• UMUBYEYI Philine(main author)
• Dr. Gitahi Njenga (Co-author)

Abstract: Within the framework of Rwanda's Agroforestry Sustainability Initiatives, the study investigated the complex connection between cultural variety and project performance. Worldwide, people are starting to take notice of agroforestry as a way to improve sustainability, increase production, and lessen the impact of environmental deterioration. This practice involves incorporating trees and shrubs into agricultural landscapes. Three main goals guided the research: first, to learn how different ethnicities and languages affect project outcomes; second, to find out how different cultural practices affect project outcomes within Agroforestry Sustainability Initiatives. Three theoretical frameworks—Institutional Theory, Social Identity Theory, and Cultural Intelligence Theory—grounded the study. We used a descriptive study approach and surveyed 138 people out of a total population of 210. The sample was chosen using basic random and purposive sampling procedures, and its size was computed using Taro Yamane's methodology. Methods for analyzing quantitative and qualitative data were used in the research. The study goals were determined using descriptive and inferential statistics applied to survey data, and by thematic coding of interview and document data, which provided qualitative information. Tables, charts, and narratives were used to display the data, and interview excerpts were used to help with interpretation. The results showed that the EcoHarvest initiative's project performance was greatly improved by cultural variety. In particular, a mean score of 4.20 indicates that 64.49 percent of workers agreed and 29.71 percent strongly agreed that racial and ethnic diversity enhanced project performance. Sixty-66.67 percent of respondents agreed and 27.54 percent strongly agreed (mean = 4.19), suggesting that cultural norms foster innovation. With 68.84% agreeing and 25.36% strongly agreeing (mean = 4.19), diverse viewpoints helped provide a holistic approach to problem-solving. With a mean score of 4.18, 65.94% of respondents agreed and 27.54% strongly agreed that diversity promotes inclusivity. With 63.77% agreeing and 30.43% strongly agreeing (mean = 4.21) that varied viewpoints promote decision-making, the research also showed that. Multilingual technologies improved communication (mean=4.31) despite language hurdles, with 60.87% agreeing and 36.23% strongly agreeing. Cultural practices had an impact on farming methods (mean = 4.18) and problem-solving strategies (mean = 4.23) but also caused some friction (mean = 4.17) in the communities. Pearson correlations of.867 for ethnic diversity,.844 for linguistic diversity, and.891 for cultural practices variety were all very positive and correlated with project success, according to statistical analysis. The significance of cultural variety in improving the effectiveness of agroforestry initiatives was highlighted by these findings. According to the research, Agroforestry Sustainability Initiatives can only be successful if they work to create an inclusive and varied community. Contributing to environmental conservation, economic development, and social justice, the findings provided practical insights for stakeholders, practitioners, and policymakers regarding the importance of culturally sensitive policies and practices that meet the needs of local communities.

Key words: Cultural Diversity, Project Performance, Agroforestry, Ecoharvest, Rwanda.

"Cultural Diversity and Project Performance in Agroforestry Sustainability Initiative in Rwanda. A Case of ECOHARVEST", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.11, Issue 9, page no.e876-e892, September-2024, Available :http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2409516.pdf

"Cultural Diversity and Project Performance in Agroforestry Sustainability Initiative in Rwanda. A Case of ECOHARVEST", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org | UGC and issn Approved), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.11, Issue 9, page no. ppe876-e892, September-2024, Available at : http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2409516.pdf