Intervention(s)
We conducted two interventions, cross-randomized across demo plot groups: (1) labor-saving irrigation technology ("SSIT"), and (2) market linkages ("ML").
(1) SSIT: SSIT installed irrigation equipment on the plots that comprise the demo plot group. The irrigation equipment was built on top of existing irrigation infrastructure, the impacts of which are evaluated in Jones et al. (2022). The SSIT systems were expected to predominantly be rain hose and drip irrigation systems, which are intended to promote water use efficiency, and as a side benefit to reduce the labor requirements associated with irrigation.
(2) ML: ML aims to enhance market access for farmers, by employing two complementary approaches:
First, at baseline, farmers are walked through the process of registering on the "Tugure Muhinzi" market linkages platform, an interactive voice response-based (IVR) marketplace using Rwanda's 8-4-5 toll-free information service. Farmers and buyers who called in could register using IVR, and matches (based on location and crop) were facilitated by the platform, with the goal to enhance sales opportunities.
Second, farmers managing the plots that comprise the demo plot group, and selected buyers from their communities, are trained on "farming as a business" based on the "LINK" methodology developed by the International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT). The approach is intended to empower farmers and buyers by providing them with the knowledge and skills to facilitate better sales opportunities, by focusing on navigating market dynamics, establishing market linkages, and boosting sales. Farmers also received a refresher training on the Tugure Muhinzi platform. The trainings were also intended to serve as a "matchmaking": for some trainings, a mix of farmers and small buyers were invited, and for others, a mix of small buyers and large buyers were invited.