IMBARAGA FARMERS ORGANISATION

TWIYUBAKE Bunyunju Youth Group Achieves Remarkable Success in Poultry Farming

admin — 2026-04-17T11:16:43Z

Members of the TWIYUBAKE Bunyunju Youth Group proudly display eggs from their poultry farm in Rutsiro District.

TWIYUBAKE Bunyunju, one of IMBARAGA's youth groups in Rutsiro District, is achieving remarkable progress in poultry farming. The group, composed of 30 young women who began with no prior experience, has steadily grown into a well-organized and productive team managing 450 chickens. Through consistent effort and teamwork, the group now collects approximately 390 eggs daily, reflecting their improved skills in poultry management, feeding, and general farm care. Their journey demonstrates how practical training and collaboration can transform livelihoods within a short period of time.

Since September 2025, the group has so far recorded a total of 72,536 eggs, worth 10,880,400 RWF. This achievement highlights not only their dedication and discipline but also the broader impact of empowering young women with agricultural skills that support income generation and community development

Highlights from IMBARAGA's One Health Awareness Workshop

admin — 2023-08-14T12:28:57Z

On 27 November 2025, IMBARAGA, in partnership with the French Embassy in Rwanda, organized a One Health Awareness Workshop in Kigali. The event brought together a wide range of participants, including farmers, veterinarians, health professionals, government officials, NGOs, and private sector partners, all working together to understand and promote the One Health approach.

The representative from the RBC, One Health Secretariat presented the national One Health strategic framework. He explained its main foundations, highlighting the existing coordination mechanisms and key priority actions in Rwanda. He also outlined the national priorities and how different sectors are currently coordinated under this framework.

The workshop provided a space for sharing knowledge, building skills, and encouraging collaboration across sectors. Participants gained practical insights to address zoonotic diseases, antimicrobial resistance, and environmental health challenges. Through open dialogue among participants, the workshop highlighted the importance of coordinated and proactive actions towards One Health concept.

Created by The NewTimes

“DUFITE INSHINGANO ZO GUSIGASIRA IBYAGEZWEHO MU BWIZA NO MU BURAMBE” Trees for Food Security Project/ Rubavu & Nyabihu

Tharcisse MUNYANEZA — 2020-10-21T13:32:25Z

NITWE BA AMBASSADEUR MU GUFATA NEZA IBIDUKIKIJE KUKO HARI ABABYANGIRIZA BATABISHAKA, BATABIZI CG BATABYITAYEHO ARIKO NI NGOMBWA KO TWE TUBIZI TWABA ABAMBERE MU KUBISHIMANGIRA

Mu inama yo ku wa 16/10/2020 yabereye I Musanze muri Cente d'Acceil UMUNEZERO Farmers yo gutegura uko ibikorwaremezo n'ibikorwa muri rusange by'umushinga T4FS bizasigasirwa igihe umushinga uzaba urangiye dore ko uzarangirana n'ukwezi kw'Ugushyingo 2020; abahinzi biyemeje kuba BANDEBEREHO mu gukunda igiti no kucyitaho.

Trees for Food Security (T4FS) ni umushinga ugamije kubungabunga ibidukikije binyuze mu gutera ibiti bivangwa n'imyaka. Ni umushinga ushyirwa mu bikorwa n'Umuryango IMBARAGA ku nkunga ya ICRAF mu turere twa Rubavu na Nyabihu.
Uyu mushinga watangiye gushyirwa mu bukorwa mu mwaka wa 2017, bimwe mu bikorwa yagejeje ku banyarwanda batuye mu turere twa Rubavu na Nyabihu ni pepiniyeri zituburirwamo ibiti muri buri karere.

I Nyabihu iyi pepiniyeri yubatse mu murenge wa Karago-akagari ka Kadahenda

I Rubavu ni mu murenge wa Nyundo- akagari ka Bahimba.

izi pepiniyeri zatuburiwemo ibiti 443,000 , bigizwe n'ibiti ndumburabutaka bivangwa n'imyaka/agroforestry 276,172 (alnus na acasia) n'ibiti 166,828 by'imbuto zivanze/mixed fruits (ibinyomoro, papaya de montagne, na avocat).

ingemwe z'ibinyomoro

ingemwe za Alnus acuminata

ingemwe za Acasia angustisima

ingemwe za avocat

ingemwe za papaye de montagne
ibi biti byatoranyijwe hashingiwe ku biti ndumburabutaka byera vuba kurusha ibindi kandi bitanga izindi nyungu nk'ifumbire n'imishingiriro ndetse n'ibiti by'imbuto mu rwego rwo kurwanya imirire mibi ibi byose kandi bikazafasha ababihinga kurwanya isuri ndetse n'ubukene. Ibi biti kandi byahawe abahinzi ku buntu, ibndi biterwa kuri sites zitandukanye ndetse ibindi byifashishwa mu bikorwa rusange nk'umuganda n'umunsi w'igiti cyangwa imurikabikorwa ry'akarere

ibiti bikwirakwizwa mu bantu bitabiriye umuganda

amwe mu mafoto y'imurikabikorwa

IMBARAGA mu imurikagurisha ry'akarere ka Nyabihu

abantu basura stand y'IMBARAGA

Mayor w'akarere ka Nyabihu asura stand y'IMBARAGA

umusaruro w'ibiti by'imbuto byahawe abahinzi

mu ijambo rye Umuvugizi w'IMBARAGA yagize ati: “ibikorwa umushinga wakoze n'ibikorwaremezo wubatse byose wabikorerage abahinzi kandi bizasigara ari ibyacu bityo rero biri mu nshingano zacu kubibungabunga no gusigasira uburambye bwabyo” Umuvugizi Mukuru w'Umuryango IMBARAGA bwana MUNYAKAZI Jean Paul.

