In the lush and gently sloping hills of Mamba and Gikonko sectors in Gisagara district, as well as Ntyazo sector in Nyanza district in the Southern Province, smallholder farmers are experiencing positive changes, including increased agricultural productivity and improved household incomes, thanks to the Sustainable Agricultural Productivity and Market Linkage Project (SAPMP).
Nyiramageni, once facing challenges of soil erosion and diminished soil fertility, saw a remarkable turnaround with the intervention of SAPMP. The project undertook comprehensive land husbandry activities on Nyiramageni hillside, aiming to control soil erosion and enhance soil fertility.
SAPMP empowered farmers with knowledge and resources to implement good agricultural practices, leading to improved productivity. Farmers received support in the form of fertilizers and training, resulting in healthier and more abundant crops.
“The project assisted us with training in modern agriculture for maize, beans, and vegetables. I acquired all the necessary information. Previously, our farming practices were chaotic, with a mixture of various crops. The transition to proper farming, as seen here, can be attributed to the SAPMP project, which effectively provided training. In other words, SAPMP did an excellent job,” said Julienne Ahishakiye, of SAPMP beneficiaries in Gisagara-Nyiramageni site.
Increased yields come with the responsibility of minimizing post-harvest losses. SAPMP equipped farmers with post-harvest storage facilities, ensuring their produce remains fresh until the moment of sale.
The project has extended its impact beyond fields, supporting farmers to establish tree nurseries with diverse tree and fruit species.
Recognizing the importance of diversified agriculture, farmers in Nyiramageni expanded their crops to include vegetables and fruits. This not only enhanced household nutrition but also created additional sources of income.
Farmers have also started planting fruit trees in their homes and agricultural fields, covering over 150 hectares with fruit trees to enhance household nutrition and generate additional income. Additionally, the project has provided fruit trees to schools and health facilities in Nyiramageni to promote healthy eating habits and improve nutrition.
“I am one of the farmers the project came to assist by providing advice and training. I am also one of the farmers who promptly took the initial step in adhering to the agricultural instructions they had already given me,” said Jean Bosco Nzaramyimana, one of the project beneficiaries in Nyanza-Nyiramageni site.
He added: “The project initially trained me on how to cultivate vegetables. When we were growing vegetables previously, they were often rejected at the market due to their small and unhealthy appearance. Consequently, the project taught us the most effective methods for cultivating modern vegetables.”
The project has facilitated regular meetings between the technical team, local leaders, and farmers. This collaborative effort aimed to increase crop productivity through shared knowledge and experiences.
SAPMP also supported farmers in undergoing training on mindset change in the Republic of Korea, aligning with the adoption of improved agricultural practices. Farmers who received the training have also begun to train others within the site.
In the pursuit of sustainability, SAPMP taught farmers to make quality compost, not only to boost soil fertility but also as an additional source of revenue.
Acknowledging the importance of collective strength, the project organized farmers into Self Help Groups (SHGs) and cooperatives. This move aimed to increase their bargaining power in the market.
SAPMP, funded by the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) and implemented under SPIU World Bank and KOICA funded projects of the Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB), continues to be a beacon of positive change for smallholder farmers in Nyiramageni. As these farmers embrace improved agricultural practices and strengthen their market linkages, their lives are indeed changing for the better.