https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7367-1479
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Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the frequency of protein-rich food consumption among impoverished rural households in Rwanda. Data from the Rwanda Institute of Statistics, gathered nationally from a random sample of 9,709 households in 2018, was utilized for a comprehensive analysis of the food security and vulnerability survey. Given the dependent variable’s nature, a diverse econometric approach was employed to identify the factors influencing the weekly consumption of key protein-rich foods (milk, meat, and beans) in Rwandan families. An instrumental variable technique was applied to assess the impact of a unified land use policy on the consumption of protein-rich foods in Rwandan households, considering the lack of a direct relationship with welfare outcomes in theory. The results indicate that land consolidation significantly influences the consumption of meat and pulses. Additionally, cattle ownership has a notable impact on milk and pulse intake. In light of these findings, we recommend that the government and development partners enhance support for farmers, particularly by providing subsidized farm inputs and increasing the distribution of cattle to eligible low-income households.
PUBLIC INTEREST STATEMENT
This study assessed what factors influence how much protein people eat. Results pointed out that land being grouped together for farming (land consolidation) actually lowered meat and milk consumption, while surprisingly raising the intake of beans and peas (pulses). This suggests people might keep cows for more than just food, like for fertilizer. Owning cattle and having more money also meant eating more protein. Interestingly, households led by women ate more protein than those led by men, and older people ate more than younger people. Families with more people and less education ate less protein. Living in a city and having more income sources or better social networks also meant eating more protein. This research suggests that policies to help farmers, especially women and those in rural areas, could improve protein intake for everyone in Rwanda.
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No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).
Notes
1 Livestock (both small and big animals) have been distributed among Rwandans through different schemes such as one cow per poor household programme (known as Girinka). Similarly, in 2006, the Government of Rwanda initiated a crop intensification programme (land use consolidation being one of its components) that aimed at boosting crop productivity of six most important crops for food security: bean, potato, rice, cassava, wheat and maize.
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Aristide Maniriho
Aristide Maniriho is a lecturer in the Department of Economics, School of Economics at University of Rwanda. He holds a PhD in Agricultural Economics and Rural Development from the University of Liege – Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech (Belgium) obtained in December 2021. Maniriho’s primary research thrust focuses on agricultural and development economics. This extends to a keen interest in environmental and natural resource economics, as well as food economics. Maniriho’s secondary research interests include university pedagogy of economics, and international economics, which reflects a nuanced understanding of the interconnectedness of various factors influencing agricultural and rural development. Crucially, Maniriho’s research aligns with broader themes of agricultural performance, sustainable development, poverty reduction, and rural development. His findings actively inform policy interventions and development programs, aiming to enhance food security and nutritional well-being in rural communities.