yashimangiye kandi ko haba ibiti byatewe kuri site zitandukanye, ibiri muri pepiniyeri cyangwa pepiniyeri zubatswe mu turere twombi ni amahirwe twabonye kandi tutazapfusha ubusa, mu karere ka Nyabihu IP Kadahenda izakomeza ikorere muri pepiniyeri ka Kadahenda n'Istinda TWITE KU BIDUKIKIJE rizakomeza gukorera muri pepiniyeri ya Bahimba aho bafite inshingano zo kubungabunga ibiti biteye kuri sites z'aho pepiniyeri ziherereye, gukomeza kwigisha abahinzi gukunda ibiti, kubitera no kubyitaho ku buryo burambye.

IMBARAGA ntizatezuka ku gukomeza kuba hafi aya matsinda no kugerageza kuyafasha gushakira isoko ibiti bizakomeza gutuburirwamo.

Umwe mu bagenerwabikorwa ba T4FS Madamu AYINKAMIYE M.Chantal yavuze ko amaze guhugurwa n'IMBARAGA mu bijyanye no gutubura ibiti yamenye neza akamaro kabyo atangiza pepiniyeri ye itubura ibiti aho kuri ubu afite avocat 3000 harimo izigejeje igihe cyo guterwa 1000 na alnus 2000

Madamu Chantal yakomeje agirita ati: "Ndashimira IMBARAGA kuko kuva naba umunyamuryango wayo ntiyigeze itezuka kumperekeza mu rugendo rwanjye rwo gukora ubuhinzi bw'umwuga nkaba mbasha kwiyishyurira ibyangombwa by'ingenzi umuntu akenera mbikesha umwuga wanjye w'UBUHINZI" AYINKAMIYE M.Chantal, umunyamuryango w'IMBARAGA kuva muri 1990, utuye mu karere ka Nyabihu mu murenge wa Karago akagari ka Kadahenda.

Nubwo mu ishyirwa mu bikorwa ry'uyu mushinga byagaragye ko haro abatarumva neza akamaro k'igiti bakabirandura babagara byaba kubushake cya batabishaka; abahinzi bagize amahirwe yo gukorana n'uyu mshinga biyemeje kuzigisha abandi ko ibiti bitewe mu myaka bigomba kwitabwaho hagaterwamo bike nibura 5m hagati y'igiti n'ikindi, bigakondwa kandi bigakatwa imizi igana mu murima kugira ngo itangiriza imyaka

RUGERERO Joseph Desire ni umuhinzi wahawe ibiti n'umunshinga T4FS aragira ati “Ibi biti byagiriye akamaro abaturage bashoboye kubitera kugiti cyanjye ibiti nibanzeho ni IKINYOMORO nubwo nari nsanzwe mbihinga ariko nabihingaga ku buro butari ubw'umwuga ariko maze kubona amahugurwa byatumye mbikunda kurushaho, mbifashijwemo n'IMBARAGA mpabwa ingemwe z'ibinyomoro 300 kuri ubu nkanba ndi umuhinzi w'ibinyomoro w'umwuga”

“Nzakomeza kubungabunga ibikorwa umushinga watugejejeho nubwo umushinga waba urangiye kandi nzabikangurira n'abandi kuko ndi n'umufashamyumvire mu buzima bisanzwe” Byongeweho na Bwana RUGERERO

Ibiti byatubuwe ku bufatanye na ba rwiyemezamirimo basanzwe bakora akazi ko gutubura ibiti ariko byose byatuburiwe muri za pepiniyeri z'IMBARAGA muri buri karere(Rubuavu na Nyabihu).

MUHAWENIMANA Theodomir, rwiyemezamirimo wakoranye n'umushinga yagize at: “Nakoranye n'umushinga T4FS ntubura ibiti muri pepiniyeri ya Bahimba mumkarere ka Rubavu birimo alnus, acasia, ibinyomoro, avocat na papaye de montagne. Gukorana n'IMBARAGA byamfashije kwiteza imbere kuko iri soko natsindiye ryamfashije kwikura mu bukene kandi sinjye njyenyine kuko n'abaturiye aho ibiti byatuburiwe babiboneye hafi kandi kubuntu bityo abahinzi babona imishingiriro, inkwi, ifumbire, barwanya isuri, imirire mibi ndeste n'ubukene. Abahinzi kandi bamenye kandi bumva neza gukunda igiti n'uko ubutaka bubungabungwa neza kuko bahabwa amahugurwa mbere yo guhabwa ibiti kuburyo tuzafatanya nabo tugakomereza aho umushinga wari ugejeje mu bushobozi bwacu”

abahinzi mu mahugurwa mbere yo kuzahabwa ibiti

Bwana Theodomir kandi yashishikarije abahinzi n'aborozi batabarizwa mu muryango IMBARAGA, kuyimenya no kuyigana kuri we abona ari igihombo kuba umhinzi w'umunyarwanda utabarizwa muri uyu muryango.

