Empowering Passion Fruit Farmers. The Impact of WCI in Jomba Sector.

Empowering Women Farmers in Jomba Sector

In the heart of Nyabihu District's Jomba Sector, a group of determined women is making strides in sustainable agriculture, thanks to the ongoing support from Wildlife Conservation Initiative (WCI). IYAMUREMYE Jeannette, a passionate farmer from Guriro Village and a member of a local cooperative, shares her story of transformation.

"We are 42 women and 20 men in our cooperative, and our lives have changed dramatically since we began growing passion fruits," says Jeannette. "Before this project, malnutrition was a serious issue for our children. But with the fruits we grow, our children are now healthier, and we are able to provide for our families."

The cooperative, which focuses on organic farming, composting, weed control, and erosion prevention, has benefited greatly from WCI’s hands-on training and support. Jeannette emphasizes the importance of this initiative in empowering women and ensuring sustainable livelihoods for the community. "This project is not just about farming; it’s about giving us, especially the women, the tools and knowledge to build a better future for ourselves and our families."

A Cooperative’s Journey to Formalization

IGABE Jean Bosco, president of the passion fruit cooperative in Kabaya, Jomba Sector, highlights the challenges and successes of their journey. With the help of WCI, the cooperative received 2,000 passion fruit seedlings, which they planted on 1.5 hectares of land. The trees are thriving, and the cooperative is eagerly anticipating their first harvest.

However, IGABE Jean Bosco points out a significant hurdle: market access. "We estimate a yield of 6 to 8 tons per season, but without a stable market, our efforts might not reach their full potential," he explains. Currently, the market offers 100 Rwandan Francs for 4-5 pieces of fruit, but the cooperative believes that better market connections could lead to higher prices.

Despite these challenges, the cooperative is in the process of formalizing, with hopes that securing a reliable market will enable them to expand and welcome more members. WCI continues to provide essential support, offering training in climate-friendly farming practices, pest control, and disease management. "With WCI by our side, we are confident that we can overcome these challenges and achieve our goals," IGABE Jean Bosco adds.

District Support and Future Prospects

NKUBITO Jean Paul, a staff member from Nyabihu District responsible for economic crops, vegetables, and fruits, recently visited the cooperative to monitor progress and provide market access advice. He commends WCI for their role in the project, noting that the passion fruit crops are in excellent condition, and the farmers are implementing the training they received.

"Our next step is to secure markets for the passion fruits and facilitate efficient delivery to buyers," says Nkubito Jean Paul. "The land here is ideal for fruit farming, and with continued support from WCI, we are confident that the farmers will prosper, open new markets, and generate sustainable income."

Key Takeaways

Empowerment of Women Farmers: The passion fruit farming initiative in Nyabihu District, supported by WCI, is empowering women in the community by providing them with the tools and knowledge needed to achieve sustainable livelihoods.

Improvement in Child Nutrition: The cultivation of passion fruits has significantly improved the nutritional status of children in the community, helping to combat malnutrition.

Challenges in Market Access: While the cooperative has seen success in growing passion fruits, securing a stable market remains a critical challenge. Efforts are underway to connect farmers with better market opportunities.

Ongoing Support and Training: WCI continues to play a vital role in the success of this project by offering ongoing training in organic farming, pest control, and sustainable practices, ensuring that the farmers can maintain and grow their operations.

Community and District Collaboration: The partnership between WCI and Nyabihu District authorities is crucial in supporting the farmers, with a focus on improving agricultural practices and finding efficient ways to market and distribute the produce.

Future Prospects: With the formalization of the cooperative and continued support from WCI, there is strong potential for expanding the project, increasing production, and enhancing the livelihoods of more community members.

Conclusion

The passion fruit farming project in Nyabihu District is more than just an agricultural initiative; it is a beacon of hope and empowerment for the local community. Through WCI’s unwavering support, farmers like IYAMUREMYE Jeannette, IGABE Jean Bosco Bosco, and others members of cooperative are not only improving their livelihoods but also paving the way for a sustainable and prosperous future.

As this project continues to grow, WCI remains committed to supporting these farmers in every step of their journey, ensuring that their hard work yields fruitful results, both in their fields and in their lives.

Explore the journey of passion fruit farmers and see the impact of WCI’s work in this video:  https://youtu.be/JOU7ni2nhcY?si=aPSQXcwgxyKrvuZo

Stay tuned for more updates on how WCI is transforming communities through sustainable agricultural practices!