Early Childhood Development Programs and Household Economic Empowerment: A Case of Nyamasheke District, Rwanda
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.53819/81018102t2555Abstract
This study assessed the effect of Early Childhood Development (ECD) programs on household economic empowerment in Nyamasheke District, Rwanda. Specifically, it examined the influence of parental participation, access to quality early education, and health and nutrition support on household economic outcomes. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining quantitative and qualitative data. Data were collected from 196 ECD beneficiaries using structured questionnaires and key informant interviews with local leaders and caregivers. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and multiple linear regression, while qualitative data were analyzed thematically. Findings revealed that parental participation significantly enhanced household economic empowerment by reducing caregiving burdens and enabling engagement in income-generating activities (mean = 4.12, SD = 0.91; r = 0.81, B = 0.856, p < 0.001). Access to quality early education supported parents’ ability to work (mean = 4.09, SD = 0.88), while health and nutrition services improved child wellbeing and reduced care demands (mean = 4.14, SD = 0.89; r = 0.84). The study concludes that integrated ECD programs contribute significantly to household economic empowerment. It recommends strengthening parental engagement, improving service quality, and supporting income-generating initiatives, while future research should adopt longitudinal and multi-regional approaches.
Keywords: Early Childhood Development, Health and Nutrition Support, Household Economic Empowerment, Income-Generating Activities, Parental Participation, Quality Early Education.
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