Umwanditsi w'Inkuru/Article:
NYIRASAFARI Dativa
Secretary and Communication Officer
Rwanda Farmers Organization "IMBARAGA"

Nzeli 2019: Uturere Twahawe Abagenzuzi b'Ubuhinzi n'Ubworozi

Tharcisse MUNYANEZA — 2019-09-25T14:17:09Z

Minisiteri y'ubuhinzi n'ubworozi (Minagri), yohereje abagenzuzi b'ubuhinzi mu turere hirya no hino mu gihugu, muri gahunda yayo kongera imbaraga mu ishyirwa mu bikorwa rya gahunda n'ingamba zitandukanye zo guteza imbere imibereho y'umuhinzi mu Rwanda.

Mu nama yo kohereza aba bahinzi mu nshingano, Minisitiri w'ubuhinzi n'ubworozi, Dr Gerardine Mukeshimana, yabasabye gusesengura bya nyabyo no gutanga raporo iboneye ku bibera hasi mu bahinzi n'aborozi bigendanye no gushyira mu bikorwa gahunda za leta muri uru rwego.

Ati “Ntabwo muri abashyira mu bikorwa ariko muri igice cy'ingenzi cy'ubugenzuzi bw'ahabera ibikorwa. Muri hariya ngo mufashe abahinzi b'abanyarwanda kubyaza umusaruro ushoboka gahunda zose zashyizweho na Guverinoma”.

Minisitiri Dr Mukeshimana yababwiye ko guharanira ko politiki za leta zubahirizwa kandi bakwiye kujya batanga raporo buri munsi.

Iyi myanya mishya y'abagenzuzi b'ubuhinzi ku turere yatangajwe mu igazeti ya leta nimero idasanzwe yo kuwa 18/07/2018. Aba bazaba bahagarariye uturere, bazahuza ibikorwa bijyanye n'ishyirwa mu bikorwa rya gahunda n'ingamba zijyanye n'ubuhinzi n'ubworozi.

Hari kandi kumenyekanisha umurongo wa Minisiteri, gahunda n'amabwiriza yayo ku bayobozi b'inzego z'ibanze, abakora ubuhinzi bubyara inyungu, imiryango y'abahinzi ndetse n'imiryango itari iya leta.

Mu zindi nshingano bafite, bazakorana bya hafi n'abafite aho bahuriye n'ubuhinzi bose ndetse bakorane n'ubuyobozi b'uturere kugira ngo ibikorwa byatwo by'ubuhinzi bigende neza.

Ubuhinzi ni urwego rufatiye runini iterambere ry'igihugu. Imibare y'Ikigo cy'Igihugu cy'Ibarurishamibare igaragaza ko umusaruro w'ubuhinzi wazamutse ku kigero cya 5% mu gihembwe cya kabiri cya 2019.

Umusaruro w'ibihingwa ngandurarugo wiyongereye ku rugero rwa 4%, umusaruro w'ibihingwa ngengabukungu wiyongereyeho 6%. Iri zamuka ryatewe ahanini n'umusaruro w'ikawa wiyongereyeho 21% naho umusaruro w'icyayi wo wagabanutseho 3%.
Abagenzuzi b'ubuhinzi mu turere bahawe inshingano zo gufasha abaturage gutera imbere

Babanje kurahirira inshingano zabo

Source: IGIHE

Bénéficiaires Apprecient l'Appuis de VSF-B et IMBARAGA à Travers le Projet EVE: Témoignage de NTAKIRUTIMANA DEBORAH

Tharcisse MUNYANEZA — 2019-09-05T10:03:37Z

1. PRESENTATION

Je m'appelle NTAKIRUTIMANA Déborah, j'ai 42 ans, mariée avec NYANDWI Marcel, nous avons 6 enfants. L'ainée a 21 ans, les autres 19, 17, 14, 12 et 8 ans pour le cadet.

"IMBARAGA nous a encadré pour faire parti d'un groupe solidaire de 25 membres tous sélectionnés par la communauté du village" déclaré par Deborah .

J'habite dans le village Kandihe, cellule Nyabinyenga, secteur Cyabakamyi, district de Nyanza, Province du Sud. Je suis parmi les bénéficiaires retenus vulnérables pour bénéficier des appuis de VSF-B et IMBARAGA à travers le projet EVE.

