The Contribution of Vision Umurenge Program in the Reduction of Household Conflicts Based on Income Inequality

Abstract

“Umugabo wanjye twapfaga guhora musaba igitenge… none ubu niha icyo nshaka, mu rugo ni amahoro!”[Conflicts with my husband were based on frequent requests for loincloth…now I can satisfy my needs, our household is in peace!] - A beneficiary of VUP in Munyiginya sector. “Waba ufite ku mufuka ugapfa iki n’umugabo?Ukabura ute ijambo mu rugo?”[How can you be in conflict with your husband while you have your own resources? How can you be underesteemed?”]- A beneficiary of VUP in Munyiginya sector. The two testimonies certify that there is the link between economic empowerment and the reduction of family conflicts. These testimonies go in line with two Rwandese proverbs one stating that “Imfura yanyuze aha ni iyariye”; meaning that economic position affect own behavior and relationship in society; and another stating that “Abasangiye ubusa bitana ibisambo”; meaning that those who share scarce assets live in permanent conflicts. The present research assessed the impact of VUP on households’ conflicts based on economic pressure. Specifically, the research identified the beneficiaries of VUP and compared their economic situation before and after being VUP beneficiaries; compared the level of conflicts in households before and after being VUP beneficiaries; and analyzed the challenges faced by VUP and provided mechanisms to empower VUP to become a tool of alleviation of households’ conflicts based on income inequality. Over a total population of 315 beneficiaries of VUP and local administrative leaders identified, the research collected data using a questionnaire, focus group discussions and interview. The research found that beneficiaries of VUP are people with advanced age, mainly married and divorced, having big families of 4 and 5 members. Women are more than men as women are more likely to be victims of households’ conflicts based on economic pressure. Comparing economic position before and after VUP, the research found that before VUP the majority runs traditional subsistence agriculture and others did not run any economic activity. VUP created jobs through public works, promoted entrepreneurship through financial services, and provided direct support to those unable to work. Concerning the level of conflicts before and under VUP, the research found that income from VUP increased the bargaining power on the side of the former vulnerable and many households live in peace. However, the research found that income by itself is not enough to solve conflicts at a sufficient level because there are few households where income from VUP is the cause of conflicts instead of being a solution for those who misuse the earnings.