Abstract: This study examined how agricultural shifts promoted through the CDAT-RAB Project influence environmental conservation practices among smallholder farmers in Gatsibo District, Rwanda. The project encourages a transition from subsistence farming to more diversified and market-oriented agriculture by supporting farmers with improved inputs, training, and market access. Despite these efforts, limited evidence existed on whether such agricultural changes contribute to sustainable land management, creating a research gap addressed by this study. A descriptive cross-sectional design was used, and data were collected from 394 households using structured questionnaires. Both descriptive and inferential statistical analyses, including correlation and regression, were applied. Findings revealed a strong shift toward market-oriented production, with 32.5% of farmers selling 51–75% of their produce and 25.8% selling more than 75%. Weekly market participation was reported by 44.3% of respondents, while many farmers benefited from CDAT-supported markets (61.3%), improved agricultural inputs (71.1%), and participation in value chains (55.2%). The study also found high adoption of environmental conservation practices. Soil erosion control measures were practiced by 70.6% of farmers, use of organic manure by 63.9%, mulching by 60.8%, and agroforestry by 58.8%. In addition, 68.0% of respondents reported practicing conservation methods frequently, showing strong engagement in sustainable farming. Inferential results indicated a significant positive relationship between agricultural shifts and environmental conservation practices (R = 0.735, R² = 0.540, p < 0.001). Market participation (β = 0.301) and the proportion of produce sold (β = 0.264) emerged as the strongest predictors of conservation practice adoption. Overall, the findings demonstrate that agricultural transformation under the CDAT Project not only improves farmers’ livelihoods and market integration but also promotes sustainable environmental management. The study therefore recommends continued support for integrated agricultural policies that combine productivity enhancement with environmental sustainability in Rwanda.
Keywords: Agricultural Shifts, Environment, Conservation Practices, CDAT Project, Rwanda.
Title: Effects of Agricultural Shifts on Environmental Conservation Practices; A Case Study of the CDAT Project in Gatsibo District, Rwanda
Author: ZIGIRANYIRAZO Jean Claude, Dr. James Kant Kamuhanda
International Journal of Life Sciences Research
ISSN 2348-313X (Print), ISSN 2348-3148 (online)
Vol. 14, Issue 2, April 2026 - June 2026
Page No: 27-37
Research Publish Journals
Website: www.researchpublish.com
Published Date: 03-June-2026