2. DESCRIPTION DE LA VIE DE LA FAMILLE NTAKIRUTIMANA Déborah

a. Situation avant le projet

Avant l'appui du projet EVE nous vivions dans l'extrême pauvreté car nos sources de revenus étaient très limitées. Nous avions une petite parcelle de 23 ares dont la production est insuffisante à cause non seulement de la petite superficie mais aussi du manque de fumier. Pour pouvoir nourrir notre famille, moi et mon maridevrions travailler dans les champs d'autrui pour gagner en peu d'argent afin de satisfaire à certains besoins primordiaux de la famille. Des fois notre famille pouvait passer un ou 2deux jours sans avoir à manger. Avant le projet EVE II / Imbaraga, nous n'avions pas de bétail. Notre ménage avait des problèmes de se procurer des cartes de mutuelle de santé, nous ne pouvions pas acheter des uniformes et outils pour nos enfants. En gros, la vie dans notre famille était dure, incertaine et nous n'étions pas sûrs de demain.

b. Situation après l'appui du projet

En août 2017, j'ai eu la chance d'être choisie parmi les bénéficiaires du projet EVE. J'ai été choisi par les membres de la communauté de mon village comme étant l'un des plus pauvres de la communauté de mon village. Après la sélection, IMBARAGA nous a encadré pour faire parti d'un groupe solidaire de 25 membres tous sélectionnés par la communauté du village. Nous avons par la suite commencé la fabrication des briques adobes.

Le projet m'a aidé à faire la construction d'une chèvrerie et à faire la plantation du fourrage composé de Calliandra (légumineuses fourragères et Penissetum (graminées fourragères) pour nourrir les chèvres. Après les formations en technique d'élevage des chèvres, en début décembre 2017 j'ai reçu 4 chèvres et le projet nous a donné deux males communautaires pour accoupler nos chèvres afin de se reproduire.

Suite aux conseils des agents du projet et Imbaraga, nous avons creusé la compostière pour y déposer le fumier, et j'ai pu fertilise le jardin de cuisine et ma petite parcelle. En 2018 pour la première fois, j'ai pu récolté 85 kg de haricot, alors qu'avant je ne pouvais pas dépasser 40 kg. Sur la même parcelle (en 2019) je viens d'y récolter 92 kg de sorgho, mais avant ce n'était que le maximum de 50 kg.
J'ai été contente d'avoir eu les 4 chèvres. En effet depuis leur réception, j'ai eu 9 descendants malgré qu'une chèvre reçue a avortée.

J'ai remboursé à mon voisin 2 jeunes femelles dans le cadre du crédit rotatif, et j'ai vendu trois jeunes mâles à 35.000 frws. La chèvre qui a avorté a été vendue aussi à 25.000 frws. J'ai pu payer les cartes de mutuelle de santé, les frais scolaires des enfants, j'ai acheté les habits, des cahiers et des uniformes pour nos enfants. En guise de reconnaissance à ce que m'a fait le projet, j'ai confié une chèvre en gardiennage à mon voisin, nous allons partager les futures naissances, alors lui aussi aura la chance de se lancer en élevage.

Selon les conseils des agents du projet et Imbaraga, nous nous sommes réunis dans une association nommée « TUZAMUKANE IMBARAGA » et nous faisons des cotisations mensuelles de 800 frs chacun, et le projet nous a appuyé financièrement. J'ai acheté deux poules issues de cette association et grâce au petit crédit via cette association, je fais le petit commerce de tomates au marché de Kigogo/Mukingo et je me procure le petit besoin de la famille comme le savon, le sel, la nourriture…

"Selon les conseils des agents du projet et Imbaraga, nous nous sommes réunis dans une association nommée « TUZAMUKANE IMBARAGA »" Deborah a dit.

Suite aux différentes formations reçues de la part des agents du projet et Imbaraga, je vais maintenir mes animaux en bon état et entretenir ma famille, car j'ai été sensibilisée à avoir des légumes pour le complément alimentaire et j'ai été formée sur genre et développement et sur le maintien de la paix en famille. Mon rôle dans ma famille est renforcée et actuellement mon marri m'estime alors qu'au départ j'étais sous estimée.

3. PERSECTIVES D'AVENIR

Prochainement je prévois d'avoir une vache me donner plus de fumier, et je vais continuer l'élevage des chèvres et poules pour avoir de l'argent m'aidant à satisfaire aux différents besoins familiaux. J'aurais chaque année des cartes de mutuelle de santé grâce à la vente du bétail, je vais continuer à fertiliser mes parcelles tout en éparngant pour avoir une nouvelle parcelle. Comme ça je vais augmenter la production, renforcer la sécurité alimentaire et bien entretenir ma famille.

4. REMERCIEMENTS

J'adresse mes sincères remerciements à Vétérinaires Sans Frontières Belgique et ses partenaires pour leur aide que nous recevons à travers l'équipe et les représentants d'IMBARAGA. Vous nous avez tirés de l'isolement et de l'extrême pauvreté auxquels nous vivions.

Témoignage collecté et traduit par Maurice MBAYIRE
Relu par Dr BIMENYIMANA Désiré
Posté par NYIRASAFARI Dativa

COMMENT MES REVES DE SORTIR DANS LA PAUVRETE SONT DEVENUES LA REALITE ? (Témoignage de HABIRYAYO Jean)

Tharcisse MUNYANEZA — 2019-08-16T12:27:12Z

Habiryayo jean a pu achèter la vache grâce aux chèvres donnes par VSF-B et IMBARAGA

Je m'appelle HABIRYAYO Jean, j'ai 49 ans. Je suis marié avec UWIMBABAZI Séraphine, nous avonsde 5 enfants. J'habite dans la Province du Sud du Rwanda, District de NYAMAGABE, Secteur KITABI, Cellule MUKUNGU, Village de GATARE Ici je vous partage mon témoignage pour montrer comment ma famille est sortie de la grande pauvreté grâce à l'aide de Vétérinaires Sans Frontières Belgique et IMBARAGA

