Analysis of socio-economic factors affecting the production of bananas in Rwanda:

Abstract

The economy of Rwanda depends on agriculture. It accounts for 41% of its GDP. Bananas are a major food crop and an essential source of income for households in the country. However. the production of bananas has been declining from 1990. To find out the reasons of this situation. this study has been conducted to investigate the socio-economic factors affecting the production of bananas in Rwanda, and a case studied was the District of Kanama. After estimating the relationship between the output of bananas and various factors. the findings shown that various socio-economic factors have to be reviewed in order to improve the production of bananas in the country. The results described that acreage (land), physical capital, fertilizer and price, have positive relationship with the output. These are factors on which, the government should give emphasis, in order to increase the production of bananas in Rwanda. Nevertheless, due to limited time and funds, this study has not covered all factors that are needed for the production of bananas. Further research has - to be done in order to reverse the situation.