seeks to reduce the level of poverty in a community, or amongst a group of people or countries. Poverty reduction programs may be aimed at economic or non-economic poverty. Some of the popular methods used are education, economic development, and income redistribution. Poverty reduction efforts may also be aimed at removing social and legal barriers to income growth among the poor World Bank. 2001a.

According to Blank, R. M. (2003). Poverty alleviation also involves improving the living conditions of people who are already poor. Aid, particularly in medical and scientific areas, is essential in providing better lives, such as the Green Revolution and the eradication of smallpox. Problems with today’s development aid include the high proportion of tied aid, which mandates receiving nations to buy products, often more expensive, originating only from donor countries. Nevertheless, some believe (Peter Singer in his book The Life You Can Save) that small changes in the way each of us in affluent nations lives our lives could solve world poverty countries on the two basic dimensions of pro-poor growth and pro-poor policy intervention: “China clearly scores well on the pro-poor growth side of the card, but neither Brazil nor India do; in Brazil’s case for lack of growth and in India’s case for lack of poverty-reducing growth. Brazil scores well on the social policies side, but China and India do not; in China’s case progress has been slow in implementing new social policies more relevant to the new market economy (despite historical advantages in this area, inherited from the past regime) and in India’s case the bigger problems are the extent of capture of the many existing policies by non-poor groups and the weak capabilities of the state for delivering better basic public services. Bradshaw, T., & Muller, B. (2003).”

Poverty reduction measures According to Bettinger, F. (1977), Poverty reduction measures and other attempts to change the economies of modern hunter-gatherers are not addressed in this article. Hunter-gatherers, also called “foragers” live off wild plants and animals, for

16 example, the Hadza people of Tanzania and the Bushmen of southern Africa. Theirs is a special case in which their poverty relative to the developed countries is intertwined with their traditional way of life. Governmental attempts to modernize the economies of the Hadza people, the Bushmen, and other hunter-gatherers have resulted in political, legal, and cultural controversies. They have often met with failure. Poverty occurs in both developing countries and developed countries. While poverty is much more widespread in developing countries, both types of countries undertake poverty reduction measures. Poverty has historically been accepted as inevitable as non-industrialized economies produced very little while populations grew almost as fast making wealth scarce. Geoffrey Parker wrote that “In Antwerp and Lyon, two of the largest cities in western Europe, by 1600 three-quarters of the total population were too poor to pay taxes, and therefore likely to need relief in times of crisis.TT Poverty reduction, or poverty alleviation, has been largely as a result of overall economic growth. Food shortages were common before modern agricultural technology and in places that lack them today, such as nitrogen fertilizers, pesticides and irrigation methods. The dawn of industrial revolution led to high economic growth, eliminating mass poverty in what is now considered the developed world. World GDP per person quintupled during the 20th century. In 1820, 75% of humanity lived on less than a dollar a day, while in 2001, only about 20% do. Today, continued economic development is constrained by the lack of economic freedoms. Economic liberalization requires extending property rights to the poor, especially to land. Financial services, notably savings, can be made accessible to the poor through technology, such as mobile banking. Inefficient institutions, corruption and political instability can also discourage investment. Aid and government support in health, education and infrastructure helps growth by increasing human and physical capital Blank, R. M. (1997).

17 According to Alinsky, S. D. (1945), Poverty reduction measures, like those promoted by Henry George in his economics classic Progress and Poverty are those that raise, or are intended to raise, enabling the poor to create wealth for themselves as a means for ending poverty forever. In modern times, various economists within the georgism movement propose measures like the land value tax to enhance access by all to the natural world. Some people undertake voluntary poverty due to religious or philosophical beliefs. For example, Christian monks and nuns take a “vow of poverty” by which they renounce luxury. Poverty reduction measures have no role in regard to voluntary poverty.

Extreme poverty Extreme poverty, absokite poverty, abject poverty, is stated as “a condition characterized by severe deprivation of basic human needs, including food, safe drinking water, sanitation facilities, health, shelter, education and information. It depends not only on income but also on access to services. Extreme poverty was defined in 1996 by Joseph Wresinski, the founder of ATD Fourth World as: the absence of one or more factors enabling individuals and families to assume basic responsibilities and to enjoy fundamental rights. The situation may become widespread and result in more serious and permanent consequences. The lack of basic security leads to chronic poverty when it simultaneously affects several aspects of people’s lives, when it is prolonged and when it severely compromises people’s chances of regaining their rights and of reassuming their responsibilities in the foreseeable future. This definition was adopted by the United Nations Sub-Commission on the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights in The Despouy Report on Human Rights and Extreme

Poverty. - The World Bank defined new international poverty line as $1.25 a day for 2005 (equivalent to $L00 a day in 1996 US prices). File:Data from World Bank extreme poverty Extreme poverty is most severe in Sub-saharan region

18 The eradication of extreme poverty and hunger was the first Millennium Development Goal, as set by 179 United Nations Member States in 2000. Extreme poverty is most common in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Absolute poverty or destitution Absolute poverty or destitution; refers to the deprivation of basic human needs, which commonly includes food, water, sanitation, clothing, shelter, health care and education According to the Copenhagen Declaration: Absolute poverty is a condition characterized by severe deprivation of basic human needs, including food, safe drinking water, sanitation facilities, health, shelter, education and information. It depends not only on income but also on access to social services. The term ‘absolute poverty’ is sometimes synonymously referred to as ‘extreme poverty.’

