Young people from Kayonza District say they have discovered that the key to improving their livelihoods lies in professional agriculture and livestock farming, following the completion of a three-month vocational and skills development training programme focused on agriculture and agribusiness and technical skills.
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They made the remarks on June 29, 2026, during the graduation ceremony of 234 students marking the end of the training, which was organized through a partnership between Kayonza District and the Kayonza Integrated and Inclusive Water Security Project (KIIWP), and implemented by Kilimo Trust.
The programme was designed to equip young people with practical skills and entrepreneurial knowledge in modern agriculture, livestock farming, agribusiness, and value addition to agricultural products.
The graduates said the training had changed their perception of agriculture, enabling them to see it as a profitable business capable of generating income, creating self-employment opportunities, and contributing to Rwanda’s economic development. Many of them expressed interest in investing in commercial farming.
Mukarange Youth Embrace Commercial Fruit and Vegetable Farming
In Mukarange Sector, several young farmers engaged in fruit and vegetable production said they had moved away from traditional subsistence farming in favor of market-oriented agriculture.
They cultivate tomatoes, chili peppers, cabbages, onions, carrots, and a variety of fruits including avocados, mangoes, and lemons. The farmers say these crops provide them with a stable source of income while also creating employment opportunities for other members of the community.
According to the farmers, their produce is sold in markets across the Eastern Province, Kigali, and other parts of the country, allowing them to expand their farming operations.
One of the young farmers said: “We have realized that professional farming is highly profitable. We started on a small piece of land, but today we have expanded because we have access to reliable markets and are earning good returns.”
PYAM LTD Changes Perceptions of Livestock Fodder Farming
In Mwiri Sector, entrepreneur Eric Murenzi, founder of PYAM LTD, has become an example of how agriculture can be transformed into a successful business.
Established in 2023, PYAM LTD specializes in cultivating livestock fodder on 52 hectares of land. The company grows improved pasture grasses that help livestock farmers access sufficient, high-quality feed to improve animal productivity.
Murenzi said he identified an opportunity to strengthen the livestock sector by producing quality fodder: “We realized that livestock farming cannot thrive without adequate, high-quality pasture. We started with the goal of helping livestock farmers access better fodder while strengthening the livestock value chain. Today, our operations continue to expand, and we are creating employment opportunities for young people.”
He added that the company plans to increase the land under cultivation and work with more livestock farmers across Rwanda to improve animal production.
KIIWP Project Manager: Youth Are the Foundation of Modern Agriculture
The Project Manager of the Kayonza Integrated and Inclusive Water Security Project (KIIWP), Uwitonze Theogene, said the training provided to the young participants is part of broader efforts to build the capacity of local communities, particularly youth, so they can take advantage of opportunities in agriculture and create their own employment.
He said “We are confident that the knowledge and practical skills these young people have acquired will enable them to create jobs and improve their livelihoods. Our objective was not only to provide training but also to help them view agriculture as a profitable business that can generate income and improve the well-being of their families.”
He added that KIIWP will continue working closely with Kayonza District and other development partners to promote modern agriculture, improve water resource management, and increase agricultural productivity.
He added“When young people have practical skills, access to markets, and support from different stakeholders, they can transform agriculture into a sustainable source of employment and economic growth. We will continue supporting initiatives that enable them to put the knowledge they have gained into practice.”
Uwitonze also noted that KIIWP will continue investing in irrigation development, environmental conservation, and sustainable natural resource management to help increase agricultural production and strengthen resilience to the effects of climate change.
Mayor HATEGEKIMANA Fred Commends Youth Participation
Kayonza District Mayor HATEGEKIMANA Fred praised young people for embracing modern agriculture, describing it as one of the district’s key development priorities.
He said:“We encourage young people not to hesitate to invest in agriculture because it is a sector full of opportunities. By embracing technology, improved seeds, and modern farming knowledge, they can create jobs for themselves and contribute significantly to the country’s development.”
He added that the district will continue working with development partners to expand irrigation infrastructure, strengthen farmers’ cooperatives, and create an enabling environment for investors interested in agriculture.
Eastern Province Calls on Youth to Seize Agricultural Opportunities
The Executive Secretary of the Eastern Province, NYIRAHABIMANA Jeanne said agriculture remains one of the strongest pillars of the region’s economy and urged young people to take advantage of the opportunities available in the sector.
She noted that provincial authorities will continue supporting youth-led agriculture and livestock projects, particularly those that use modern farming techniques to increase productivity.
She said: “We want to see more young people engaging in commercial agriculture and making productive use of the land and infrastructure that the country has invested in. Agriculture is no longer an occupation for the elderly; it is a business capable of generating substantial profits.”
Agriculture Emerging as a Path to Prosperity
Young people in Kayonza say they have come to understand that agriculture is not a last resort for those without jobs, but rather a profitable enterprise capable of transforming individual livelihoods and contributing to national economic growth.
