| dc.description.abstract | The concept of sustainable intensification of agriculture has been recognised and promoted as the solution as a sustainable food production for all. Sustainable intensification of agriculture applies a holistic view, including output, economic, environmental, and social aspirations. The concept aims to increase crop production, increase profitability, minimise and decrease damage to the environment, and contribute to become more resilient to shocks and stresses. As a result of this intensification process, (1) farmers' productivity improves, (2) the ecosystem preserves and (3) farmers' livelihood enhances.
Based on this research, the overall impact concludes that the productivity improves. However, the smallholder farmers do experience economic, cognitive, and social barriers while adopting the new farming method of sustainable intensification of their agricultural land. Furthermore, the livelihood of the smallholder farmers faces physical, social, and economic barriers which constrain farmers from cultivating with the intensified technique. Besides, there are assets that enhance livelihood as gained knowledge and improved soil quality. But throughout the whole project gender dynamics are present. Gender roles are culturally unequal in the Rwandan agricultural sector, and this influences the involvement of women in the process of sustainable intensification of agriculture. Diverse influencing factors reoccurred throughout analysing the data, such as more required inputs, low access to finance, and unstable crop market prices. These factors correspond to the improved outputs of the smallholder farmers and their livelihood enhancement.
Overall, the effects of sustainable intensification of agriculture are very diverse and are, therefore, in line with the highly heterogeneous nature of smallholder farmers. But above all, it can be stated that, even though Rwandan smallholder farmers do not have full authority over their decisions, this study examined that the effects of the potato value chain program are positive when focusing on productivity. The unanticipated consequences may reduce the chance of a sustainable long-term adoption and decrease the resilience of most smallholder farmers. | |