Household According to Steven Sheffrin (2003), The household is “the basic residential unit in which economic production, consumption, inheritance, child rearing, and shelter are organized and carried out”; the household “may or may not be synonymous with family”. The household is the basic unit of analysis in many social, microeconomic and government models. The term refers to all individuals who live in the same dwelling. In economics, a household is a person or a group of people living in the same residence. Hochschild, Arlie Russell (2001). Most economic models do not address whether the members of a household are a family in the traditional sense. Government and policy discussions often treat the terms household and family as synonymous, ~especially in western societies where the nuclear family has become the most common family structure. In reality, there is not always a one-to-one relationship between households and families.

19 Theoretica’ perspective According to Lewis, Oscar, and Oliver La Farge (1959) In analysis to the different theories of poverty by focusing primarily on the individualistic, cultural and structural or situational perspectives. It starts by giving an overview of the concept of poverty and thereafter subjecting the various theories that have shaped the discourse on poverty to an extensive analysis. The concluding part of the essay deals with how an analysis of the theories may inform policy makers in the field of development since effective poverty reduction strategies are based on the theories of poverty. Poverty continues to receive global attention especially in all programmes that concerns development because it is an age-long phenomenon that besets mankind in our efforts towards development. The definition of poverty is very complex in nature because it is a social phenomenon that is multidimensional in nature. Poverty goes beyond the economic spheres and includes one’s inability to participate in political and social life. The World Bank (2000) defines poverty as” the economic condition in which people lack sufficient income to obtain certain minimal levels of health services, food, housing, clothing and education generally recognized as necessary to ensure an adequate standard of living” Another stream of idea in the definition of poverty is allowing the poor to describe their own poverty. That is allowing those who are experiencing poverty themselves to define what constitutes their basic necessities in life. Several streams of ideas have emerged to inform and shape the discourse on poverty theories across the globe. While these streams have many ideas in common, they do not add to a single coherent theory of explaining poverty. Because of the complex nature of the individual, cultural and structural theories, the text below seeks to offer a critical analysis to the theories of poverty Alcock, Pete (2006). The individualistic as well as the pathological theory explains poverty as a result of the attributes that are inherent in the individual which includes the character of the person as well as his or her personal abilities in life such as intelligence. That is to say people are poor in life because of their inabilities to compete with others for resources. As a result of this, they end up being caught up in poverty and its associated effects Lister, Ruth (2004). An example can be made of people who are born with disabilities 20 and this restricts them in competing for resources. This theory sees the cause of poverty as something that the individual is born with and for that matter cannot do anything about the situation and as a result, his or her life is being determined by his present condition. Arguably, the theory fails to recognize the abilities of people who are born with disabilities to doing something that can push them out of their poverty situations. Disabilities will only result in poverty when the individual concerned is not willing to do something to improve upon his or her condition and for that matter becomes comfortable with his conditions. Another view of this theory that is related to pathology also sees poverty to be as a result of acquired or developed personality traits such as the character and actions of people. Some people are born with the character of being lazy and as a result of that, they are not willing to participate meaningful in life and for that matter depends on others for assistance in life. The decisions people make in life as well as their characters such as indolence always results in causing poverty. An example is the case of an unmarried teenage mother without the support of any member of the family.

The cufturall theory of poverty The cultural theory of poverty explains the persistence of poverty as a product of the culture of poverty. The culture of poverty became a strong idea in the War on Poverty with the writings of Oscar Lewis and Oliver La Farge in 1959 on their study of poor Latin American families in an effort to explain the similarities between lower class families in Mexico and Puerto Rico. The culture of poverty presupposes that the poor has unique patterns of behavior and priorities of values that distinguish them and these unique characteristics always cause them to be trapped by poverty. That is a set of values are transmitted inter generationally through the process of socialization and have become the sub cultural determinants of the lower socio-economic status of the poor and this leads to a vicious cycle of poverty and is only a few who are able to get out of the poverty cycle. An analysis of this theory to the explanation of poverty is very important in development because, it helps us to know how culture influences 21 development because culture is a constitute part of development. What is interesting about this theory is that, it gives an understanding of how poverty can be tackled by changing the values system and motivations in a given society. Accordingly, people are poor because their values are embedded in personality traits which were acquired through the process of socialization. In order to tackle poverty in such an environment, there is the need to change the entire values of the people and incorporate into them, new set of values and motivations. In spite of the usefulness of the culture of poverty model, it also has some flaws in the sense that the application of the model was only limited to developing countries. Oscar Lewis asserts that the culture of poverty is mostly likely to be found in developing economies. This assumption does not hold since poverty is also prevalent in developed countries as well. Poverty is a global phenomenon and therefore it is not limited to Third World or developing countries alone but also some developed countries are still battling with the issue of poverty. Also it can be seen that the theory lacks evidence Spicker, Paul (2007). For instance, Charles and Betty Lou Valentine in their study of low income earners in America did not find any evidence of the existence of culture of poverty among the people. From the structural perspective, the poor manifest certain patterns of behaviour which are not internally generated as a result of their unique values but their actions are influenced by external factors as a result of their occupying an unfavourable position in a restrictive social structure. That is to say that the poor behave differently not because they have internalized the dominant values but they do not have the opportunity to realize these values through the socially sectional avenues. It is argued Spicker, Paul (2007) that, policies to combat poverty are the products of political decisions. Poverty is seen as a result of political failure. Poverty is also seen as resulting from the biases in the structure of the society in the form of social exclusion and disadvantage. These biases usually tend to work against people such as those with learning disabilities, the disabled as well as those older people making them to be vulnerable in the society. That is to say, vulnerability is as a result of discrimination. In explaining poverty by these of the structural approach, it helps to

22 CHAPTER THREE

METHODOLOGY

Research design The research design was the strategy used in the research to identify and isolate the most appropriate design for a study. This research used the descriptive correlation survey and exposit- factor designs. It described the characteristic of respondents, and the relationship between the Vision 2020 Umurenge Program (VUP) and poverty reduction. It was exposit-factor because the researcher got the facts as they already exist in the field. It was a survey because it involved a big sample. In data gathering was both quantitative and qualitative approaches which were considered. Both primary and second data were gathered. Primary data was responses retrieved from respondents whereas second data was from documents, report literature and related publications.

