Youth in Nyamagabe and Ruhango Embrace Coffee Farming as New Opportunities Emerge

A growing number of young people in Nyamagabe and Ruhango districts are venturing into coffee farming after seeing new opportunities created through the ongoing rehabilitation of coffee plantations under the PSAC project, implemented by NAEB. The initiative has enabled farmers to replace aging trees with new, high-yield RAB-C15 varieties known for their resilience and productivity.

This shift aligns with Rwanda’s broader strategy to boost agricultural exports, particularly premium coffee, as a pillar of national economic growth.

Young Farmers Invest After Specialized Training

For many young people in these districts, coffee was not previously considered a profitable venture. However, after receiving training on modern coffee practices and the economic potential of the crop, their perceptions have changed.

Jean de Dieu Niyomugabo from Kibilizi Sector in Ruhango says the training opened his eyes to new possibilities. “We were used to growing cassava and beans. But after learning how to care for coffee trees and the income they generate, I decided to start planting. We were given seedlings, and now we are maintaining them as a long-term investment,” he explained.

Other youth have joined the sector after seeing the tangible benefits enjoyed by their peers and families.

Clarisse Uwase from Nyamagabe noted: “I grew up seeing my parents grow coffee, but I never knew how profitable it could be. After observing how they earn money every year, I decided to follow the same path. Coffee will help us become financially independent instead of waiting for scarce employment opportunities.”

Parents Encourage Early Engagement in Coffee Farming

Parents in the region welcome the increasing interest from young people, saying coffee has long been a reliable source of income for rural households.

Drocelle Mukandahiro, a 52-year-old farmer from Cyanika Sector, said she wants the younger generation to appreciate the value of the crop early on. “Coffee is what helped me raise my children and build a stable home. I encourage young people to embrace it because it is dependable and beneficial to both families and the country. Starting young means securing a better future,” she said.

Local Leaders Highlight the Youth’s Role in Sector Transformation

Jean Marie Rusiribana, the Vice Mayor for Economic Development in Ruhango District, emphasized that youth are essential to revitalizing the coffee sector. “We are working with several partners to provide seedlings and rehabilitate old trees. Our focus now is on engaging young people showing them that coffee farming is a sustainable profession that generates income and connects them to stable international markets,” he said.

Coffee Needs the Energy and Innovation of Youth

According to Alexis Nkurunziza, head of the Coffee and Tea Division at NAEB, rejuvenating old plantations must go hand-in-hand with bringing more young people into coffee farming to secure long-term sector growth. “Coffee requires energy, and the youth have that energy. Anyone who enters coffee farming is investing in long-term development. RAB-C15 seedlings are among the best options for improving yields and coping with Rwanda’s changing climate,” he said.