Three hundred families in Tabagwe Sector, Nyagatare District, are set to begin practicing modern agriculture through a new project by SOS Children’s Villages. The project aims to promote technology-based farming (Smart Agriculture) and enhance residents’ capacity for economic development.
The initiative will focus on consolidating 20 hectares of land, providing an irrigation system, and training residents in sustainable and professional farming.
This project will complement another new initiative known as Green Gross, which targets youth in Nyagatare by offering trainings related to environmental conservation, providing startup capital, vocational skills training, internship opportunities, and connecting young people to employment prospects.
Residents of Tabagwe Sector say these projects will help them upgrade their farming methods, calling it a unique opportunity to transform their livelihoods.
Mukandayisenga Claudine, one of the beneficiaries who will receive training, said:
“We were used to farming while fully relying on rain, and sometimes our crops would get damaged. With irrigation systems and modern knowledge, we will finally be able to harvest enough and reliably. This is a major step in sustaining our families. SOS is leading the way!”
Ndayambaje Emmanuel also said:
“The land consolidation on a large scale will help us work together and farm in a coordinated way. I believe our harvests will multiply several times. It means a lot that SOS thought about us.”
Frank Shyaka, the Gender Officer at SOS Children’s Villages Rwanda, explained that these projects aim to help families and youth play an active role in long-term development.
He stated:
“SOS began in Austria during World War II to support children without families. It started operating in Rwanda in 1979. After the government phased out orphanages, we continued supporting children from the streets or those without caregivers by connecting them with foster parents—Marayika Murinzi—or reintegrating them into their families whenever possible.”
Frank added:
“Today, we are also helping families progress economically through modern agriculture and training aimed at fighting poverty. This support is not temporary; it is about building a better future.”
Nyagatare District Vice Mayor in charge of Social Affairs, Murekatete Juliette, praised partners like SOS Children’s Villages for their consistent collaboration in improving citizens’ wellbeing. She said these projects provide solutions to challenges faced by youth and farmers.
She noted:
“The fact that SOS will provide irrigation systems, training, and financial capacity to residents is crucial in increasing productivity and combating food insecurity. The Green Gross project will also greatly help young people gain skills and access employment opportunities. These initiatives are transforming the lives and the outlook of our community.”
