Some young people engaged in agriculture assert that the reason their peers still believe farming is only for the elderly and doesn’t generate income is due to a lack of adequate information about modern farming techniques.
This is the testimony of some young people who participated in the annual agriculture and livestock exhibition organized by the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources. The exhibition is taking place in Kigali at Mulindi for the 17th time and will last for 10 days.
Byiringiro Belange, representing a youth group called PYAM, stated that he joined with his peers to start a mobile kitchen garden project.
He said this has helped those who want to farm but lack sufficient land or water to irrigate their crops, as well as those without any land, adding that they also profit from it as it sustains them.
He said, “For us as youth, coming to this exhibition is beneficial. We gain customers because even after the exhibition, we get calls from people telling us that what we helped them with was beneficial.”
He continued, “Farming is not just about using a hoe, as my fellow youth think. Instead, bring your idea of innovation and see if you don’t find sponsors to help you implement it.”
Byiringiro also took the opportunity to tell the youth that the reason they think farming doesn’t generate income is that they lack information on how the sector can be profitable.
He advised them on where to get agricultural information, such as in community meetings, during general public work, and at various events, where they can learn about existing agricultural issues to find innovative solutions.
Nzabamwita Robert, who works for a company called Agrimin Ltd and has participated in the exhibition four times, said they are involved in propagating fruit trees like avocado, mango, and orange, and also make pest control products, which help many farmers who come to them.
He said, “There is knowledge that others gain from us through the innovations we have because it helps them combine this knowledge with what they already have, resulting in significant innovations. Our message to the youth is to take their hands out of their pockets and join agriculture to create jobs because there are many opportunities.”
“For instance, last year we worked with 25 farmers, giving them various pieces of advice, but within one year, the number doubled to 50 farmers.”
Tuyishime Déborah works in a cooperative called Uruhimbi Kageyo Cooperative, which grows livestock feed without using soil and fertilizer but instead using cereals. This feed can grow in just one week.
This helps livestock grow well and increases the productivity of products such as milk and eggs.
Tuyishime said their cooperative has trained 3,280 farmers and provided jobs to 74 of their peers.
She continued, “The technology of growing feed helps combat climate change because whether it is rainy or dry season, the farmer always has feed for their livestock. Participating in this exhibition helps us meet many farmers.”
“Because this technology is not well known in Rwanda, when we meet them, they can learn about it and share it with their peers in different parts of the country.”
Agriculture and livestock are among the areas where Rwanda has invested efforts to ensure every citizen can be food secure. Youth are among those encouraged to pursue these professions as they provide employment, especially since youth make up a large percentage of the country and face significant unemployment challenges.
