Women for Women Rwanda Urges Nduba Farmers to Embrace Market-Driven Agriculture

The call was made Aug. 20 at the graduation of 98 women who completed a 12-month training program in modern agriculture, financial literacy and social well-being.

Dr. Furaha Umutoni Alida, a Senior researcher and lecturer at the University of Rwanda, said the women were expected to put their new skills into practice. “When a woman has knowledge, she contributes to the economic development of her family and of the country at large,” she said.

The training included lessons in health, community values and entrepreneurship. Dr. Furaha said the skills will help the women create jobs, boost food security and adapt to climate change. She also urged them to work closely with their husbands and maintain harmony at home.

Speaking for the graduates, Marie Claire Menyimana said the program combined practical farming with family values. “These values will guide us to practice good agriculture. But we also recognize that a stable family achieves development faster,” she said.

Menyimana added that exposure to buyers, banks and agro-input dealers during the training had “opened our eyes” to new possibilities. “Even with small plots, we now believe we can achieve higher yields,” she said.

Nduba sector authorities encouraged the women to seize opportunities created by the program and work collectively to improve farming practices.

Women for Women Rwanda said its goal is to ensure that women farmers think about markets before planting and save for future investment. The organization’s motto is “Strong women, strong nation.”