Research population The target population included a total of seven thousand and one hundred thirty- five (7,135) administrative staff and Beneficiaries of VUP of the following sectors: Muhororo, Kageyo, Bwira, Ndaro and Muhanda. Administrative staff was considered because they were involved in general VUP management activities such as planning, budgeting, and they were the first hand users of financial information to decision- making. Beneficiaries of VUP were implementers of various decisions concerning all the activities planned. Samp~e Size As a number of population was big, a sample from the target population was taken. The Slovene’s formula was used tQ determine the minimum sample size: N n= 1+N a2 Where n: sample size, N: population and a: 0.05 level of significance or reliability level

(equals 0.05 );it means 02 =( 0,05 x 0,05) ; a2 = 0,0025 25 Calculation of sample size:

‘7 1 ‘~ n I ,,J.J 1 +(7,135 X O~OO25)

7,135 n= 1 ±17~837~

7~135 n~ 18~83 75

n 378

By using this formula, the sample size drawn from the population size of 7,135 was 378. So, from the population of 7,135, the researcher selected a minimum sample of 378. The table 1 below shows the respondents of the research with the following categories: sectors, target population and sample size.

Table 1: Respondents of the Study Sector Total Target Sample size Population KAGEYO 1,342 71 MUHANDA 1,264 67 MUHORORO 1,282 68 BWIRA 1,608 85 NDARO 1,639 87 TOTAL 7,135 378 Source: Research 2012 26 Sampling Procedures This research targeted administrative staff of VUP and households who was beneficiaries of VUP. The purposive sampling was utilized to select the respondents based on these characteristics: ages, gender, studies, and working experience of persons as respondents were to be stated. From the list of qualified respondents chosen according to the inclusion criteria, the systematic random sampling was used to finally select the respondents with consideration to the computed minimum sample size.

Research instruments These were instruments or tools that were used in this research to collect data. In this research, to gather data, the researcher used the questionnaire.

Questionnaire

The questionnaire had two sections. Section one was for levels of VUP, and section two will be for the level of poverty reduction This was Likert-type questionnaire or rating scale. The respondents answered by checking and ticking one number on scale. The response modes of the questionnaire were indicated as: Very high or strongly agree (1); High or agree (2); Few or disagree (3); Not available or strongly disagree (4). Respondents received enough time to read and analyze the questions in order to allow them to produce pertinent choice.

Validity and Reliability of the Instruments To ensure the validity and reliability of the instruments, the researcher employed the expert judgment method. After constructing the questionnaire, the researcher contacted experts in the study area to go through the questionnaires to ensure that they measure what they were designed to measure and necessary adjustments were made after consultation and this ensured that the instrument was clear, relevant, specific and logically arranged. Secondly, a Pre-test was conducted in order to test and

27 improve on the reliability of the questionnaires and lastly a content validity Index (CVI) was obtained using the formula: CVI The number of items/questions declared valid The total number of items/questions

Data Gathering Procedures

Before data gathering Upon accomplishment of defending and acceptance of the research proposal, the researcher obtained an introductory letter from the college of higher degrees and research of KIU, seeking for permission from the Managers and leaders of VUP and the household to allow her access employees to participate in the study.

During data gathering Due to the nature of work and busy schedule of some prospected respondents, the researcher through Managers and leaders of VUP and the household scheduled an appointment for such respondents. The researcher was available to give necessary explanation on some questions where need was. Then the researcher carried out a pilot study before the actual research to check feasibility of the research instrument in order to make necessary improvement and adjustments in the tool and to avoid time wastage. The researcher also made use secondary data by reviewing available relevant texts books, journals articles, periodicals, manuals dissertation and publication.

After data gathering After two weeks, primary data was collected through questionnaires which respondents returned back to the researcher for data analysis. Completed (SAQs) were

28 coded, edited, categorized and entered into a computer for statistical package for social scientists (SPSS) for data processing and analysis.

Data Ana’ysis Data on completed (SAQ5) were edited, categorized and entered into a computer for the statistical package for social scientists (SPSS) which summarized them using frequency and percentage to analyze data on respondent’s profile. Means were used to analyze data on the level of VUP and the level of Poverty reduction among households in Ngororero District, Rwanda. Pearson’s Linear Correlation Coefficient (PLCC) was used to establish whether there was a significant relationship between Vision 2020 Umurenge program and poverty reduction among households in Ngororero district, Rwanda. The 0.05 level of significance was used to determine the strength of the relationship between independent and dependent variables. The following mean range was used to arrive at the mean of the individual indicators and interpretation. Table 2: Interpretation of the Mean Range Mean range Response mode Interpretation 3.26- 4.00 Strongly agree Very high 2.51- 3.25 Agree High

1.76- 2.50 Disagree Low

1.00- 1.75 Strongly disagree Very low

Ethica’ Considerations To ensure that ethics was practiced in this study as well as utmost confidentiality for respondents and the data provided by them, the following was done: (a) all questionnaire were coded; (b) the respondents were requested to sign the informed 29 consent; (c) authors quoted in the study were acknowledged within the text through citation and referencing; (d) findings were presented in a generalized manner.

