JP-RWEE empowers rural women farmers in Gisagara

By Elias HAKIZIMANA.

A few years ago, Aline Uwamahoro, a farmer from Rusenyi village in Cyamakuza Cell, Ndora Sector of Gisagara District, could hardly imagine a path to sustainable development.

Depending solely on subsistence farming meant low yields, unstable income, and persistent food insecurity.

That changed when the Joint Programme on Accelerating Progress Towards Rural Women’s Economic Empowerment (JP-RWEE), a collaboration between UN Women, FAO, IFAD, and WFP intervened. The initiative trained Uwamahoro and fellow farmers, mostly women, in modern agricultural techniques, entrepreneurship, and leadership.

One of the key practices introduced was ‘Pfumvudza’, a climate-smart farming method that involves planting in small holes instead of tilling the entire field.

“We were trained on Pfumvudza to boost both the quantity and quality of our maize,” Uwamahoro says. “Before, I harvested around 50 kilograms from two ares of land. Now, I get up to 200 kilograms. Thanks to JP-RWEE, my yields and income have improved significantly.”

A mother of five, Uwamahoro is part of the Urumuli Cyamakuza Cooperative, which grows maize in Giseke marshland. The cooperative benefited not only from agricultural training but also from the Gender Action Learning System (GALS); a community-based approach that promotes equality and better household livelihoods.

“We were grouped into Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs), where we learned how to save, access loans, and start small businesses,” she adds. “We were also taught to establish kitchen gardens, so my family always has vegetables. Through Indoto z’Iterambere Rirambye (Dreams of Sustainable Development), I learned how to plan and achieve my goals.”

For Vestine Nyirahabimana, president of the 192-member cooperative (119 women and 74 men), the programme’s results are evident.

“This year, we bought land worth Rwf 1.2 million to build a house and another plot worth Rwf 1.3 million to expand our maize farming,” she says.

“Every member now saves with a purpose. Household conflicts have reduced, and women have gained confidence and respect. We work hard and invest our own efforts.” she adds.

Nyirahabimana notes that cooperative membership has brought wide-ranging benefits such as better hygiene, nutrition, and financial stability.

“Before, our maize spoiled due to aflatoxin, but with post-harvest management training from JP-RWEE, we now produce quality maize ready for market,” she adds.

Valens Nkurizwanayo, the cooperative’s vice president, praises members who stayed committed even when others dropped out early.

“We had no capital, but we used our energy and skills. This marshland was full of bamboo; we cleared it and started farming. Last year, we cultivated three hectares, and this season, we added three more. Our goal is to reach 40 hectares. We also learned to make organic manure from herbs; thanks to JP-RWEE.”

Across Gisagara and beyond, JP-RWEE is transforming more than farms, it is transforming lives. Women like Uwamahoro are not only boosting their harvests but also leading change in their homes and communities.

“We now believe in ourselves, we dream big, and we know how to turn those dreams into reality,” she says.

About the program

The Joint Programme on Accelerating Progress towards Rural Women’s Economic Empowerment (JP-RWEE) is a global initiative jointly implemented by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), UN Women, and the World Food Programme (WFP).

The programme aims to enable rural women to achieve food security and nutrition, increase incomes, enhance leadership and decision-making, and promote gender-responsive policy environments.

In Rwanda, the programme contributes directly to the country’s Vision 2050 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 1 (No Poverty), Goal 2 (Zero Hunger), and Goal 5 (Gender Equality).

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