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Assessing the Role of Coffee Cooperatives on Regional Development: A Case of Huye District, Rwanda

Dusenge, Angelique (2009) Assessing the Role of Coffee Cooperatives on Regional Development: A Case of Huye District, Rwanda.

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Abstract:This study assesses the contribution of three coffee cooperatives on development of the region and members. It evaluates the role of government intervention on development of coffee cooperatives and role of other factors. Also, coffee growers’ attitudes towards coffee cooperatives are examined. The study is based on secondary and primary data. Secondary data was collected from governmental organizations and NGOs reports. Primary data was collected in three coffee cooperatives located in three wards of Huye district in southern region of Rwanda. The study employs policy evaluation techniques, with- minus without principle and comparison of coop and non coop households. It analyses data in consideration of spatial patterns such as autocorrelation using GeoDa software which combines maps with statistical graphics (Moran’s I and cluster maps). The findings of this study show that government reform policy on coffee sector is a key factor in existence and development of coffee cooperatives. Different infrastructures such as coffee processing plants for improving coffee quality were constructed as a support to coffee cooperatives. Moran’s I measure for spatial autocorrelation indicated that there is negative autocorrelation of coffee processing plants in districts. The results indicated that, the policy was partially successful in increasing coffee quality. However, it was not successful in increasing coffee production due to external factors influencing coffee production such as economic globalisation and climate. The coffee cooperatives have created both permanent and seasonal jobs to local community. They employ managers, secretaries, accountants, drivers and guards of coffee processing plants on permanent basis and seasonal workers in activities such as coffee weighing, sorting and drying. Abahuzamugambi and KOAKAKA contribute in tax revenue generated in the region; they are ranked first in rural industry sector. Coffee processing plants constructed in the region led to change from the old method of coffee processing and improved coffee quality. This led the regions to be known internationally as the producers of specialty coffee which was not the case before existence of coffee cooperatives in the regions. The cooperatives provide the members inputs, market for coffee cherries, coffee bikes and loans. They also train them on input use and techniques of coffee growing. Non coop members also benefit market for coffee cherries and pesticides from cooperatives. The results from the interviews from both the coop and non coop members showed that they regard the cooperatives as the institution that provides them economic support. The results have shown that the coffee cooperatives have played a role in implementing the government policy. The three coffee cooperatives have facilitated in the distribution of fertilizers and inputs to the coffee growers and supervision of extension workers employed by the OCIR CAFÉ. Key words: Policy evaluation, Coffee, Cooperatives, Regional development
Item Type:Essay (Master)
Faculty:ITC: Faculty of Geo-information Science and Earth Observation
Programme:Geoinformation Science and Earth Observation MSc (75014)
Link to this item:https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/92732
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