A new agricultural initiative aimed at strengthening self-reliance among refugees and host communities has been officially launched in Mugombwa Sector of Gisagara District. The project is expected to boost soybean seed production, increase farmers’ incomes, and promote sustainable livelihoods through modern farming practices.
The initiative is funded by Good People International (GPI) in partnership with UNHCR and Rwanda’s Ministry in charge of Emergency Management (MINEMA). It focuses on strengthening the capacity of both refugees from Mugombwa Refugee Camp and members of the surrounding host communities through climate-resilient agriculture, particularly soybean seed production.
Good People International has been operating in Rwanda since 2013, implementing programs that support education, nutrition, and economic empowerment. The newly launched SRCB project will run for two and a half years, from February 2026 to June 2028.
The project was introduced after identifying the need to enhance the economic resilience of refugees and host communities by equipping them with modern agricultural knowledge, improved seeds, and farming inputs.
One of the key components of the initiative is the multiplication of climate-resilient soybean seeds in the Misizi marshland, located in Mugombwa Sector. The seeds will be cultivated on 14 hectares in an area known as Misizi Zone 2. The farming activities are carried out by members of the Icyerekezo Misizi Cooperative, which brings together farmers from both the refugee camp and surrounding communities.
Kim Sungbeen, Country Director of Good People in Rwanda, described the project as an investment in the future of local communities.
“Planting this soybean is planting the future. It is a climate-resilient seed that will produce high yields and help communities improve their economic status,” he said, urging farmers to follow technical guidance to achieve the expected results.
Farmers working in the marshland say the improved soybean variety gives them hope for better harvests and increased income.
Jean Bosco Ngendahayo, a farmer involved in the project, explained that traditional seeds previously produced very low yields. “I used to invest about 30,000 Rwandan francs and harvest only 30 kilograms, which brought no profit. But now, having access to improved seeds that yield more is a great opportunity for us,” he said.
Another farmer, Ildephonse Nyaminani, expressed similar optimism. “We used to get very low yields. Having improved seeds nearby will help us increase production and earn sustainable income,” he noted.
Beyond providing improved seeds, the SRCB project will also support farmers through training and agricultural inputs.
Planned activities include providing fertilizers, improved seeds and crop protection products, training farmers in modern farming techniques, improving land management through terraces and erosion control systems, and enrolling farmers in crop insurance schemes.
Prosper Murwanashyaka, an agronomist working with Good People, said the project is expected to significantly increase productivity.
“From around 500 kilograms per hectare, we expect farmers to reach 1.2 tons per hectare, and within three years up to 2 tons per hectare. This will be achieved through improved farming practices such as row planting and proper spacing,” he explained.
Local leaders say the initiative aligns with Rwanda’s policy of inclusive development that integrates refugees and host communities. Denise Dusabe, Vice Mayor in charge of Social Affairs in Gisagara District, emphasized that the shared use of the marshland strengthens social cohesion while promoting economic growth.
“The government is committed to leaving no one behind. That is why this marshland is shared by both refugees and host communities. This soybean initiative will not only increase production but also position our district as a hub for soybean seed production,” she said.
She also highlighted the nutritional and economic value of soybeans. “Soybeans are rich in protein and can be processed into products such as milk, tofu, and animal feed. When well utilized, they improve household nutrition and create business opportunities,” she added.
The Icyerekezo Misizi Cooperative currently has 1,427 members, including 300 refugees and 1,127 farmers from host communities. Through improved seeds, training, and access to agricultural support services, the SRCB project aims to help farmers increase productivity, generate income, and achieve long-term self-reliance.
The initiative also contributes to Rwanda’s national goal of increasing soybean production from 36,220 tons in 2024 to 53,019 tons by the 2026/27 agricultural season. As climate-resilient soybean seeds become more widely available, farmers in Gisagara believe the project will provide a lasting solution to low yields and strengthen their economic resilience.
