Girinka (one cow per family) program and social reintegration in Rwanda: Case of Gahanga sector in Kicukiro District

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to establish a correlation between Girinka (one cow per family) program and social reintegration in Rwanda, a case of Gahanga sector in Kicukiro district, with 59% of community under ubudehe category 1 and 2, eligible for the program. Liberal theory of poverty was used throughout the research to achieve the objectives: to analyse the impact of poverty reduction on social reintegration; to assess the impact of household wellbeing on social reintegration; to analyse the impact of economic empowerment on social reintegration by answering the research questions: how does poverty reduction impact on social reintegration? How does household wellbeing impact on social reintegration? How does the economic empowerment impact on social reintegration? Qualitative approach was used to have opinions and perceptions of the targeted population comprised of 664 people from Gahanga Sector which thus, meeting the total number of 95 people as a sample size; 75 were beneficiaries and 20 were local leaders. Purposive sampling was used in selecting the preferable respondents considering their characteristics proportional to the study objective. The main sources of data collection were primary and secondary. For the purpose of the study and to achieve its objectives, an interview guide was compiled in questions formulated and elaborated from the topic. The study guided by poverty liberal theory, findings showed that poverty hinders social reintegration in Gahanga sector, however, Girinka program one of the homegrown solution for poverty alleviation, has transformed the living conditions of beneficiaries to social reintegration, such as social interaction, acceptance and participation in community based activities in Gahanga sector. The study also recommends continuous support from MINAGRI/RAB, MINALOC and local leaders for close follow-up and monitoring of the progress of the program.