“In this report we outline and discuss the findings from the fieldwork undertaken as part of the research into household enterprises in Rwanda(Phase 2). The research was concerned with understanding the risks faced by those operating HEs and the ways in which their potential could be exploited. Specifically the research was concerned to uncover what the experiences of those running household enterprises is, what supports them in running their enterprises, what they find problematic and what would help them grow their enterprises. It was interested in the impact of Government Policies and Programmes on HEs and the ways in which they are supported by civil society projects. Increasing non-farm employment is essential if Rwanda is to achieve her ambitious 2020 Vision and HEs will play a central role in enabling people to move from dependency on subsistence agriculture to other ways of making a livelihood. However, it is important to consider not just how the expansion of HEs can be supported but also how they can be supported to reduce the risks and increase their productivity. If poverty is to be reduced in Rwanda then operating an HE not only to become a major source of livelihood for an increasing number of people but also to provide decent employment (Abbott and Rwirahira 2010).”
