Members of the Urumuri Cooperative, which cultivates maize in Cyahinda Sector, Nyaruguru District, say their development has been driven by the training they received from the JP RWEE (Joint Programme on Accelerating Progress Towards Rural Women’s Economic Empowerment). The programme has transformed the lives of rural women through improved agricultural practices.
These farmers previously practiced mixed and unorganized farming, planting various crops in the same plot, believing it would increase productivity. However, after receiving training, they began growing a single crop per field, using both organic and chemical fertilizers, and planting in rows. As a result, their yields have increased significantly.
The Urumuri Cooperative is made up of 117 members, including 100 women and 17 men. It started its farming activities in 2016, when most of its members were in the first and second categories of the social welfare classification (Ubudehe). Today, they work in the Cyahinda marshland, cultivating 1.5 hectares of maize and potatoes.
After several years of improved farming guided by regular training, they established their own maize flour processing plant, which they named “Agatomboye.” They say the flour is both delicious and highly nutritious. Kabusige, one of the cooperative members, says the training changed her mindset completely.
“I used to think that as an older woman, I couldn’t achieve anything that only men were capable. But now, I plant in rows, I understand the importance of organic and chemical fertilizers, I eat vegetables, and I get excellent harvests.” She spoke.
Nyirabagenzi Alphonsine, another farmer and member of Urumuri Cooperative, confirms that the life of rural women has been transformed.
“Before, from one hectare we could only harvest five bags of maize, but now we get five tons. Our productivity has greatly improved; thanks to the new farming methods we learned.” She shared.
Beyond increasing yields, the training from JP RWEE has also strengthened cooperation between men and women, especially in managing household income. “In the past, when a husband sold a cow, the money belonged to him alone. Now, we consider all income as belonging to the household. We’ve learned that teamwork is what builds a strong family.”:She added
The Urumuri Cooperative stands as a shining example of how rural women can become key drivers of development through modern and organized farming.
The JP RWEE programme, which brings together organizations such as UN Women, IFAD, FAO, and WFP, continues to empower rural women across Rwanda through agriculture, livestock, and family harmony initiatives all aimed at building economically stable, united, and resilient families.
After harvesting maize, it is processed to produce flour. This flour is utilized in various ways, including the preparation of different types of food and other products.