Abstract

Author:

Xavier Uwiringiyimana, Kusnandar

Doi: 10.26480/seps.01.2026.38.43

This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License CC BY 4.0, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited

Maize production plays a critical role in Rwanda’s agriculture sector. This study explores how government interventions, notably the Crop Intensification Program (CIP), have influenced its performance. CIP was begun in 2007 and hoped to improve the productivity of farms by grouping land, providing advanced seeds and fertilizer, and providing advice through extension helpers. Using a qualitative method, researchers review academic studies, government reports by governments, and policies to see how well these measures function, what challenges occur, and the outcomes. We found data by systematically reviewing and conducting a systematic review of articles on ScienceDirect, Scopus, and government repositories. The results show that CIP significantly increased maize production from 324,368 metric tons in 2017 to 507,985 metric tons in 2024. At the same time, differences in performance by area suggest that implementation is not going smoothly. Approaching policy design has not solved the different challenges of smallholder farmers. Limited input availability in some regions, poor infrastructure, and minimal farmer involvement in policy-making have contributed to the continued underperformance of the agricultural sector. Additionally, digital skills among farmers and a shortage of related services in rural areas are still barriers to using technology in agriculture. The study finds that Rwanda can achieve sustainable and inclusive growth in maize if government policies are adaptive, people-centered, and tailored to local conditions. It is recommended that extension services be strengthened, agricultural inputs fit local conditions by following local needs, digital literacy among farmers be upgraded, and farmers’ participation in policy development be encouraged. The findings of this study aid those who create and apply food security and rural livelihood policies in Rwanda.