Umitations of the Study The anticipated threats to the validity in this study were as follows: There was a very big threat on some respondents with personal biases and dishonesty. To minimize this threat, the researcher requested respondents to avoid being subjective while answering the questionnaires. The data collection instrument was not standardized and this problem was solved through testing it for validity and reliability. There was a likelihood of research assistants being inconsistent in terms of the day and time of questionnaire administration. This was solved through thorough briefing and orientation of research assistants in order to address this threat. There was a likelihood of some respondents not returning back the questionnaires and this affected the researcher in meeting the minimum sample size. To solve this threat, the researcher gave quite more questionnaire exceeding the minimum sample size.

3 CHAPTER FOUR

PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS AND INTERRPRETATION OF DATA This chapter deals with the presentation, analysis and interpretation of data based on the objectives that guided this study. This chapter shows therefore the level of Vision 2020 Umurenge program and the level of Poverty reduction and the relationship between the Vision 2020 Umurenge Program and Poverty reduction among households in Ngororero District in Rwanda.

Level of Vision 2020 Umurenge Program among households in Ngororero District in Rwanda The first objective of the study was to determine the level of Vision Umurenge 2020 program among households in Ngororero District in Rwanda. The responses were presented in table 2. In this study, all the aspects were measured using 15 qualitative questions in which respondents were required to indicate the extent to which they agree or disagree with each statement by indicating the number that best describe their perceptions. All the fifteen items on Vision Umurenge 2020 program were likert scaled using four points ranging between 1= Strongly Disagree, 2= Disagree, 3= Agree and 4= Strongly Agree. Their responses were analyzed and described using Means as summarized in table 3 below.

31 Table 3: Level of Vision 2020 Umurenge Program Category Mean Interpretation Rank I am well informed and aware of VUP in my region 3.56 Very High 8 VUP has contributed so much towards the development Very High 10 of the region VUP reduces risks through encouraging risk taking Low 14 through predictable transfers and wages, creating 2.17 employment VUP supports stopping households falling below survival Very High 1 level VUP contributes to the national target to reduce 3 83 Very High 2 extreme income poverty VUP contributes to skill development through training 67 Very High 4 and sensitization on saving and investment VUP contributes a lot towards improvements in human 64 Very high 5 poverty dimensions and MDG targets VUP directs support cash transfers and public works Very high 6 which empower people by giving them choices in how 3.63 they invest in services and the livelihoods VUP stimulates locals to work together both in High 12 2.89 cooperatives and at the community level. VUP brings about gender equality by representing High 11 female headed households among the extreme poor in 2.92 Rwanda VUP Empowers women through job creation, increased 3 41 Very High 9 household income and inclusion in the banking system

32 VUP improves the delays in beneficiary payments 2 6 High 13 through direct support VUP improves the delays in implementation of public 78 Very High 3 works projects at sector level. VUP Implements Strategies of direct support and Very High 7 private wars and helps people to graduate from 3.62 poverty VUP has drawn other mechanism and expenses from Low 15 within Rwanda such as the land titling program t o 1.54 reduce poverty Average mean 3~26 Very High

Source: Primary Data The means in table two indicate that the aspects of the level of vision 2020 Umurenge program among households in Ngororero District in Rwanda were rated at different levels. Items which were very highly rated among others included VUP supports stopping households falling below survival level (Mean = 3.95), VUP contributes to the national target to reduce extreme income poverty (Mean = 3.83), VUP improves the delays in implementation of public works projects at sector level (Mean = 3.78), VUP contributes to skill development through training and sensitization on saving and investment (Mean = 3.67), I am well informed and aware of VUP in my region (Mean = 3.56), VUP contributes a lot towards improvements in human poverty dimensions and

MDG targets (Mean = 3.64), VUP directs support cash transfers and public works which empower people by giving them choices in how they invest in services and the livelihoods(Mean = 3.63), VUP Implements Strategies of direct support and private wars and helps people to graduate from poverty (Mean = 3.62), VUP Empowers women through job creation, increased household income and inclusion in the banking system

(Mean = 3.41) and lastly VUP has contributed so much towards the development of the 33 region (mean = 3.37). The findings concluded that there is a very high degree of Vision 2020 Umurenge program among households in Ngororero District in Rwanda and if this is maintained, it will constitute to the reduction of poverty in the district. All these were equivalent to strongly agree according to the rating scale used. However the study also rated three items High and these; VUP stimulates locals to work together both in cooperatives and at the community level. (Mean = 2.89), VUP brings about gender equality by representing female headed households among the extreme poor in Rwanda (mean = 2.92), and lastly VUP improves the delays in beneficiary payments through direct support (Mean = 2.86). All these were equivalent to agree according to the rating scale used The findings also revealed that two items were rated low which included, VUP reduces risks through encouraging risk taking through predictable transfers and wages, creating employment (Mean = 2.17), and VUP has drawn other mechanism and expenses from within Rwanda such as the land titling program t o reduce poverty

(Mean = 1.54). All these were equivalent to disagree on the rating scale used

To get a final picture on the level of Vision 2020 Umurenge program , the researcher computed an overall average mean for all the categories in Table 2, which came out to be (mean = 3.26), which confirms that the level of Vision 2020 Umurenge program was very high among households in Ngororero District in Rwanda.

