In the heart of the rural countryside, smallholder farmers, organized under cooperatives, have embarked on commercial agriculture, which is earning them huge investment returns, following support from the Sustainable Agricultural Intensification and Food Security Project (SAIP) of the Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB).
SAIP has been instrumental in supporting these farmers, enabling them to increase agricultural productivity and gain better access to markets for their produce. Through sustainable agricultural practices and innovative farming techniques, they have witnessed a remarkable rise in the quality and quantity of their harvests.
“SAIP brought us to the agricultural show, where we had the opportunity to meet many other buyers. We learned from other farmers how they use modern farming technology, and we were able to find input dealers who will be buying from us because SAIP supported us become Agro dealers,” said Dancilla Mukandayisenga, from GWIZA cooperative in SAIP site, Rwamagana district.
She added: “We are grateful to SAIP for helping us to increase our production by providing us with fertilizers, for helping us to access markets, and especially for bringing us to this national agricultural and livestock exhibition show. We are thankful.”
With the support and guidance of SAIP, these farmers have witnessed remarkable changes in their lives. They have learned innovative farming techniques, adopted sustainable practices, and increased their agricultural productivity.
In order to showcase their agricultural products and unlock new opportunities for growth and prosperity, SAIP has been supporting farmers organized in cooperatives to participate in the annual national agricultural exhibition shows at Mulindi show ground in Gasabo district, City of Kigali.
At this year’s 16th National Agriculture Show, held from 20th to 29th July 2023 at Mulindi-Gasabo Showground, SAIP supported farmers from Kayonza, Rwamagana, and Nyabihu districts in the eastern and western provinces, respectively, to participate in the agriculture show.
“The idea of bringing us here to the agricultural exhibition is to promote our produce. Here, some big institutions have noticed our efforts and approached us for potential collaboration. SAIP's initiative to bring us to the agricultural exhibition and even last year did the same,” said Venuste Ndikumana, from Gikadini cooperative in SAIP site, Kayonza district.
“I am deeply grateful to them for showing us the importance of putting in significant effort. This experience has empowered our cooperative, making us believe that we have the ability to participate in such agricultural shows and achieve our goals,” added Ndikumana.
At the agricultural exhibition show, farmers are not just showcasing their produce; they are displaying the fruits of their hard work and dedication. Their exhibition stalls are a testimony to the transformation that SAIP has brought to their lives. Through these vibrant agriculture shows, farmers gain unprecedented access to potential buyers and investors, unlocking new market opportunities.
As the sun sets on the exhibition show, the farmers return home with a renewed sense of confidence. They carry with them not only the memories of a successful event but also newfound knowledge about new agricultural practices, innovative technologies, and successful strategies that have been implemented in different regions.
SAIP is funded by the Global Agriculture and Food Security Program (GAFSP) through the World Bank Group's International Development Association (IDA). The project is implemented under the Single Project Implementation Unit (SPIU) of the Rwanda Agricultural and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB).
SAIP is implemented in the districts of Karongi, Nyabihu, Rulindo, Gatsibo, Rutsiro, Nyanza, Rwamagana, Ngoma and Kayonza.