Through this project in eastern Rwanda, we are working with 14 agricultural cooperatives to make their practices more productive and sustainable, using agroecology.
The project in brief
Themes
Agriculture
Beginning
2021
Duration
3 years
Financement
Fédération genevoise de coopération (FGC)
Budget
CHF 474'416.--
Beneficiaries
13'000 people
Description
The project is being implemented in the poorest areas of Gatsibo and Nyagatare districts in Rwanda. FH has been working in these communities since 2014 and this project contributes directly to the goal of lifting these communities out of extreme poverty by 2024. Despite the enormous progress made over the last two decades, a recent survey reveals that around 39% of Rwandans still live below the poverty line. The report also shows that poverty is predominant in rural areas, where it is twice as high as among the urban population.
As agriculture remains the main source of income for the population in the target areas, this project extends the activities already in place, aimed at increasing agricultural productivity among a larger number of farmers' associations. The project also aims to develop off-farm work and market access. Through these measures, FH believes it will be able to increase household incomes and thus help to reduce current problems, particularly malnutrition and teenage pregnancies, breaking the vicious circle of poverty.
Objectives
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Increase the agricultural production of poor households.
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Diversifying income-generating opportunities for households involved in associations (self-help groups and cooperatives).
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Building the capacity of associations in relation to market access.
Activities
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Training farmers in agroecological production methods in three modules: agroecology, adaptation to climate change and agroforestry.
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Encourage the adoption of good post-harvest practices and the introduction of storage systems.
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Training in improved livestock management practices.
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Carry out participatory market analyses.
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Facilitate links with potential customers.
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Training in agri-food entrepreneurship.
Agroecology
This project is based on the following principles of agroecology:
- Recycling
- Input Reduction
- Soil Health
- Animal Health
- Biodiversity
- Synergy
- Economic Diversification
- Co-creation of knowledge
- Fairness
- Connectivity
- Participation
Learn more on the 13 principles of agroecology
