Exploring the benefits, challenges, and rationale behind growing crops of choice among farmers in Rwanda

Farming decisions about crop choices are influenced by natural conditions, household needs, family traditions, stakeholder recommendations, and crop productivity. The best decision varies for each farmer based on the specific circumstances. In Rwanda, where agriculture employs 70% of the population and contributes 33% to GDP, the sector operates across three seasons. Despite these conditions, food and nutritional insecurity remain significant issues affecting both human and economic progress. This study explored the rationale, benefits, and challenges of farmers’ crop choices. This study employed a qualitative descriptive approach. Six Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) were conducted, with two sessions per district. Each FGD included 10 participants and lasted one hour, maintaining gender balance. Local community health workers (CHWs) facilitated recruitment, and participants gave informed consent. Trained data collectors used voice recorders for data collection. Researchers transcribed, anonymized, and translated the data into English, then coded and analysed it to generate themes and categories.Farmers grow diverse crops for income, export, and household consumption, influenced by soil, climate, inherited knowledge, and stakeholder advice. Agriculture sustains their livelihoods through nutrition and financial stability. However, they face challenges like pests, input access, climate change, and soil-crop incompatibility. These findings call for holistic and context-specific solutions to agricultural development in Rwanda. Stakeholders should work together to support farmers in making informed choices and promoting sustainable and profitable agriculture.