0
0
By Valens Muvunankiko
The main objective of this training was to equip youth with the necessary knowledge and skills in various areas, including climate-smart agriculture, sustainable land management, disaster-resistant housing, and sustainable forest management.
On Thursday, March 6, 2025, in Gicumbi District, a training session for members of the Rwanda Youth in Agribusiness Forum (RYAF) has been closed. The training was organized by Green Fund Rwanda through its Green Gicumbi project, in partnership with RYAF. The session was held under the theme: “Strengthening Youth Cooperation in Harnessing Environmental Opportunities.”
Some of the participants shared their experiences, stating that they gained valuable insights on how to practice agriculture in a way that is more resilient to climate change.
Tharcisse Manirafasha, a banana farmer from Rulindo District, said that before the training, he practiced conventional farming without much consideration for environmental sustainability. However, after attending the training, he gained new knowledge that will help him improve his farming practices.
“Previously, I used to do agriculture without paying attention to where or how I cultivated, nor did I consider ways to make my farming resilient to climate change and increase productivity. But now, I have learned how to integrate trees with crops, which helps to retain moisture and provides additional resources like firewood without causing environmental degradation,” he said.
Sandrine Utatsineza, farmer from Musanze District, said that she used to practice agriculture without focusing on sustainable methods.
“I used to grow vegetables without considering climate conditions, thinking that as long as they were planted, they would grow. However, through this training, I have learned how to approach farming professionally and ensure my crops thrive in changing climate conditions. I will prioritize planting trees, as they help retain moisture, and improve overall soil health,” she explained.
Sakina Usengimana, the RYAF Chairperson, stated that the training was initiated after realizing the significant impact of climate change on agriculture. As a result, they decided to educate young farmers and learn from the successful experiences of Green Gicumbi.
“In recent times, extreme heat and unexpected heavy rains have caused significant damage. Climate patterns have changed severely. That is why we decided to train young farmers on how to practice climate-resilient agriculture. Through the Green Gicumbi project, we sought to learn from their success and apply similar strategies to ensure agriculture is not adversely affected by climate change. We believe the knowledge gained will yield positive results soon,” she said.
Over a period of three weeks, 152 young people from various parts of the country, all involved in agricultural activities, were trained. They were also tasked with sharing their newly acquired knowledge with their peers and encouraging them to invest in sustainable farming.
The Rwanda Youth in Agribusiness Forum (RYAF)empowers young farmers by providing training in modern and climate-smart agriculture, facilitating access to finance and markets, and advocating for policies that support youth in agribusiness. It promotes technology adoption, networking, and sustainable farming practices, ensuring young farmers can build profitable and resilient agricultural enterprises. Through partnerships and capacity-building initiatives, RYAF helps youth transform agriculture into a viable and innovative career path
