RWARRI introduces Rwanda’s first-ever short course in modern agriculture

A total of 150 young people from Kayonza, Rwamagana, and Ngoma districts will soon join short-term agricultural training programs focused on the use and maintenance of farming, irrigation, and post-harvest handling and storage equipment. The initiative aims to equip youth with the skills to operate and repair these machines when they break down, encouraging their involvement in modern agriculture.

Although over 70% of Rwanda’s population is youth, many are not actively engaged in agriculture, despite possessing the strength and potential to excel in farming and livestock activities. Recognizing this gap, the Rwanda Rural Rehabilitation Initiative (RWARRI), with support from the Suyana Foundation, has launched a project to train young people in the use of modern agricultural machinery. This will enable them to not only operate the equipment but also conduct repairs when necessary.

Uwizeye Belange, RWARRI’s Executive Director, confirmed that the program will be implemented in collaboration with the districts of Ngoma, Kayonza, and Rwamagana, as well as with the Rwanda TVET Board (RTB) and private companies specializing in agricultural machinery sales like Hello Tractor and Holland Greentech Rwanda. These partnerships will facilitate youth training from farming to harvest and storage management.

He emphasized: “We are not training youth just to give instructions but to actively engage them in farming. They will learn how to operate machinery, plow fields, irrigate crops, and manage harvests properly. Our goal is to produce youth who are proficient in all aspects of modern agriculture.”

These short-term technology-based agricultural courses are being offered for the first time in Rwanda. The participants are young people from low-income families who have received training in modern agriculture. They may now take this opportunity to generate income and graduate from poverty.

Cyiza Vedaste, an employee at the Rwanda TVET Board, explained that the courses aim to accelerate the youth adoption of mechanized agriculture in Rwanda. He added: “This training will help us to develop individuals with knowledge and skills in operating various equipment for crops cultivation, irrigation, maintenance, and conservation of irrigated areas.”

Kwizera Jean Paul, an irrigation technician at ECM, highlighted the importance of solar-powered irrigation systems used by his company. He stated that such systems are especially suitable for the Eastern Province for three reasons: the absence of high mountains, abundant sunshine, and affordability.

Kwizera explained that these modern irrigation systems using solar power are accessible to many farmers and provide efficient irrigation without concerns related to climate change. He sees this as an excellent opportunity for youth development, as it aligns with modern technology and offers solutions for sustainable farming.

To ensure the success of this project, RWARRI signed collaboration agreements with Hello Tractor and Holland Greentech Rwanda, companies with huge experience in supplying agricultural and livestock machinery. These partnerships will help provide quality equipment and training resources to participating youth, fostering the growth of modern, resilient agriculture in Rwanda.