Depuis mon jeune âge j'avais l'envie de devenir un agri-éleveur professionnel c'était donc mon rêve. Mais cela est resté sans effet jusqu'à très récente.
En effet, avant la connaissance et appui de Vétérinaires Sans Frontières Belgique et IMBARAGA ma famille était très pauvre, et nous n'avions pas d'espoir de s'en sortir parce que nous avions une petite parcelle à cultiver dont la production était faible en l'absence du fumier et pas d'autres ressources. Ma femme et moi devrons aller travailler aux champs d'autrui (main d'œuvre agricole) pour pouvoir nourrir notre famille. Nous étions trop isolés du reste de la société. Le village nous classait de la catégorie des très pauvres (première catégorie d'UBUDEHE) ! Nos enfants avaient commencé à souffrir de malnutrition et des maladies causées par le manque d'hygiène. Je me rappelle qu'un jour ma dernière fille était malade et demandait du lait et pourtant je n'avais pas de moyen pour m'en procurer. Cela me reste et me restera inoubliable.
Par la grâce de Dieu, en 2017 Vétérinaires Sans Frontières Belgique et IMBARAGA à travers le projet EVE II en collaboration avec autorités locale de secteur, cellule et celle de notre village ont lancé un communiqué qui invitait toute la communauté du village dans une réunion où ma famille fut sélectionnée par la communauté du village parmi les 27 plus pauvres sélectionnées comme étant très pauvre.
Après notre sélection, le projet nous a proposé de nous associer dans un groupe solidaire des 27 pour ‘entraider mutuellement et nous avons alors créé un groupe solidaire appelé ABISHYIZE HAMWE (=ceux qui se sont mis ensemble). Nous avons reçu la formation en technique d'élevage du petit bétail, puis nous ayons fabriqué nous-mêmes les briques adobes pour construire des abris aux chèvres, le projet nous a donné des semences fourragères (légumineuses et graminées) que nous avons planté, et enfin il nous a donné 4 chèvres par famille et 2 mâles dans notre groupe solidaire. Pour étendre l'action, chacun de nous devra rembourser 2 descendants.
Cinq mois plus tard, mes 3 chèvres ont donné naissance à 6 petits (chacune a donné 2 petits), la 4ème a attendu 7 mois avant de mettre bas. Au total après un peu plus de 2 ans, mes 4 chèvres ont donné 12 descendants dont 2 ont été remboursé 2 à mon voisin, au total j'en ai vendu 10 et 2 mères, et les recettes ont permis à la famille d'acheter des cartes de mutuelle de santé, nourrir ma famille, acheter des habits et louer une parcelle pour accroitre la production agricole tandis la bonne somme de 240.000 Frw a été utilisée pour réaliser mon rêve d' acheter une vache (qui était gestante). La vache a mis bas un eau (aujourd'hui taurillon) et elle produise au delà de 6 litres par jour et ce qui nous permet de trouver du lait pour nos enfants (3 litres) et l'autre moitié est vendue pour gagner de l'argent (6.000Frw / mois). Cela me permet de soigner mes animaux et de subvenir continuellement aux besoins de la famille. Aujourd'hui je garde encore deux chèvres adultes et un petit. Je garde aussi la vache et son petit.

HABIRYAYO Jean avec deux vaches et deux chèvres

Grâce à l'utilisation du fumier tiré de cet élevage, la production agricole a beaucoup augmentée et bientôt je prévois de vendre le taurillon pour m'acheter une nouvelle parcelle cultivable. Ainsi je garantirai la sécurité alimentaire de ma famille et augmenterai les recettes pour subvenir aux besoins de la famille et changer totalement et irréversiblement les conditions de vie de ma famille. Nous avons le morale et nous sommes très contents. Grace aux diverses formations (l'hygiène et nutrition & planning familial et utilisation du jardin de cuisine) nous avons résolu le problème de malnutrition dans notre famille.

HABIRYAYO JEAN FAIT AUSSI L'ELEVAGE DE PORC

Comme le projet nous a aidé à créer le groupe solidaire, nous avons initié la tontine laquelle nous cotisons 250 Frw chaque semaine. Grâce au fonds de la tontine, grâce aussi à l'esprit éveillé par VSF-B et IMBARAGA dans le domaine d'élevage, continuellement et de manière répétitive j'achète un porcelet de 15.000 frws que j'engraisse pour le revendre au pris élevé après 3 mois. Ainsi ma famille gagne continuellement le revenu qui nous permet de subvenir aux besoins familiaux.

Cette foi nous avons l'espoir d'arriver plus loin grâce à l'appui du projet basé essentiellement sur les chèvres reçues. Ma famille remercie grandement VSF-B, IMBARAGA et leurs partenaires financières. Nous vous sommes tous très reconnaissants.

