At 29 years old, Mutabazi Enock has built a thriving agribusiness by cultivating chili peppers and black pepper (poivre) in Rwamagana District, Gahengeri Sector. His success is a testament to the untapped potential in agriculture, and he now encourages other young people to explore farming as a path to financial independence.
Mutabazi ventured into agriculture in 2022, after returning from Israel, where he witnessed firsthand how modern farming techniques could transform lives. Inspired by what he saw, he decided to apply his knowledge in his home country, starting with greenhouse farming of black pepper. His breakthrough came when he received support from the Smallholder Agricultural Irrigation Project (SAIP), which provided him with a greenhouse that significantly boosted his production—increasing his yield sixfold.
“After that, I decided to lease two hectares of land to expand my chili farming. Now, I harvest six tons of chili per week from those two hectares. I initially invested RWF 15 million to lease the land, purchase seeds, and pay workers, but I have already recovered my investment,” he shared.
Mutabazi attributes much of his success to SAIP, which trained him in greenhouse farming techniques. Combined with the knowledge he gained during his stay in Israel, he was able to refine his approach to agriculture and maximize his yields.
“Being an agronomist and having the opportunity to study farming techniques in Israel helped me a lot. Adding to that, the training I received from SAIP played a huge role in my progress,” he said.
While the journey has been rewarding, Mutabazi acknowledges the challenges that come with chili farming. The most pressing issue is the fluctuation of market prices, where one day the produce is sold at a high price, and the next day, prices drop significantly. Another major challenge is irrigation costs, as farmers rely on fuel-powered irrigation systems, which increase production expenses.
Despite these hurdles, he remains optimistic about agriculture’s potential and urges young people to reconsider their perceptions about farming.
“The biggest mistake young people make is thinking that agriculture cannot lead to prosperity. But the truth is, farming is a great profession. If you plant at the right time, you will always make a profit. Anyone interested in farming should come, and we can work together. I am ready to guide them so they can build their own agribusinesses,” he encouraged.
Mutabazi emphasizes that chili farming is highly profitable when done efficiently. From just one hectare, a farmer can produce between 20 and 25 tons of chili and generate a net profit of over RWF 10 million. His success story serves as a motivation for aspiring farmers, proving that agriculture is not just a survival tactic—it is a viable business with immense potential.
