Rwandan farmer boosts maize harvest tenfold
Anatholie Ayinkamiye increased her yield from four bags to 35 bags after joining a support program.
Anatholie Ayinkamiye, a 39-year-old farmer from Nyagatare District, increased her maize harvest from four bags to 35 bags after joining the Tubura program in 2021. Previously, she farmed one hectare under the traditional Tugabane arrangement, yielding only enough to replant and feed her family. Access to financing, improved seeds, quality inputs, and training transformed her production.
Ayinkamiye's increased yield allowed her to complete a loan for a house, a significant financial security improvement. Tubura supports farmers like Ayinkamiye through over 1,800 field officers offering inputs and training within walking distance. The organization also distributed over 145 million trees since 2016 to build farm resilience.
The program also connects farmers to markets, with Odette Mukabarame of Gisagara District now selling avocados reliably. Last year, Tubura aggregated and exported 378 metric tonnes of produce. A new avocado oil processing facility, Avocado Oil Industries, can process over 200 metric tons weekly, retaining value and creating jobs.
Why it mattersRwandan farmers like Anatholie Ayinkamiye and Odette Mukabarame are improving their incomes and financial security through access to better farming inputs, training, and market connections.