The ~eve~ of Poverty Reduction among househo’ds in Ngororero District in Rwanda The second objective was to determine the level of Poverty reduction among households in Ngororero District in Rwanda All the aspects Poverty reduction among households in Ngororero District in Rwanda were measured using 10 qualitative questions in which respondents were requested to indicate the extent to which they agree or disagree with the statement by writing the number that best describes their perception. Each of the items on the questionnaires was rated with the aid of four response mode subjects ranging between one to four; where 1= strongly Disagree,

34 2= Disagree, 3= Agree, 4= Strongly Agree. There responses were described using means as summarized in table 4. Table 4: Level of Poverty reduction among households in Ngororero District in Rwanda

Category Mean Interpretation Rank My countries has developed a Poverty reduction ~ ~ Very High 5 strategy Poverty has done great harm on my family 2.59 High 9 The government works in a variety of ways to reduce 3 41 Very High 6 poverty and these programs work best for my region Poverty reduction strategies by the government have Very high 4 been beneficial to the district and the region at large Governmental strategies such as VUP to reduce Very High 2 poverty have benefited the region in terms of 3.57 development Poverty reduction plans and strategies by the 7 government have led to the development of 3.34 Very high infrastructure and jobs in the district People are very happy and so much interested in the Very High 1 government efforts to fight poverty in the region and 3.82 the country at large House hold poverty levels has reduced through the Very High 3 government strategy of poverty reduction such as VUP 3.54 in the region The region has a very good well structured High 8 infrastructure due to the best poverty reduction 3.17 strategies put in place by the government

35 Poverty reduction measures implemented in the region Low 10 have raised the people’s standards of living and 2.09 improved their livelihoods in the region Overall mean 3q24 Very High

Source: Primary Data The results in table 4 revealed that On overall, seven (7) out of (10) rated very high, two (2) were rated high, one (1) was rated low respectively. The seven items which were very highly rated as far as poverty reduction is concerned were: People are very happy and so much interested in the government efforts to fight poverty in the region and the country at large (Mean = 3.82); Governmental strategies such as VUP to reduce poverty have benefited the region in terms of development (Mean = 3.57), House hold poverty levels has reduced through the government strategy of poverty reduction such as VUP in the region (mean = 3.54), Poverty reduction strategies by the government have been beneficial to the district and the region at large (Mean = 3.47),

My countries has developed a Poverty reduction strategy (Mean = 3.43), The government works in a variety of ways to reduce poverty and these programs work best for my region (mean = 3.41) and lastly Poverty reduction plans and strategies by the government have led to the development of infrastructure and jobs in the district

(Mean = 3.34) respectively. All these were equivalent to strongly agree on the rating scale used. Basing on the overall rating, the study revealed that the two highly rated and these were: Poverty has done great harm on my family (Mean = 2.59) and The region has a very good well structured infrastructure due to the best poverty reduction strategies put in place by the government (mean = 3.17) and thus showing that poverty reduction among households in Ngororero District in Rwanda is relatively fair. On the other hand however, the findings revealed one areas which led to low levels of poverty reduction; Poverty reduction measures implemented in the region have raised

36 the people’s standards of living and improved their livelihoods in the region (Mean = 2.09). Which was equivalent to disagree on the response mode? To get a final picture on the poverty reduction among households in Ngororero District in Rwanda, the researcher computed an overall Grand average mean for all aspects in Table 3, which came out to be (mean = 3. 24), which confirms that the level of Poverty reduction among households in Ngororero District in Rwanda stands at High level.

To determine the significant relationship between VUP and poverty reduction among households in Ngororero district in Rwanda

Summary of Pearson’s linear correlation of the research hypothesis is about relationship between level of Vision 2020 Umurenge Program and poverty reduction among households in Ngororero district in Rwanda.

Table 5: The relationship between VUP and poverty reduction among households in Ngororero district in Rwanda

Variables correlated r-value sig Interpretation Decision on Ho Vision Umurenge .246 .000 2020 program Significant relationship Rejected Vs Poverty reduction Source: Primary Data 2013

Table 5 indicates the mean ratings by the respondents about the level of Vision 2020 Umurenge program and level of Poverty reduction among households in Ngororero district in Rwanda were correlated. It was found out that the significant value was 37 (0.000) which was less than the r-value (0.246) hence reject the hypothesis but accepting the alternative hypothesis that states that there was significant relationship between Vision 2020 Umurenge program and Poverty reduction among households in Ngororero district in Rwanda. This implies that the households in Ngororero district Rwanda require knowledge of Vision 2020 Umurenge program for them to fight Poverty in the region which will enable them to implement the Vision 2020s Umurenge in future.

Tab~e 6: Regression Analysis between Dependent and Independent variables Variab~e Adjusted F- Vague S~g. Interpretation Deds~ons Regressed. R. Square on Ho Poverty reduction -.032 .560 0. 467 Significant rejected vs. effect Vision Umurenge 2020 Program

From the table 6 above of Regression Analysis using ANOVA gives out (F- value at 0.560 and sig. 0.467), indicates that most of the Independent variables factors of the level of Vision 2020 Umurenge program influence the level of Poverty reduction among households in Ngororero district Rwanda. This implied that hypothesis that; there was no relationship between the level of Vision 2020 Umurenge program and Poverty reduction among households in Ngororero district Rwanda, was rejected.

38 CHAPTER FIVE

FINDINGS, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS This chapter focused on the findings, conclusion and recommendation of the study that were presented in chapter four. Firstly, it discussed the major finding as expressed in objectives, research question and hypothesis. Secondly, conclusion was drawn to the findings of the study and lastly, recommendations were given and areas for further research were made.

