The goal of this research is to create an agri-business model to create uses for tomato crop farmers in Rwanda. This study places special focus on addressing the lack of value addition in tomato crop farm leftovers and investigates the current state of farm leftover utilization as a method of dealing with tomato cultivation difficulties as well as related issues.
The research study used an exploratory mixed-method research design and the researcher interviewed and surveyed specified and identified tomato farmers as well as trainers/lecturers and other who are involved in horticulture sector using structured instrument, validated from previous pilot study. A total of 64 individuals were selected. Respondents recorded, transcribed, and verified the interview data for the research. The data was subsequently analyzed using NVIVO12 analytic software, which resulted in the establishment of data-driven prominent themes and in inclusion of important themes while the survey data from the spreadsheet was in conversion model to provide statistical data.
As a result, agricultural farm leftovers are produced in significant numbers each year. The most frequent crop farm wastes are stems and leaves, although roots may also be discovered in tomato fields. The bulk of tomato crop residue is allowed in fields to decay naturally, while some are kept for mulch and animal feed.
The study's findings indicated that farmers make no more money, no matter what they do with tomato crop farm leftovers. Composting can generate some income for them, but it is not done properly. The major reasons for tomato crop farm leftovers not being turned into other valuable crop-based goods include farmers' lack of knowledge and skills in tomato crop value addition, as well as a lack of farmer-academia collaboration. The technical requirements revealed in the results are mentorship and training in value addition, particularly in tomato residue value-added, as well as training of trainers in modern farming; however, compost manufacturing, value chain development, modern farming technologies, post-harvest technology and handling, and value addition are the most important for tomato farmers.
These findings fuelled the development of several options, but the construction of a farmer field school for composting tomato crop farm leftovers was the most conservative, safe, and risk-averse option as an agribusiness model for collaboration.
Table of Contents
1.1. Introduction
1.2. Background to the Institution
1.3. Background to the problem
1.4. Problem Statement
1.5. Study Questions
1.6. The Aim of the research
1.7. Objectives of the Study
1.8. Research Design and Methodology
1.9. Research Instruments
1.10. Sample Frame
1.11. Data Capture and Analysis
1.12. Summary of the chapter
1.13. Outline of the Remaining Chapters
CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1. Introduction
2.2. Definitions of key concepts
2.3. Introduction to Value Chain
2.4. Tomato Value Chain
2.5. Agricultural Value Chain
2.6. Tomato Production and Food Security
2.7. Rwandan Tomato Production
2.7.1. Rwandan Tomato Farming Districts
2.7.2. Seasons of Tomato Production in Rwanda
2.7.3. Tomato Production Challenges in Rwanda
2.7.4. Agricultural Crop Leftovers
2.7.5. Products produced from crop farm leftovers
2.7.6. Creating a Competitive and Long-Term Horticulture Business Model
2.7.7. Entrepreneurship for social good
2.7.8. Mixing of small farmers and giant agricultural corporations
2.7.9. Technological skill development and organizational learning
2.8. Summary and Conclusions
CHAPTER 3: RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODOLOGY
3.1. Introduction
3.2. Explanation of the research issue
3.3. Research Questions
3.4. Research Objectives
3.5. Research Design and Methodology
3.6. Sample Frame
3.6.1. Sampling Methodology
3.6.2. Sample Size
3.7. Data Collection Methods and Instruments
3.7.1. Pilot Testing and Questionnaire Administration
3.8. Data Processing and Analysis
3.8. Summary and Conclusions
CHAPTER 4: ANALYSIS OF DATA
4.1 Introduction
4.2. Presentation of the Results
4.2.1. Background Information
4.2.2. The quantity and application of Crop Farm Leftovers
4.2.3. Markets for Tomatoes
4.2.4. Quantity of tomato crop farm leftovers and applications
4.2.5. Potential Tomato Value added
4.2.6. Partnership/Collaboration
4.2.7. Areas of potential partnership with PIASS
4.2.8. Benefits from the Collaboration
4.3. Presentation of Qualitative Results
4.3.1. Presentation of results based on the diagram
4.4. Conclusions on research objectives
4.5. Data limitations
4.6. Summary and Conclusions
CHAPTER 5: GENERATION AND EVALUATION OF OPTIONS
5.1 Introduction
5.2 Generation of Options
5.3. Analysis of the realistic Options
5.4. Conclusion
CHAPTER 6: CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLEMENTATION
6.1 Introduction
6.2. Main Findings of the Study
6.3 Data Gaps, Anomalies or Deviations
6.4. Presentation of Joint Agri-Business Model
6.5. Implementation Plan and Cost Estimates
6.5.1: Objective
6.5.2. Project Management and Timeline
6.5.3 Cost Estimation
6.6. Challenges and Problems
6.7. Summary and Conclusions
7.1 Introduction
7.2 Organisation Perspective
7.2.1 Organizational Tangible and Intangible Benefits
7.3. Personal Learning Perspective
7.4. Problem, Research Process and Challenges
7.5. Learning Outcomes
7.5.1. Strategic Policy Development
7.5.2 Entrepreneurship
7.5.3 Decision-making
7.5.4 Ethical Responsibility
7.5.5 Cooperation
7.5.6 Communication
7.5.7. Analysing, information-processing and problem-solving abilities
7.5.8 Learning and personal development
7.6. Study Conclusion
Research Objectives and Focus
The primary aim of this research is to establish an appropriate agri-business model in Rwanda to convert tomato crop farm leftovers into value-added products, thereby enhancing food security and farmer income. The study investigates current waste management practices in the Huye district and seeks to foster a productive collaboration between local smallholder farmers and the Protestant Institute of Arts and Social Sciences (PIASS).