Témoignage collecté et traduit par Jean Claude KALISA
Relu par Dr BIMENYIMANA Désiré
Posté par NYIRASAFARI Dativa

Learning Exchange of the ECOWAS Network of Parliamentarians on Gender Equality and Investments in Agriculture and Food Security

Tharcisse MUNYANEZA — 2019-07-22T10:11:27Z

Kigali, Rwanda from 16-19/07/2019. By establishing intra-regional policy dialogue on gender equality in agriculture through sharing country and regional experiences, the members of the ECOWAS Network of Parliamentarians on Gender Equality and Investments in Agriculture and Food Security, enhanced capacities to engage in effective legislation, policy making and awareness raising that contributes to transformative change at the regional and country levels.

Participants were drawn from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) network of parliamentarians that was launched in December 2018.
, the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA), Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), Oxfam, the East African Community (EAC), civil societies in the field of Agriculture and Nutrition, and women land rights experts.

The learning exchange encompassed a high-level policy dialogue and knowledge exchange on the importance of gender-equitable investments in agriculture for improved land governance and food security. It also included a two-day training that featured presentations on agricultural investment topics from a gender lens, including contract farming, the overarching policy environment, policy implementation and institutional accountability. This learning exchange then concluded with field visits.

The Speaker of Parliament of Rwanda, Donatille Mukabalisa, has called for greater efforts in pushing for gender equality on the African continent specifically in the area of agriculture which is the source of livelihood for most people on the continent.

Mukabalisa said this in Kigali yesterday while officially opening a learning exchange that will see the representatives from 15 countries to discuss gender equality and investments in agriculture and food security.

Mukabalisa told the MPs that the three-day discussions should focus on critical issues and propose strategies aimed at mainstreaming gender equality and food security on the continent. She called for more cooperation in supporting women to generate faster growth for themselves and their families. “67 per cent of women in our country are involved in subsistence agriculture, but only 33 per cent are into market-oriented agriculture. They need skills to use technology in order to create economic opportunities, reduce food insecurity, malnutrition and poverty in general, and generate faster growth as well,” she said.

Long way ahead

Mukabalisa pointed out that while African governments, as well as regional and sub-regional organisations have over the years made significant commitments, regarding women and women rights, there were still cultural and mindset barriers. “This gender inequality has a negative impact on the economy and sustainable development on our continent,” she said.

The Representative of the Food and Agriculture Organisation, Dr Gualbert Gbehounou, commended Rwanda for what it is has achieved in terms of gender equality. “It is well known worldwide that Rwanda has made commendable progress in gender equality and women's empowerment by putting in place legal and policy frameworks to enforce women's rights in agriculture, food security and nutrition. That choice is eloquent and well thought out given the achievements,” he said.

He, however, pointed out that in the four years since world leaders agreed on the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, little has been achieved regarding SDG 1 and 2 that aim at eradicating poverty, hunger and malnutrition as well as the SDG target of eliminating gender based discrimination. “We are all frustrated and concerned that hunger is on the rise, poverty affects almost half of the world population and progress to combat climate change is slow. In 2017, nearly 821 million people did not get enough to eat and two billion people suffer micro-nutrient deficiencies, a hidden form of hunger due to malnutrition,” he said.

He pointed out that women would have been instrumental in changing the status quo but challenges abound. “Women would even be contributing much more had it not been for the multiple constraints they are confronted with which limit their capacity to contribute to their full potential in agricultural production, economic growth and development,” he said.

The Deputy Secretary-General in charge of the Productive and Social Sectors at the East African Community, Christophe Bazivamo, said that it was time to deliver on the promise made to commit 10 per cent of the national budgets to agriculture. “Our countries have agreed on promoting women in agriculture. In the Malabo Declaration, they agreed to put at least 10 per cent in agriculture and that is in the pipeline. “What we are now looking forward to is availing this money. There is a difference between budgeting for it and actually giving it to those it was planned for,” he said.

Source:
The New Times
https://www.newtimes.co.rw/news/african-mps-push-more-women-participation-commercial-farming

Posted by: NYIRASAFARI Dativa - Secretary and Communication Officer

"Government to inject Rwf11bn to improve quality of agriculture produce" revealed by the Minister of Agriculture and Animal Resources

Tharcisse MUNYANEZA — 2019-06-21T09:06:13Z

“The Government of Rwanda will invest around Rwf 11 billion to boost agriculture sector through different initiatives aiming to improve the quality of produce during the next fiscal year” revealed by the Minister of Agriculture and Animal Resources Dr. Geraldine Mukeshimana when officially opening the 14th Rwanda Agri-show at Mulindi Exhibition ground from June 18th to 26th, 2019.

Minister for Agriculture and Animal Resources Dr. Geraldine Mukeshimana with Anastase Shyaka, Minister of Local Government officially opening the 14th Rwanda Agri-show

“The Agri-show attracted different partners in agriculture value chain including farmers, agro-dealers, irrigation tool suppliers, machinery suppliers, agro-processors, banks and insurance companies as well as researchers in agriculture and livestock farming” Dr. Mukeshimana said.

Minister for Agriculture and Animal Resources Dr. Geraldine Mukeshimana addressing participants to the 14th Rwanda Agrishow on June 19, 2019

She has called agro-processors to do all the best in producing quality products to benefit from the recently signed African Continental Free Trade Area (ACFTA) by African Governments as an opportunity to join regional markets and strive to increase exports.

