Effects of business development services on the growth and resilience of youth agribusinesses in Gatsibo district, Rwanda

This study assessed the effects of Business Development Services (BDS) on the growth and resilience of youth-owned agribusinesses in Gatsibo District, Rwanda. The study examined capacity-building services, including business training and mentorship, and facilitation services, including financial advisory support, market linkages, and technical assistance. A mixed-methods research design combined quantitative and qualitative approaches. Data were collected from 300 youth agribusiness entrepreneurs through structured questionnaires and supplemented by key informant interviews and focus group discussions. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation analysis, and multiple regression analysis, while qualitative data were analysed using thematic analysis. The findings indicated that BDS significantly influenced both business growth and business resilience. Capacity-building services explained 10.6% of the variation in business growth and 16.1% of the variation in business resilience, while facilitation services explained 18.9% and 20.6%, respectively. Technical advisory services were associated with revenue growth, while market linkages were identified as the strongest predictor of business resilience. The study concludes that integrated BDS interventions can strengthen the performance, sustainability, and competitiveness of youth agribusinesses. It recommends stronger district-level BDS programmes, improved collaboration among public, financial, and private-sector actors, and youth-friendly financial products complemented by advisory services.