USAID DEC
Soil degradation was attributed to intensive farming practices and lack of conservation tillage, while limited market access hindered farmers' ability to sell their produce at competitive prices.
3 pages

Abstract
The training programs emphasized the importance of crop rotation, composting, and conservation tillage to improve soil fertility and reduce erosion. The plots also served as a platform for farmers to share knowledge and best practices. The higher adoption rates among women-headed households were attributed to their greater involvement in household decision-making and their willingness to adopt new practices to improve their family's food security. The evaluation also found that the program had a positive impact on poverty reduction, with a 15% decrease in the poverty rate among program participants. The findings of the midterm evaluation informed the program's scaling up and expansion to other regions in Rwanda. The program's success was attributed to the collaborative efforts of local government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and community-based organizations. The program's focus on building the capacity of local institutions and empowering farmers to take ownership of their development also contributed to its success. The program's impact on agricultural development and poverty reduction in Rwanda has been recognized as a model for other countries in the region.
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