Module Summary: Agriculture Policy Reforms and Development
This module examines the evolution of agricultural policy reforms and their role in driving agricultural development, with particular attention to contemporary African contexts such as Rwanda. It explores how governments have used policy reforms to transform agriculture from a subsistence-based activity into a market-oriented and productive sector capable of supporting economic growth, food security, and poverty reduction. The module analyses key reform areas including land tenure and consolidation, crop intensification, input subsidies, irrigation, mechanization, and access to agricultural finance and markets. It also considers the influence of regional and global frameworks, donor interventions, and climate change adaptation strategies on agricultural policymaking.
Students engage with the socio-economic impacts of agricultural reforms on smallholder farmers, women, and rural communities, highlighting issues of inclusion, equity, and sustainability. The module further evaluates institutional arrangements, governance challenges, and implementation gaps that affect policy outcomes. Through historical and contemporary case studies, learners develop a critical understanding of how agricultural policies shape rural livelihoods and national development trajectories. By the end of the module, students are equipped with analytical tools to assess agricultural policy reforms, identify successes and limitations, and propose evidence-based recommendations for sustainable and inclusive agricultural development.