Residents praise free radical terracing that has brought them food security
Residents of Gicumbi District, particularly those living in Nyaruka Cell of Cyumba Sector, say that without the support of the Green Gicumbi Project, it would have been difficult to change their mindset and adopt professional farming practices that have now enabled them to improve their livelihoods.
This was expressed on June 3, 2025, during various field visits to evaluate the progress of the initiatives introduced by the Green Gicumbi Project. Among the sites visited were farmlands that used to suffer from soil erosion and other conditions that kept residents in poverty.
The residents reported that they were provided with seeds for free, their farmlands were terraced at no cost, and they received payments for participating in labor-intensive activities meant to uplift their agricultural practices opportunities they say they are committed to making the most of.
Donatha Nyiramana, a wheat farmer in Cyumba Sector, said that without the radical terracing, they would still be stuck in traditional farming methods that offered little return.
She said: “Our farms used to be on steep slopes and were constantly affected by erosion. But the Green Gicumbi Project gave us free seeds, fertilizers, and training on how to maximize productivity.”
Residents in Nyaruka Cell stated that previously, one hectare of potatoes would only yield about five tons. However, thanks to the radical terracing done through the Green Gicumbi Project, the yield has now increased to 15 tons per hectare.
They also noted that poor seed quality had been a challenge, but with improved access to better seeds, they are now experiencing promising harvests.
One resident explained: “We used to plant potatoes without realizing how much erosion was costing us. Now, we’re growing wheat on 45 hectares, with one hectare yielding four tons. With a kilogram selling for 800 Rwandan francs, we can now meet all our household needs.”
Jean Marie Vianney Kagenza, the Green Gicumbi Project Coordinator, said they are seeing impressive results at the Cyumba site, supported by market access and agronomists who follow up with farmers on the ground.
He stated: “Initially, farmers resisted planting trees among their crops, not knowing that these trees would help control erosion. But after training sessions, they accepted the idea. We provided them with seedlings of a species called Calliandra, and now they even have a buyer—Pembe Mill—that purchases their wheat without any market hurdles.”
Residents confirmed that potato yields per hectare have jumped from five to 17 tons, thanks to the radical terracing, and they are more committed than ever to sustaining their progress.