- Analysis of tomato crop farm leftovers' quantities and current disposal methods.
- Identification of potential value-added processes such as composting, briquette production, and livestock feed usage.
- Development of a sustainable, joint agri-business model between PIASS and local farmers.
- Evaluation of barriers to value addition, including lack of technical skills and infrastructure.
- Proposal of an implementation plan using the Farmer Field School (FFS) approach to facilitate knowledge transfer and economic growth.
Excerpt from the Book
2.7.4. Agricultural Crop Leftovers
Crop residue is the part of plant left over after harvest that includes leaves, stalks, and roots. Crop residue is distributed and used unevenly across the country, depending on the crops grown, crop production, and productivity (Shankar et al., 2017). Crop residue use is a valuable agricultural practice that has the potential to improve soil quality and fertility, nutrient and water management, and pest management. Crop residues are leaves, twigs, pods, and other plant litter that are left or applied on the field before, concurrently with, or after planting a new crop.
Agricultural waste is defined as any material that is not primarily produced for the market and is the result of production, conversion, consumption, and is usually discarded. These agricultural leftovers may be the result of harvesting and post-harvesting activities such as raw material modification, transformation into other products, consumption of end products, and other factors human endeavours (UN, 2016; Silva & Moore, 2017).
Some these remaining materials are regarded as worthless and discarded, but, in truth, they are biological materials that can be reprocessed, valorised, and reused for other purposes, as well as generating additional income for farmers. Farm crop wastes/leftovers are generally classified as pre-harvest wastes, harvesting time wastes, and post-harvest wastes (Mukularinda et al., 2009; Aprianto et al., 2016). Nursery operations and the maintenance of immature plantations generate pre-harvest agricultural wastes, which are typically in the form of generative and vegetative parts of crops that have fallen (leaves and twigs). However, it could also be discarded material.
Summary of Chapters
1.1. Introduction: This chapter contextualizes the research within Rwanda's agricultural development goals and introduces the problem of unused tomato crop residues.
CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW: The literature review explores global and local perspectives on value chains, specific tomato production challenges in Rwanda, and the potential for valorizing agricultural leftovers.
CHAPTER 3: RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODOLOGY: This section details the exploratory mixed-method research design, including the sample frame of tomato farmers and stakeholders, and the use of NVIVO software for qualitative analysis.
CHAPTER 4: ANALYSIS OF DATA: This chapter presents the empirical findings from surveys and interviews, highlighting the current state of tomato farming in the Simbi sector and the potential for PIASS-farmer collaboration.
CHAPTER 5: GENERATION AND EVALUATION OF OPTIONS: This chapter proposes several agri-business model options, ultimately selecting a joint Farmer Field School-Composting model as the most feasible solution.
CHAPTER 6: CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLEMENTATION: This concluding chapter provides a detailed implementation roadmap, including RACI matrix responsibilities and cost estimates for the pilot project.
CHAPTER 7: REFLECTION: The final chapter reflects on the researcher's professional growth during the completion of the thesis and the broader organizational impact on PIASS.
Keywords
Agribusiness, Rwanda, Tomato Crop Leftovers, Value Chain, Composting, Food Security, Farmer Field School, PIASS, Smallholder Farmers, Agricultural Residue, Sustainability, Waste Valorization, Mixed-Method Research, Economic Development, Value Addition.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this research study?
The study focuses on creating an agri-business model to help tomato crop farmers in Rwanda, specifically in the Simbi sector, to find economic value in their crop leftovers rather than wasting them.
What are the primary thematic areas explored?
The work covers agricultural value chain improvement, tomato production waste management, food security sustainability, Farmer Field School (FFS) initiatives, and community-academic partnerships.
What is the ultimate objective or research question?
The primary research aim is to address the lack of value addition to tomato crop leftovers and to propose a sustainable long-term solution that benefits both local farmers and the community.
Which scientific methodology was utilized?
The research employs an exploratory mixed-method design, incorporating both qualitative data from interviews with experts and quantitative survey data collected from tomato farmers.
What is covered in the main body of the work?
The main body includes a literature review on value chains, a detailed research design, the analysis of collected field data regarding current farming and waste practices, and the evaluation of potential business model options.
Which keywords characterize this thesis?
Key terms include Agribusiness, Rwanda, Tomato Crop Leftovers, Value Chain, Composting, Food Security, Farmer Field School, and Agricultural Waste Valorization.
Why is composting considered the best option in the study?
Composting was selected because the study found it to be the most conservative, safe, low-cost, and environmentally friendly solution that is easily implementable for small-scale farmers in the region.
What role does the Protestant Institute of Arts and Social Sciences (PIASS) play?
PIASS acts as a partner in the proposed agri-business model, providing research-backed training, mentorship, and a platform for collaboration to bridge the knowledge gap for local farmers.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Leonidas Maniraho (Autor:in), 2021, An Agri-Business model to create uses for tomato crop farmers in Rwanda, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1282011
