Gakenke: Agricultural Cooperatives Receive Cargo Motorcycles to Strengthen Market Access

In strengthening agricultural productivity and improving livelihoods, five cooperatives engaged in farming and livestock activities in Gakenke district have received cargo motorcycles to facilitate the transportation of their produce to markets.

The motorcycles were provided in by the Rwanda Transport Development Agency (RTDA) through its feeder roads development project, an initiative aimed at enhancing rural connectivity and accelerating economic transformation.

For many years, members of these cooperatives faced serious transportation challenges. Delivering produce to markets often meant hiring costly vehicles or carrying goods over long distances, which reduced profits and sometimes led to post-harvest losses.

Perishable products would arrive late or damaged, affecting both income and customer trust. The arrival of these cargo motorcycles therefore marks a turning point bringing relief, efficiency, and renewed hope.

The handover ceremony was officiated by the Mayor of the District, Vestine Mukandayisenga, who commended RTDA for its unwavering support toward empowering local communities. She emphasized that the motorcycles are not merely transport equipment, but strategic tools for economic empowerment.

“We are grateful to RTDA for this impactful support,” the Mayor stated. “These motorcycles will help cooperatives transport their produce more easily and at a lower cost than before. By reducing transportation expenses, members will increase their earnings and improve their standards of living. At the same time, this support should encourage beneficiaries to take greater responsibility in protecting and maintaining public infrastructure, especially feeder roads that connect them to markets.”

Her remarks underscored the importance of shared responsibility in sustaining development gains. She urged cooperative members to use the motorcycles responsibly and ensure proper maintenance so that the benefits extend to future generations.

Among the beneficiaries, excitement and gratitude were Jean Bosco MUHIRE, a member of one of the agricultural cooperatives, expressed his optimism about the change ahead.

“This motorcycle is a game changer for us,” he said with a smile. “Previously, we spent a lot of money hiring transport, and sometimes our crops would spoil before reaching the market. Now we can deliver our produce quickly and on time. This will increase our income and strengthen our cooperative’s growth.”

Eugenie UWINGABIRE, a member of a livestock cooperative, also highlighted the transformative impact of the support.

“We feel empowered,” she explained. “Accessing the market will no longer be a struggle. The motorcycle gives us independence and efficiency. We are committed to taking good care of it so that it continues to serve us and our community.”

The introduction of cargo motorcycles is expected to reduce post-harvest losses, enhance product quality, and improve competitiveness in local markets. With easier access to buyers, cooperatives can negotiate better prices, respond promptly to demand, and build stronger commercial relationships. The savings generated from reduced transport costs can be reinvested into expanding production, purchasing improved inputs, and enhancing cooperative management.

Beyond immediate economic benefits, the initiative contributes to broader rural transformation. Improved mobility strengthens the agricultural value chain, encourages productivity, and promotes inclusive growth. By connecting producers to markets more efficiently, infrastructure development becomes a powerful driver of poverty reduction and community resilience.

As the engines of these motorcycles begin to roar along feeder roads, they carry more than agricultural produce they carry aspirations, determination, and the promise of sustainable prosperity. Through strategic partnerships and community commitment, stronger cooperatives are emerging, capable of shaping a brighter and more secure future for the district.