“The government in its 7-year programmes puts efforts in reducing import-exports-gap by promoting locally made products. This goes with increasing quality produce for export to raise the national economy. Through the ministry, there are many different initiatives being implemented with the goal to improve the quantity and quality of sector productivity, enabling local produce to compete with imported one,” She noted

The Agri-show attracted different partners in agriculture value chain including farmers, agro-dealers, irrigation tool suppliers, machinery suppliers, agro-processors, banks and insurance companies as well as researchers in agriculture and livestock farming.

Stand of IMBARAGA -VSF at 14th AgriSgow

Via Energie Verte et Elevage Project, IMBARAGA Farmers Organization in Rwanda and Veterinaires Sans Frontiere aim at (i) improvement of local animal health to optimize animal production among about 15,000 rural farmers who are served by 15 reinforced private veterinarians; (ii) support for 43 groups (about 1,075 households, including at least 60% of women) to develop IGAs; (iii) strengthening the resilience of 800 vulnerable households through a holistic approach focused on small livestock and agriculture / livestock integration; (iv) promotion of renewable energy through the installation and use of 450 family biodigesters and 1,000 solar panels

Children enjoying the bread produced by CARL Group Limited which are processed form Orange Freshened Sweetpopatoes with milk of Zirakamwa Meza Dairy during the 14th Rwanda agri-show

Products of HEworks Rwanda Silk Limited, The company is engaged in Silk production with the aim to hit about $70 million and surpass revenues from coffee or tea exports after five years of investing in sericulture sector, and will contribute to the rise of Rwanda's Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Minister Geraldine Mukeshimana thanked various entrepreneurs who ventured into agro-processing sector and pledged that the government will continue support them mostly in reducing available problems.

LAUNCHING THE GLOBAL FOOD POLICY REPORT 2019: the Report calls for increased funding for agriculture

Tharcisse MUNYANEZA — 2019-05-08T11:07:04Z

IFPRI Global Food Policy Report 2019

Prime Minister Edouard Ngirente interacts with Shenggen Fan, Director General of the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), during the official launch of the 2019 Global Food Policy Report in Kigali on Friday May 3 2019 at Kigali Serena Hotel. The report recommends that governments increase financial and policy support to rural communities in order to address the problem of a big number of the world's poor and malnourished people living in rural areas and dependent on the agriculture for food and livelihoods

With a big number of the world's poor and malnourished people living in rural areas and dependent on the agriculture for food and livelihoods, addressing rural development needs is central to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

This is according to the 2019 Global Food Policy Report by International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) which was launched in Kigali on Friday

To address the problem, the report recommends that governments increase financial and policy support to rural communities.

According to the report rural areas continued to operate in crisis mode.

Globally, it states, 80 per cent of the extreme poor – those who live on less than $1.90 (Rwf1,600) per person per day and 75 per cent of the moderately poor – living on $1.90 to $3.20 per person per day – live in rural areas.

The prevalence of rural stunting is 26.8 per cent, as compared with 19.2 per cent in urban areas.

Speaking while officiating at the launch of the report, Rwanda's Prime Minister, Edouard Ngirente, said that the report details evidenced-based facts, the urgency of rural revitalisation in order to address the crisis of food insecurity in rural areas.

“We strongly believe that this report will contribute to the emergence of global food policy shifts towards high investment and capitalisation for increased productivity and competitiveness of the agriculture sector,” he said.

Rural people continued to suffer from a lack of economic opportunities and even basic services, such as water, sanitation, and electricity; and those living in conflict-affected countries found themselves in a vicious cycle of instability and food insecurity, prompting migration and displacement.

The report also found that many African countries have experienced strong economic growth and rapid urbanisation, but not the industrial growth that has generated employment in other regions.

Urban migrants working in the services sector rarely find jobs that are demonstrably better than those in rural areas or have much growth potential.

Rural employment strategies, such as policies supporting agricultural commercialisation and off-farm employment, within broader strategies for agricultural transformation and development, the report recommended.

It also recommended the modernisation and diversification of agriculture to promote youth employment, including adoption of modern technologies and development of high-value crops.

It calls for complementary investments in basic services (electricity, communications) and human capital (education, healthcare) to promote vibrant rural areas and support better employment options.

In addition, the report calls for improved electricity generation to revitalise Africa's rural areas, indicating that electricity brings numerous benefits – from lighting to sanitation to access to information – and even the potential to increase consumption of healthy, nutrient-dense foods where irrigation and refrigeration are introduced.

Yet, almost one billion people, most living in rural areas of Africa and South Asia, still lack access to electricity.

Shenggen Fan, Director General of IFPRI, told journalist, that the major aim of the report is to renew rural communities.

“Why is it important? It's because 20 years ago, we paid attention to rural development, but then we forgot about it,” he said.

He added that in many parts of the world between 10 and 50 per cent of the youth are either unemployed or underemployment, with the latter implying that they may have jobs, casual or part time, but it does not guarantee them a good income.

He said that funding for agriculture is still lacking, citing Africa where, on average, countries spend between 3 and 6 per cent of their public expenditure, which is less than the recommended minimum of 10 per cent under the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme.

