The contribution of sports programs to accomplish the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals in poverty reduction in Rwanda

Abstract

This study was designed to determine how sports programs in Rwanda are contributing to accomplishing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN-SDGs) in poverty reduction. Structured questionnaires, interviews, and focus groups were extensively used to collect data from 256 sports stakeholders. Descriptive statistics and a structural equation model (SEM) were used to estimate the impact of the selected indicators on the level of poverty reduction in Rwanda. The results indicated that though the contribution of sports programs is very significant in achieving the SDGs including poverty alleviation, the concept is not fully accepted since there are lapses in its implementation process due to the lack of capacity building and good governance in the sports sector. Also, it was discovered that the most pressing challenge in implementing sports programs is reaching out to stakeholders to enhance their understanding of the contribution that sports programs play in attaining the SDGs. This study supports the work of the United Nations in using sports modules as an essential tool in realizing its Seventeen SDGs. It further gives additional evidence of the existence of the correlation between sports programs and the achievement of SDGs as well as alleviating poverty. The most significant limitation lies in the fact that sports program management direction lacks empirical studies. This study recommends that the Rwanda government including relevant stakeholders and authorities should seize the opportunity to assess its current state of affairs, review its sports program policies, capacity building activities, and act appropriately.