Findings The foNowing were the findings of the study:

Basing on the level of Vision 2020 Umurenge program , the finding came out to be (mean = 3.26), which confirms that the level of vision 2020 Umurenge program was very high among households in Ngororero District in Rwanda.

The finding on the level of poverty reduction among households in Ngororero

District in Rwanda, the findings which came out to be (mean = 3. 24), which confirms that the level of Poverty reduction among households in Ngororero District in Rwanda stands at very High level.

On the significant relationship between vision 2020 Umurenge program and poverty reduction ; It was found out that the significant value was (0.000) which was less than the r-value (0.246) hence reject the hypothesis but accepting the alternative hypothesis that states that there was significant relationship between Vision 2020 Umurenge program and Poverty reduction among households in Ngororero district in Rwanda. This implies that the households in Ngororero district Rwanda require knowledge of Vision 2020 Umurenge program for them to fight Poverty in the region which will enable them to implement the Vision 2020s Umurenge Program in future.

39 Basing on the Regression Analysis using ANOVA gives out (F- value at 0.560 and sig. 0.467), indicates that most of the Independent variables factors of the level of Vision 2020 Umurenge program influence the level of Poverty reduction among households in Ngororero district Rwanda. This implied that hypothesis that; there was no relationship between the level of Vision 2020 Umurenge program and Poverty reduction among households in Ngororero district Rwanda, was rejected.

Condusion In this chapter, the researcher sought to draw conclusions based the purpose of the study: The level of vision 2020 Umurenge program was very high among households in Ngororero District in Rwanda. The level of Poverty reduction among households in Ngororero District in Rwanda stands at very High level. The Independent variables factors which was vision 2020 Umurenge program influence the level of Poverty reduction among households in Ngororero district Rwanda. This implied that hypothesis that , there was no relationship between the level of Vision 2020 Umurenge program and Poverty reduction among households in Ngororero district Rwanda, was rejected.

Recommendations From the study findings the researcher recommended the following: There is an urgent need to sensitize the farming households in the study area on the relevance of family planning. The farming households should be effectively involved in the formulation of strategies for imparting knowledge on family planning to the farming households.

There is need for the state and local government to extend the skills acquisition centers to more rural areas in the state and to further strengthened the existing ones. This will help diversify the income sources of the household heads.

40 The government should improve the efficiency of its payments and pubhc works imp’ementation systems. As already noted, improvements have already been made in both areas. But ensuring timely and predictable beneficiary payments is critical for the VUP to be able to fulfill its social protection objectives.

The government should empower the financiall services sub-components. Progress and lessons learnt from the Ubudehe Credit Scheme piloting in the first 60 sectors will be assessed after which the design will be refined as necessary, and training of relevant VUP staff and other stakeholders conducted to strengthen its implementation. The other financial services sub-components (challenge fund and financial literacy training for beneficiaries) will be developed and piloted as appropriate. A financial services international consultant is being hired to support these activities.

Develop and pilot an independent appea~s and comp’aints system~ VUP will draw on other mechanisms and experiences from within Rwanda (such as the land titling program appeals process) and social protection programmes in other countries. The government should strengthen the regu~ar monitoring system. A comprehensive indicator list has been compiled, to cover all GoR and development partner VUP monitoring and evaluation needs. Existing monitoring formats and tools have been reviewed and revised as necessary to ensure all required information is captured. A series of trainings will be held through the year with VUP staff to build capacity on the monitoring and reporting tools. These activities are expected to help standardize the information collected and reported by each VUP sector, and improve its timeliness and quality.

Review the budget aHocation system, to be more poverty and needs based. In the initial years of VUP implementation, there were good, often pragmatic, reasons to adopt a formula-based budget allocation method similar to that used by the CDF for district infrastructure grant allocations. However it has been widely recognized that the nature

41 of the VUP is quite different and as the programme evolved, as the different components became operational and lessons were learnt, the system should be reviewed and revised.

Areas for further research The researcher recommends that further study be conducted on; How has vision 2020 Umurenge program been implemented in the regions of Rwanda Has Rwanda Been fully benefited from the Vision 2020 Umurenge Program? What are the advantages and disadvantages of Vision Umurenge in its progress to reduce poverty in Rwanda?

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44 Levitan, S. A., Mangum, G. L., Mangum, S. L., & Sum, A. M. (2003). Programs in Aid of the Poor. Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press. Lyson, T. A., & Falk, W. W. (1992). Forgotten Places:Uneven Development and Underclass in Rural America. Lawrence: University of Kansas Press. Maskovsky, J. (2001). Afterword: Beyond the privatist consensus. in 3. Goode, & J.

