Governance Practices and their Impact on the Inclusion of Youth and Women Among Rice Co-operatives in Eastern Province, Rwanda

Abstract

This study dealt with the impact of governance practices on the inclusion of youth and women in rice co-operatives in Rwanda. The main research problem is that poor governance practices in co-operatives do not allow this vulnerable group of people; the youth and women to involve in the co-operative activities as stipulated in the principles governing co-operatives. The general objective of the present study was to assess the governance practices and their impact on the inclusion of women and youth among rice co-operatives in Rwanda. This study used descriptive and correlational research design. To determine the extent to which the variables were related, the researchers made recourse on a survey to record the data. Simple random and stratified sampling techniques were used to sample 387 respondents. A questionnaire was administered to selected members of the co-operatives. Data analysis using regression analysis and correlation coefficients and interpretation of results showed indeed that the governance practices not only increased the inclusion levels of the youth and women (the R square =.348) but also encouraged them to train and participate more in various activities that would help them develop economically and socially. The results have also showed that inclusion of youth and women is highly predicted by engagement (P-value = .000), leadership (P-value = .012) and accountability (P-value = .016). It can be concluded that a combination of governance practices has a pivotal role in bringing about the inclusion of the youth and women. This study recommends rice co-operatives in the study area to implement the governance practices that suit entire community members so that more youth and women are encouraged to join.