Musanze District Leadership Commends ACORD Rwanda for Sustainable Agriculture Initiative
The leadership of Musanze District has highly praised ACORD Rwanda for its innovative initiative aimed at promoting sustainable agriculture and ensuring high yields.
This recognition stems from the remarkable ingenuity demonstrated by various farmers in the Gataraga sector.
These farmers have adopted organic fertilizers and agroforestry techniques to cultivate various crops, emphasizing soil and forest conservation while improving livelihoods, land quality, and environmental sustainability.
The project, inaugurated on February 29, 2024, brought together 38 stakeholders, categorized into three groups: the leadership of Musanze District, led by Vice Mayor Uwanyirigira Clarisse; JAF officials; farmers actively engaged in agroecology under the guidance of ACORD Rwanda; and beneficiaries of agroecology training in the Muko and Gataraga sectors.
A notable group of farmers, including Mukankusi Josephine from Karurambi village, Murago cell, Gataraga sector, and Munyemanzi Froduard from Rwinzovu village, Murago cell, have distinguished themselves as pioneers of sustainable agriculture.
Their commitment to using organic fertilizers and agroforestry techniques demonstrates their dedication to achieving sustainable yields and improving the health of both crops and people, recognizing the harmful effects associated with the use of chemicals.
The farming practices primarily focus on vegetables, fruits, and various other crops. In her speech, Vice Mayor Uwanyirigira Clarisse highlighted that this initiative aims to reduce the current stunting rate from 27% to at least 11% in line with the objectives of the NST1 program.
She stated: “On behalf of Musanze District, we express our gratitude to ACORD Rwanda for spearheading this project, which emphasizes providing nutritious food. This initiative highlights our possession of both fertile land and modern farming techniques, ensuring positive outcomes. We appreciate the improvements in livelihoods, health, land productivity, and environmental sustainability, all of which are essential for ensuring a prosperous future.”
“We are particularly encouraged by the inclusion of vegetables and fruits in your farming practices, which aligns with our goal of reducing stunting, thus supporting the objectives of the NST1 program. Let us continue on this trajectory, as it benefits not only us but also extends a helping hand to others.”
Jean Marie Vianney, an agriculture expert from ACORD Rwanda in charge of the well-being of small-scale farmers, emphasized the project’s focus on increasing productivity and demonstrating exemplary yields.
He noted: “Our project aims to increase productivity and achieve high and sustainable yields, while improving soil fertility through the promotion of organic fertilizers and agroforestry techniques.
This approach has effectively mitigated prevalent diseases and pests, including weeds, thereby improving crop yield and quality.”
“We have collaborated with various agricultural stakeholders, including the leadership of Musanze District, to strengthen our collective efforts in addressing challenges affecting our livelihoods and soil sustainability. ACORD Rwanda remains steadfastly committed to achieving these goals.”
Participants in this project have demonstrated their unwavering dedication to supporting agriculture that not only enhances production and land quality but also promotes sustainable development, ensuring abundant harvests and the eradication of hunger and food insecurity.