Exploration of Causal Effects of Agroforestry Adoption on Livelihood Resilience: Evidence from the Green Gicumbi Project, Rwanda

This study examined the causal relationship between agroforestry adoption and household welfare, particularly livelihood resilience, among beneficiaries of the Green Gicumbi Project in Gicumbi District, Rwanda. A cross-sectional research design was employed, using primary data collected through structured questionnaires from 393 households selected from a population of 21,932 smallholder farmers. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, including frequencies, percentages, means, standard deviations, chi-square tests, and multiple regression analysis. The findings showed that 63.1% of households had adopted agroforestry, with fruit and timber trees being the most commonly planted species. Adoption intensity was higher among households that had access to extension services, training, and project support. Agroforestry adopters demonstrated better livelihood outcomes than non-adopters, including higher levels of income diversification, asset ownership, and food security. The mean Livelihood Resilience Index was 0.72 among adopters compared to 0.58 among non-adopters, indicating greater capacity to cope with and recover from shocks. Multiple regression results revealed that agroforestry adoption had a positive and statistically significant causal effect on livelihood resilience (B = 0.14, p < 0.01), even after controlling for household size, education level, landholding size, soil quality, and access to credit and extension services. These findings suggest that agroforestry contributes substantially to improved household welfare and resilience to climate-related risks. The study further highlights the critical role of institutional support, training, and financial assistance in enhancing adoption rates and maximizing livelihood benefits. The results provide empirical evidence to inform policy formulation, program implementation, and sustainable landscape management strategies in Rwanda and other sub-Saharan African countries, while contributing to the growing body of knowledge on climate-smart agriculture, sustainable livelihoods, and rural development. Keywords: Agroforestry Adoption, Livelihood Resilience, Green Gicumbi Project, Rwanda. Title: Exploration of Causal Effects of Agroforestry Adoption on Livelihood Resilience: Evidence from the Green Gicumbi Project, Rwanda Author: Modeste Nsabimana, Assoc. Prof. Isaac Olajide AREO International Journal of Life Sciences Research ISSN 2348-313X (Print), ISSN 2348-3148 (online) Vol. 14, Issue 2, April 2026 - June 2026 Page No: 62-74 Research Publish Journals Website: www.researchpublish.com Published Date: 10-June-2026 DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.20625464 Paper Download Link (Source) https://www.researchpublish.com/papers/exploration-of-causal-effects-of-agroforestry-adoption-on-livelihood-resilience-evidence-from-the-green-gicumbi-project-rwanda