Influence of Citizens’ Participation on Human Security in Nyamyumba Sector of Rubavu District in Rwanda

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of citizens' participation on human security in Nyamyumba sector of Rubavu District in Rwanda. Despite efforts to improve human security in Nyamyumba sector, challenges persist, particularly in areas of citizen involvement and women's participation. The specific impact of citizens' participation on human security in this context remained insufficiently understood. Democratization theory was used to guide the study. The study employed mixed methods, using both qualitative and quantitative approaches with descriptive and correlation research designs. A target population of 30,851 people was used; with a sample size of 407 respondents selected using Yamane's (1967) formula. Data were collected through questionnaires, interviews, focus group discussions, and document analysis. Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS version 27, while qualitative data underwent thematic analysis. The findings revealed that 83.7% of respondents agreed that there is a requirement to empower women in various activities in Nyamyumba sector. This implies that setting out the requirements to empower women helps the local leaders to be objective while empowering women. The study also found that the variables like framework, accountability and participation in neighbourhood security influence 53.9% of human security. It was also found that local citizens in Nyamyumba sector participate in Irondo as a social service to maintain security in the area, organized at the household level. The study concludes that there is a statistically significant relationship between citizens' participation and human security. However, the level of public participation and citizen's engagement in human security decision making processes tends to be low in Nyamyumba sector. The study recommends that there should be strategies to enhance the wealth of youths, which could lead to sustainable future families and improved human security.The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of citizens' participation on human security in Nyamyumba sector of Rubavu District in Rwanda. Despite efforts to improve human security in Nyamyumba sector, challenges persist, particularly in areas of citizen involvement and women's participation. The specific impact of citizens' participation on human security in this context remained insufficiently understood. Democratization theory was used to guide the study. The study employed mixed methods, using both qualitative and quantitative approaches with descriptive and correlation research designs. A target population of 30,851 people was used; with a sample size of 407 respondents selected using Yamane's (1967) formula. Data were collected through questionnaires, interviews, focus group discussions, and document analysis. Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS version 27, while qualitative data underwent thematic analysis. The findings revealed that 83.7% of respondents agreed that there is a requirement to empower women in various activities in Nyamyumba sector. This implies that setting out the requirements to empower women helps the local leaders to be objective while empowering women. The study also found that the variables like framework, accountability and participation in neighbourhood security influence 53.9% of human security. It was also found that local citizens in Nyamyumba sector participate in Irondo as a social service to maintain security in the area, organized at the household level. The study concludes that there is a statistically significant relationship between citizens' participation and human security. However, the level of public participation and citizen's engagement in human security decision making processes tends to be low in Nyamyumba sector. The study recommends that there should be strategies to enhance the wealth of youths, which could lead to sustainable future families and improved human security.The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of citizens' participation on human security in Nyamyumba sector of Rubavu District in Rwanda. Despite efforts to improve human security in Nyamyumba sector, challenges persist, particularly in areas of citizen involvement and women's participation. The specific impact of citizens' participation on human security in this context remained insufficiently understood. Democratization theory was used to guide the study. The study employed mixed methods, using both qualitative and quantitative approaches with descriptive and correlation research designs. A target population of 30,851 people was used; with a sample size of 407 respondents selected using Yamane's (1967) formula. Data were collected through questionnaires, interviews, focus group discussions, and document analysis. Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS version 27, while qualitative data underwent thematic analysis. The findings revealed that 83.7% of respondents agreed that there is a requirement to empower women in various activities in Nyamyumba sector. This implies that setting out the requirements to empower women helps the local leaders to be objective while empowering women. The study also found that the variables like framework, accountability and participation in neighbourhood security influence 53.9% of human security. It was also found that local citizens in Nyamyumba sector participate in Irondo as a social service to maintain security in the area, organized at the household level. The study concludes that there is a statistically significant relationship between citizens' participation and human security. However, the level of public participation and citizen's engagement in human security decision making processes tends to be low in Nyamyumba sector. The study recommends that there should be strategies to enhance the wealth of youths, which could lead to sustainable future families and improved human security.