“We must make sure that investments come to rural areas to support agriculture, agriculture research, improving market and capacity,” he said, adding that they will help the youth to run businesses on their own, and get well-paying jobs.

Gérardine Mukeshimana, the Minister for Agriculture and Animal Resources, said that Africa should learn from countries like Korea and China, whose development was driven by strong investment in agriculture for 40 years.

This, she added, bolstered rural development, research and promoted marketing of farm produce.

“The report addresses various services needed for the rural areas to develop. Among them, it talks about agriculture as a business, which refers to food system including production, transporting produce, adding value to it, and its commercialisation,” she said.

Source: The NewTimes

CARAVAN, a mobile soil-testing laboratory project to improve farm productivity in Rwanda

Tharcisse MUNYANEZA — 2019-05-08T09:53:14Z

The Caravan, a mobile soil-testing laboratory project expected to improve soil fertility management and increase farm productivity has been launched.

Minister of Agriculture and Animal Resources, Gerardine Mukeshimana, and Ambassador of the Kingdom of Morocco to Rwanda, HE Youssef IMANI officially launch the Caravan project in Kigali, on Tuesday, April 30, 2019 (courtesy)

The Government of Rwanda and Morocco's OCP group, one of the leading exporters of phosphate fertilizers in the world, inaugurated this project dubbed Caravan, on Tuesday, April 30, 2019, at Mulindi Agrishow ground in Gasabo District, Kigali.

The Caravan, a set of mobile equipment with modern soil testing technologies, is a bilateral project between the Government of Rwanda and the Kingdom of Morocco with the objectives of analysing soil samples in order to produce a soil fertility map; soil sampling, and soil analyses by the mobile laboratory and the fixed laboratory at Rwanda Agriculture Board (RAB).

The new facility will also support efforts invested in sensitising smallholder farmers on best agricultural practices based on a rational use of fertilisers adapted to soil and crop needs, according to the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources (MINAGRI).

This project begins with an initial phase of producing a soil fertility map for a pilot zone of 50,000 ha in Nyabihu, Burera, Rubavu and Musanze, and will later be extended to the entire country later.

Some soil-testing equipment inside the Caravan during the launch of the project in Kigali, Tuesday, April 30, 2019 (courtesy)

Jean Damascene Ntawushobora, an Irish potato farmer from Nyabihu District said that farmers have been faced with applying fertilisers without precision because of lacking knowledge on soil needs and suitable fertiliser to particular type of soil.

“Fertilisers used in marshland was the same used on upland. We were applying fertilisers without certainty; we did not know the nutrient needs for our soil and right fertilisers to meet such needs, which was unfavorably affecting farm productivity,” he said expressing that the new initiative could make them properly use fertilisers given soil nutrient needs.

He revealed that farmers in Nyabihu District wanted that a study to determine soil type and fertiliser needs back in 2009, but it was realized that carrying it out was costly.

Currently, he said, Irish potato production per hectare in the district ranges from 18 tonnes to 25 tonnes depending on variety of land.

Minister of Agriculture and Animal Resources, Mukeshimana, and Ambassador of the Kingdom of Morocco to Rwanda, Youssef IMANI looking at crops during the launch of the mobile soil testing project in Kigali, on Tuesday, April 30, 2019 (courtesy)

The project is jointly implemented by RAB with technical support from OCP foundation. It shall support the development of balanced fertilizer blends in Rwanda and will be used to strengthen agricultural extension around soil-testing and balanced fertilisers.

Some of the caravan soil testing equipment (courtesy)

Laboratory

It will be equipped with fixed and mobile soil testing laboratory, two pickups vehicles with motorcycle carriers, and six motorcycles for soil sampling, and various laboratory equipment.

The initial phase – which will last for about three years – is worth $1 million (abour Rwf880 million), the cost which includes the equipment to be used and improving skills of the personnel who will implement the project, according to Sirikare Sylvere, in-charge of research in soil and water management at RAB.

The initiation of the project was officiated by Minister of Agriculture and Animal Resources, Gerardine Mukeshimana, who was accompanied by the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Morocco to Rwanda, HE Youssef IMANI.

Speaking at the launch of the Caravan, Minister Mukeshimana, thanked the Kingdom of Morocco for the excellent partnership in the area of agriculture development in Rwanda.

“This Caravan project is a product and a testimony of the fraternal relationship between the Republic of Rwanda and the Kingdom of Morocco, as evidenced by exchange visits from His Excellency Paul Kagame to Morocco and His Majesty the King Mohammed VI to Rwanda, as well as several exchange visits by officials of Government and the Private Sector from both Countries,” the Minister said.

The project is a precursor to the establishment of a $38 Million fertilizer blending facility which is a joint venture involving OCP Africa, Government of Rwanda and Agro Processing Trust Corporation (APTC), MINAGRI said.

It is in line with the fourth Strategic Plan for Agriculture Transformation (PSTA4) that plans, among others, for technical assistance for developing site specific fertilizer recommendations, mobile soil-testing equipment technologies, and updating of soil maps.

Under PSTA4 which is implemented from 2018 until 2023/2024, Rwanda targets an average annual agriculture sector growth of 10 percent from the 6 percent registered in 2018 as showed the National Institute of Rwanda's GDP publication released in February 2019.

Source: The Inspirer