Contribution of Project Management Practices to the Performance of Agricultural Projects: A Case of the CDAT Project, Bugesera District, Rwanda (2025-2026)
Abstract
This study investigated how key project management practices influence agricultural project outcomes in Rwanda. The study was motivated by persistent challenges affecting the CDAT project, including procurement delays, cost overruns, weak stakeholder coordination, and inadequate risk management, which have limited improvements in productivity and farmer livelihoods. The main objective was to examine the contribution of planning and scheduling, procurement and contract management, risk management, and stakeholder engagement and communication to project performance in terms of time, cost, and quality. A quantitative research design was adopted, using primary data collected through structured questionnaires administered to a census sample of 150 respondents drawn from CDAT staff, district officials, partners, and beneficiaries, with a 100% response rate. Data were collected through face to face and online methods and analysed using SPSS (v25), applying descriptive statistics (means and standard deviations) and inferential tools, including Pearson correlation, regression analysis, and ANOVA, supported by validated instruments (CVI=0.978; Cronbach’s α=0.908). Findings revealed that planning and scheduling improve timely delivery, procurement and contract management reduce cost overruns, risk management enhances resilience to uncertainties and has the strongest effect, and stakeholder engagement strengthens participation and sustainability, with all variables significantly influencing performance and explaining 64.1% of its variation. It concludes that despite generally positive performance, gaps exist in supplier quality, scheduling techniques, and risk monitoring effectiveness. The study recommends strengthening planning capacity, improving procurement systems and supplier accountability, institutionalising proactive risk management linked to project milestones, and enhancing inclusive stakeholder communication to achieve sustainable agricultural transformation, improved food security, and socio-economic development.