USAID
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. This may be attributed to the fact that women-headed households tend to have more limited access to resources and credit, making the adoption of new practices more challenging. However, the initiative's focus on women's empowerment and capacity building helped to address these disparities. The evaluation also highlighted the importance of integrating market access interventions with agricultural development initiatives to achieve sustainable and equitable outcomes. The initiative's success in improving food security and household income has significant implications for Rwanda's agricultural development strategy. The initiative's geographic focus was on Eastern Province, where soil degradation and limited market access were most pronounced. The program's timeframes were set for a three-year period, with the first year focused on implementation and the second and third years dedicated to evaluation and scaling up. The initiative's recommendations emphasize the need for continued investment in agricultural development and market access interventions, particularly in areas with high levels of soil degradation and limited market access.
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USAID DEC