Maskovsky (eds), The new poverty studies . New York: New York University Press. Medoff, Peter and Holly Sklar. 1994. Streets of Hope : The Fall and Rise of an Urban Neighborhood. Cambridge: South End Press Miller, M. L., Mastuera, M., Chao, M., & Sadowski, K. (2004). Pathways Out of Poverty: Early Lessons of the Family Independence Initiative. Oakland: Family Independence Initiative. Morrill, R. L., & Wohlenberg, E. H. (1971). The Geography of Poverty. New York: McGraw Hill. Moynahan, D. (1965). The Negro Family. Washington DC: US Department of Labor, Office of Policy Planning and Research Murray, C. (1984). Losing Ground. New York: Basic. Myrdal, G. (1957). Economic Theory and Underdeveloped Regions. London: Gerald Duckworth and Co. O’Connor, A. (2001). Poverty Knowledge. Princeton: Princeton University Press. Page, B. I., & Simmons, J. R. (2000). What Government Can Do: Dealing With Poverty and Inequality. Chicago: University of Chicago Press. Parisi, D., McLaughlin, D. K., Grice, S. M., Taquino, M., & Gill, D. A. (2003). TANF Ppticipation Rates: Do Community Conditions Matter? Rural Sociology, 68(4),

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45 Sher, J. P. (1977). School Based Community Development Corporations: A New Strategy for Education and Development in Rural America. in J. P. Sher (ed), Education in Rural America (pp. 291-346). Boulder: Westview. Tobin, J. (1994). Poverty in Relation to Macroeconomic Trends, Cycles, Policies, in S. H. Danzinder, G. D. Sandefur, & D. H. Weinberg (eds), Confronting Poverty: Prescriptinos for Change. Cambridge: Harvard University Press. Valentine, C. A. (1968). Culture and Poverty. Chicago: University of Chicago Press. Weber, B., & Jensen, L. (2004). Poverty and Place: A Critical Reivew of Ruarl Poverty Literature. Oregon State University: Rural Poverty Research Center, Working Paper 04-03.

Weber, M. (2001). Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism . New York: Routelege. Wilson, W. J. (1987). The Truely Disadvantaged: The Inner City, the Underclass and Public Policy. Chicago: University of Chicago Press. Zigler, E., & Styfco, S. J. (1996). Reshaping early childhood interverntion to be a more effective weapon against poverty, in M

Adejobi, A. 0. (2004) Rural Households’, Food Production and Demand in Kebbi State Unpublished Ph.D Thesis University of Ibadan, Rwanda.

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Luxemburg study” Review of Income and wealth (34): 115-242. -

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46 Greer, J. and Thorbecke, E. (1984) Patterns of food consumption and poverty in Kenya and Effects of Food Prices .International Labour Organisation, Geneva.

Anderson, C., A. Mekonnen, and J. Stage (2011). Impact of the Productive Safety Net Program in Ethiopia on livestock and tree holdings of rural households. Journal of Development Economics, 94: 119-126.

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Backiny-Yetna, P., Q. Wodon and G. Zampaglione (2012). Impact of Labor-Intensive Public Works in Liberia: Results from a Light Evaluation Survey. In: Q. Wodon (ed). Poverty and the Policy Response to the Economic Crisis in Liberia. Washington D.C.: World Bank. pp.155-71.

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The Role of Race, Power, and Politics . New York: New York University Press. Jennings, 1, & Kushnick, L. (1999). Introduction: Poverty as Race, Power, and Wealth. in L. Kushnick, & J. Jennings (eda), A New Introduction to Poverty: The Role of Race, Power, and Politics (pp. 1-12). New York: New York University Press.

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49 http ://www. undp~org/content/dam/rwanda/docs/povred/VUP-VISION-2O2O- UMURENGE-DOCUMENT~pdf

50 APPENDIX I

TRANSMITTAL LETTER

~ Ut: ~GC~

~n ~ ~ 5 Ggaba Road - Kansanga

-‘ ~KAMPALA T256-4~ 266813/÷256-772 - 3 41 1 ~ ~NTERNATlONAL Fax:+256-414-501 974 ~ I ~i UN~VERS~TY Website:E-mail: admin~kiu.ac.ugwwwiciu.ac.ug

OFFICE OF THE HEAD OF DEPARTMENT, ECONOMICS AND MANAGEMENT SCIENCES COLLEGE OF HIGHER DEGREES AND RESEARCH (CHDR)

D:ite: 27t~ May.20l 3

RE: REQUEST OF UWIMANA DOMITILLE MBAf35586/112/DF TO CONDUCT RESEARCH IN YOUR ORGANIZATION

The above mentioned is a bonafide student of Kampala International University pursuing Masters in Business Administration (Management)

She is currently conducting a research entitled Vision 2020 Umurenge Program Among Households in Ngororero District, Rwanda.”

Your organization has been identified a~ a valuable source of information pertaining to her research project. The purpose of this letter is to request you to avail her with pertinent information she may need.

Any information shared with her from your organization shall be treated with utmost confidentiality.

Any assistance rendered to her will he highly appreciated.

Yours truly,

Dr. Malinga Ramadhan - Head of Department, Economics and Management Sciences, (CHDR)

NOTED~BY ~-r~ -~ Dr. Sdf~iS.~ T. Gaite principal—CHPR

51 APPENDIX II

CLEARANCE FROM ETHICS COMMITTEE

Dear Sin Madam, Greetings! I am a Masters in Business Administration (Management) candidate of Kampala International University. Part of the requirements for the award is a dissertation. My study is entitled, (VUP), Vision 2020 Umurenge program and poverty reduct~on among househo~ds ~n Ngororero distrkt ~n Rwanda~ Within this context, may I request you to participate in this study by answering the questionnaires? Kindly do not leave any option unanswered. Any data you will provide shall be for academic purposes only and no information of such kind shall be disclosed to others.

May I retrieve the questionnaire within five days (5). Thank you very much in advance.

