AGRIC RESEARCH II

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Rwanda is the most densely populated country in Africa. More than 90 percent of the Rwandan population lives in rural areas and derives its livelihood from agriculture and the cultivation of coffee and tea. Rwanda's economy was financially stable with low inflation and sustained growth through the mid 1980s. Declines in world coffee prices and unfavorable climatic conditions contributed to a drop in real income per capita by almost 16.5 percent. The objective of this Second National Agricultural Research Project is to ensure that adequate technology will be available to farmers as a means to increase agricultural growth. The project will improve quality, relevance, and accountability for agricultural research programs through institutional reforms. Emphasis will be placed on expanding and moving faster towards on-farm testing of new technologies, refocussing research on conservation of natural resources, and seeking closer regional and international collaboration for adapting technologies developed elsewhere. The project relates to public sector reform including improved funding of agricultural research, enhanced management autonomy and better scrutiny of public funds, poverty alleviation, and promotion of women farmers.