Informal Training in Entrepreneurship Drives Sustainable Rural Development in Rwanda, Study Reveals

A new study has highlighted the significant role of informal entrepreneurship training in fostering sustainable and inclusive rural development in Rwanda.

In a recently published article, MMTC Director Leona Achtenhagen, together with her coauthors Jules Rubyutsa, Emma Stendahl (MMTC member), and Celestin Musekura, discuss the transformative power of informal entrepreneurship training. The research, inspired by Paulo Freire’s Pedagogy of the Oppressed, examines how CARE International’s village savings and loan associations (VSLAs) empower rural communities in Rwanda through innovative training methods.

The study, based on qualitative interviews with multiple stakeholders, reveals that CARE’s train-the-trainer approach, combined with regular dialogue, peer feedback, and reflection during weekly group meetings, has a transformative impact on the lives of VSLA members. This informal training equips participants with the tools to think critically, make informed decisions, and improve their socioeconomic conditions through entrepreneurial ventures.

While previous research has primarily focused on the financial outcomes of VSLA membership, this study sheds light on the broader socio-cultural benefits. The findings suggest that VSLAs not only enhance economic opportunities but also contribute to the creation of social value, paving the way for a more sustainable and inclusive rural economy in Rwanda.

This research underscores the importance of informal education and community-led initiatives in addressing the challenges faced by rural populations, offering a model for empowering vulnerable communities through entrepreneurship.

The open acess article was published in the journal Entrepreneurship Education and Pedagogy and can be acccessed via this link https://doi.org/10.1177/25151274231204342

Rubyutsa, J. M., Achtenhagen, L., Stendahl, E., & Musekura, C. (2024). Advancing Rural Entrepreneurship in Rwanda Through Informal Training – Insights From Paulo Freire’s Pedagogy of the Oppressed. Entrepreneurship Education and Pedagogy, 7(3), 347-376.