Farmers and livestock keepers in Rusatira Sector, Huye District, say they now have renewed hope of expanding their agricultural activities and increasing production following the launch of “Kwihaza,” a new agricultural loan product by RIM PLC that offers financing at an annual interest rate of 12% with flexible repayment terms.
The Kwihaza loan is designed to provide affordable financing to farmers engaged in the production of tomatoes, onions, avocados, fish farming, and fisheries. The initiative aims to improve agricultural productivity, strengthen household food security, and enhance the livelihoods of rural communities.
Beneficiaries say accessing suitable agricultural financing has long been a challenge, particularly because climate change has made farming increasingly unpredictable. Poor harvests often left farmers unable to repay loans that came with short repayment periods, discouraging many from seeking financial support.
Cecile Mukamurenzi said:”We were always hesitant to take loans from financial institutions because the repayment periods were too short. When harvests failed due to unpredictable weather, repaying the loans became almost impossible. The Kwihaza loan from RIM PLC is different because it offers a low interest rate and a repayment period that matches the agricultural production cycle. This gives us the confidence to invest in commercial farming without fear.”
Jean Claude Rusanganwa, a farmer from Rusatira, said he has worked with several financial institutions in the past but found that many were reluctant to finance agricultural activities because of the risks involved.
“Many financial institutions do not fully trust farmers because agriculture is vulnerable to climate-related risks. What makes Kwihaza unique is that it recognizes farming as a viable business. The name itself means self-reliance—when you produce enough for yourself, you can also supply others. By financing staple and high-value crops, the programme is helping farmers become more productive and economically independent,” he said.
Beata Mukamana, head of the Agriculture and Livestock Department at RIM PLC, said the Kwihaza loan was created to improve farmers’ and livestock keepers’ access to affordable finance, particularly for agricultural enterprises that contribute to better nutrition and household income.
“We deliberately chose to support tomato, onion and avocado production, as well as fish farming and fisheries, because these are high-impact value chains that improve nutrition while generating sustainable incomes for rural families. Nearly 80 percent of Rwanda’s rural population depends on agriculture. Providing affordable and appropriately structured financing is one of the most effective ways to support their economic development,” She said.
According to RIM PLC, the Kwihaza loan is part of the institution’s broader strategy to promote agriculture and livestock farming as key drivers of rural economic growth. The loan product is tailored to the production cycles of different agricultural activities, allowing farmers to begin repayment only after their investments start generating income.
RIM PLC was established in 2004 through a partnership between the Catholic Dioceses of Rwanda. The institution was founded in response to the widespread poverty that followed the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, with the mission of expanding access to financial services that help individuals, families, and communities rebuild their livelihoods and achieve long-term economic resilience.
