Farmers living near Lake Kivu in Rubavu and Rutsiro districts, working with the Rwanda Rural Rehabilitation Initiative (RWARRI) in partnership with the European Union through the HINGA UKIRE project, are expressing their satisfaction with the increased productivity of bio-fortified crops after one year of implementation.
The farmers urge local development officers to collaborate closely so that the seeds they are being provided can reach as many citizens as possible.
Their desire was expressed during a meeting with the project’s partners in Rubavu and Rutsiro districts, in which the farmers revealed that they had met their goals with significant success and outlined the activities planned for the year ahead.
Filled with joy, the farmers shared their excitement over receiving new seeds enriched with nutrients that include orange fleshed sweet potatoes, cassava rich in carotene, and high iron beans. They expressed surprise at the high production rates of these crops.
Speciose Nyirarukato from Kigeyo sector in Rutsiro district, shared her experience with the seeds and pleaded with local leaders to conduct awareness campaigns for people who are not Hinga-Ukire direct beneficiaries in order to increase production.
“I planted beans with doubt, as I was given only one kilogram and 200 grams of seeds, but I was amazed when I harvested 40 kilos. Previously, we would harvest only five kilograms or less, and sometimes we didn’t get anything due to the weather. In this season, I planted three kilograms and harvested 100 kilos. I urge the local leadership to encourage people to use these vitamin-rich seeds because many people are still unaware of them”, said Nyirarukato.
Édouard Hakizimana from Nyamyumba sector in Rubavu district, expressed gratitude to the government of Rwanda for enabling them to access these fast-growing seeds. He called for these seeds to be distributed to more people in order to address malnutrition, which remains a problem in areas around Lake Kivu.
“In our district of Rubavu, some people have received seeds of beans, cassavas, and sweet potatoes. I am grateful to the government of Rwanda for bringing this project to our area, because there is a problem of malnutrition in areas surrounding Lake Kivu, and these seeds are rich in vitamins. Since they grow very fast and are full of nutrients, if they reach more people, they can help solve malnutrition issue”, he emphasized.
For this ongoing season, the RWARRI Executive Director announced that they have distributed 840,000 orange-fleshed sweet potato vines for 20 hectares and 1,020 kgs of high iron beans for 17 hectares, ensuring farmers have access to high-quality planting materials. Furthermore, their ongoing dissemination efforts have expanded this impact, reaching even more farmers with the resources needed to grow nutritious, bio-fortified crops. These initiatives are not only enhancing food security but also fostering long-term sustainability in our communities. He sincerely appreciates the continued support of their partners and stakeholders as they collaborate to create lasting change.
Léandre Rwakayanga, the manager of Rwanda Agriculture Board (RAB), Tamira station, stated that the results with the seeds are very promising.
However, he emphasized that there is a need to increase the number of farmers’ groups and to involve local development agents to ensure these initiatives reach the community effectively.
“It has been observed that these seeds grow at a high rate, but there is a need of increasing the fields. Another step is to bring in SEDOs (Cell staff in charge of citizens welfare), since they are close to farmers and work with them on a daily basis. We have seen that the nutritious seeds have helped those who received them. The SEDOs could play a crucial role in helping more farmers to be aware of these seeds.”
HINGA UKIRE project, implemented by the Rwanda Rural Rehabilitation Initiative (RWARRI), focuses on distributing modern seeds rich in vitamins in the Rutsiro district, covering the sectors of Musasa, Kigeyo, Mushonyi, Boneza, Kivumu, Gihango, and Mushubati.
The project is also active in the sectors of Nyundo, Rubavu, Rugerero and Nyamyumba of Rubavu district.
