#RwandaAgriShow2024: APEFA showcases the secret for farmers to increase production from tiny land
APEFA, a non-government organization involved in climate-smart agriculture and food security in Rwanda, which is among the exhibitors in the 17th Rwanda Agriculture Show, is showcasing the significance of irrigation systems combined with fish farming.
The Rwandan AgriShow 2024 was launched on this Thursday, August 01,2024 at Mulindi Exhibition Centre, City of Kigali, under the theme “Building Resilient and Sustainable Food Systems”.
At least 479 exhibitors have registered to attend from local, regional and international settings. Some are from countries like Uganda, India, Senegal, Kenya, Tanzania, Hungary and Japan, according to Dr Patrick Karangwa, Director General of Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB).
Diane Tuyisenge, APEFA Agriculture lead, said they participated in this exhibition to be able to show different stakeholders and actors in the agriculture sector how APEFA Rwanda is working with smallholder farmers to ensure a harmonious balance between agricultural productivity and environmental preservation
She said, “For example, sustainable agriculture that involves irrigation systems combined with fish farming is possible and if it is done professionally, it increases production; thus farmers will improve their quality of life and preserve the environment.”
APEFA’s Programs Director, Protais HABANABAKIZE, believes that at the AgriShow 2024, smallholders, stakeholders, and partners can gain valuable insights into the integration of small-scale irrigation with fish farming. They will discover how Innovative Irrigation Technologies designed for small-scale operations can optimize water use, making it easier to manage resources efficiently alongside fish farming; Sustainable Practices, and approaches to integrating fish farming with irrigation where fish waste provides nutrients for plants. Moreover, those practices minimize water use, reduce environmental impact, and improve soil health, offering new methods for eco-friendly farming.
Mr. Oscar NZABONIMPA, the Executive Director of APEFA Rwanda said: “It is also networking opportunities for us, APEFA will have the chance to connect with experts, innovators, and fellow farmers who are successfully integrating small-scale irrigation with fish farming. Building these relationships can lead to valuable new partnerships and facilitate the sharing of knowledge and best practices. Engaging with others in the field offers insights into successful strategies and potential collaborations that can enhance one’s own operations.
“Additionally, to our existing partners, the show would provide a platform to explore funding and investment opportunities tailored specifically for the integration of irrigation with aquaculture. This presents a valuable chance to secure financial support and explore investment options that can help bring new ideas and technologies to fruition in the realm of combined irrigation and fish farming”, Mr. NZABONIMPA clarified.
Eric Rwigamba, the Minister of State for Agriculture and Animal Resources, said that this sector offers the opportunity to make a decent living when it is done in a sustainable way.
Minister Rwigamba urged the farmers to engage in cooperation so that their profession can be done more professionally and benefit more people.
He said, “We need to work together to do what will bring changes in the lives of Rwandans and farmers in particular. So we need to increase our efforts to fight against the potential causes of losses and put our efforts together to eradicate them”.
The Rwanda Agriculture Show will last for 10 days. Such an exhibition was started in 2003 and launched by His Excellency Paul Kagame, the President of the Republic of Rwanda. From the time it was launched it has been very impactful in agriculture development. Many farmers have gained significant knowledge related to the way they farm, develop business, reach the markets, working with financial institutions, etc.