Yours faithfully,

Miss. UWIMANA Domitille

52 APPENDIX 11

CLEARANCE FROM ETHICS COMMITTEE Date______Candidate’s Data Name Reg Course Title of Study

Ethica~ Review Checklist The study reviewed considered the following:

— Physical Safety of Human Subjects Psychological Safety

— Emotional Security

— Privacy Written Request for Author of Standardized Instrument Coding of Questionnaires/Anonymity/Confidentiality Permission to Conduct the Study Informed Consent

— Citations/Authors Recognized Results of Ethical Review

— Approved

— Conditional (to provide the Ethics Committee with corrections)

— Disapproved/ Resubmit Proposal Ethics Committee (Name and Signature) Chairperson Members ______

53 APPENDIX III INFORMED CONSENT

REPUBLIC OF RWANOA NgOrorero June o4th,2013 Ref.. h..,../03.0S/13SE

OUESTERN PROVINCE NGORORERO DISTRICT B.P. 103 GITARAMA Email : iieororerodistrict(ã~vahoO.fr Tel. 0788417301

Head of Department, Economics and Management Sciences (CHOR)

KAMPALA INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY

Re: Your request for conduct research for Miss UWIMANA Domitille

Dear Sir,

With reference to your letter of ~ April, 2013, requesting for research for Miss UWIMANA Domitille in our District. I would like to inform you that your request has been accepted.

Best regards. /

RUBONEZA Gedeo~,,,

Mayor of Ngororero District ,~ ~ Cc:

-The Vice Mayor in Charge of (all)

-The Executive Secretary of Ngororero District

-The Executive Secretary of Sector (all)

-Miss UWIMANA Domitille -

54 APPENDIX IVA QUESTIONNAIRE TO DETERMINE VUP Direction 1: Please write your rating on the space before each option which corresponds to your best choice in terms of the level of VUP in your District. Kindly use the scoring system below: Response Mode Rating Description Legend Strongly Agree (1) You agree with no doubt at all. SA Agree (2) You agree with some doubt A Disagree (3) You disagree with some doubt D Strongly disagree (4) You disagree with no doubt at all SD

____ I am well informed and aware of VUP in my region

____ VUP has contributed so much towards the development of the region

____ VUP reduces risks through encouraging risk taking through predictable transfers and wages, creating employment

____ VUP supports stopping households falling below survival level

____ VUP contributes to the national target to reduce extreme income poverty ______VUP contributes to skill development through training and sensitization on saving and investment

____ VUP contributes a lot towards improvements in human poverty dimensions and MDG targets

____ VUP directs support cash transfers and public works which empower people by giving them choices in howthey invest in services and the livelihoods

____ VUP stimulates locals to work together both in cooperatives and at the community level.

____ VUP brings about gender equality by representing female headed households among the extreme poor in Rwanda

55 ____ VUP Empowers women through job creation, increased household income and inclusion in the banking system

____ VUP improves the delays in beneficiary payments through direct support

____ VUP improves the delays in implementation of public works projects at sector level.

____ VUP Implements Strategies of direct support and private wars and helps people to graduate from poverty

____ VUP has drawn other mechanism and expenses from within Rwanda such as the land titling program t o reduce poverty

56 APPENDIX IVB

QUESTIONNAIRE TO DETERMINE POVERTY REDUCTION

Direction: Please write your preferred option on the space provided before each item. Kindly use the rating guide below: Response Mode Rating Description Legend Strongly Agree (1) You agree with no doubt at all. SA Agree (2) You agree with some doubt A Disagree (3) You disagree with some doubt D Strongly disagree (4) You disagree with no doubt at all SD

My country has developed a Poverty reduction strategy

____ Poverty has done great harm on my family

____ The government works in a variety of ways to reduce poverty and these programs work best for my region

____ Poverty reductiOn strategies by the government have been beneficial to the district and the region at large

____ Governmental strategies such as VUP to reduce poverty have benefited the region in terms of development

____ Poverty reduction plans and strategies by the government have led to the development of infrastructure and jobs in the district

____ People are yery happy and so much interested in the government efforts to fight poverty in the region and the country at large

____ Household poverty levels has reduced through the government strategy of poverty reduction such as VUP in the region

____ The region has a very good well structured infrastructure due to the best poverty reduction strategies put in place by the government 57 ____ Poverty reduction measures implemented in the region have raised the people’s standards of living and improved their livelihoods in the region

58 RESEARCHER’S CURRICULUM VITAE Persona’ proffle

Name : UW~MANA DomWNe Father : HABIMANA Gervais Mother : SINDIKUBWABO Josephine

Date of birth : The 1st July 1975 Place of birth : Kageyo Sector, Ngororero District, Western Province in Rwanda P~ace of residence : Kageyo Sector, Ngororero District, Western Province in Rwanda Nationailty : Rwandan Marita~ status : Single

Educationa~ Background 2011- 2013 : Master’s studies at Kampala International University (KIU)

2007 — 2010 : Bachelor’s studies at Institute of Agriculture, Technology and Education of Kibungo (INATEK) 1992-2000 : Student at dC MURAMBA (Certificate (A2) Commerce And Accountancy. 1983/1984- 1990/1991: Primary studies at Nyagasozi Primary School. Work Experiences 2000/2001 : Primary teacher at Nyagasozi Primary School September 2001-November 2003: Matron at Amizero College/Ramba/ Ngororero November 2003 —2013: Secretary Accountant at Kavumu Secondary School.

59 OTHER SKILLS •:• COUSELLING AND GUIDANCE •:• Computer Literacy:

- Microsoft Word

- Microsoft Excel

- Microsoft Power point

- Internet Explorer Spoken languages Kinyarwanda English French c~22

Contact: Phone number: +250788424505/ +250722424505 E-mail :domithilleu@yahoofr

I, UWIMANA Domitille, declare that the above information given is true.

60