Florent Nzakamwita has experienced poverty and is determined not to slide back into living hand to mouth. This resolve motivates him to wake up every day and work tirelessly to improve his fortunes.
A resident of Rugarama Sector, Gatsibo District in the Eastern Province, Nzakamwita cultivates bananas on a small plot of land. Currently, he produces bananas weighing 100 kilograms per bunch, which can earn him about Rwf300,000 per month. With this steady income, he is able to support his wife and six children.
In an interview with KURA, Nzakamwita shared that he began banana farming after experiencing severe poverty, placing him in the second category of the Ubudehe classification system.
He ventured into farming a few years ago, recognizing it as a promising way to improve his family’s financial situation and escape poverty.
“Supporting a family of six was very challenging, but I continued to seek opportunities to lift us out of poverty. I saw farming as a viable option, so I decided to focus on banana cultivation,” he reveals.
Initially, Nzakamwita had a half-hectare plot of land, but he didn’t use the entire area for bananas. He received training from Gatsibo District and World Vision, which helped him learn professional banana farming techniques.
“After returning home, I divided the half-hectare into two, planted high-quality banana varieties, and took good care of them. I learned the right times for fertilization and maintenance. After a year, I began to see significant yields, producing bananas ranging from 95 to 100 kilograms per bunch. I sell each bunch for between Rwf25,000 and Rwf30,000,” he explains.
Nzakamwita says he sells about 10 banana bunches each month and notes that well-cared-for bananas can be very profitable.
“Cultivation of bananas is highly rewarding if you employ good farming techniques. I plan to expand my farm by doubling the area where I grow bananas. Having initially invested Rwf200,000, I see great potential in increasing my farm’s size due to substantial profits,” he adds.
Advice for youths interested in farming
Nzakamwita advises young people interested in farming, especially banana cultivation, to first gather all necessary information and then practice it professionally, based on guidance from agricultural experts.
“My advice to young people is to change their mindset and understand that banana farming can be financially rewarding. Once you commit and seek information, you’ll learn how to properly care for your plantation. It is not difficult; it just requires passion and attention to detail,” he says.
Currently, Nzakamwita hopes to expand his banana farm to one hectare and possibly acquire more land for additional planting. He also aims to help local youth by teaching them how to take good care for banana plantations so they, too, can achieve financial success.
