Works [Overseas] Africa (East and South Africa)
The Project for Increasing Crop Production with Quality Extension Services in the Eastern Province, Republic of Rwanda |
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2010 - 2013
The Republic of Rwanda has the highest population density of 380 persons / km2 in the sub-Sahara African countries, in which farmers are engaged in small-scale farming with the average of 0.76ha farm per household. In addition, 80% of farmlands are 5 to 55 degrees slanted. In the hilly area, low productivity and profitability are predominant due to limited irrigation water, dependency on rainfall, and ineffective farming systems. In lowland, on the other hand, where accessibility to irrigation water is relatively better compared with hilly areas, paddy farming has been practiced and has higher potential to increase productivity, if proper farming techniques and water management are introduced.The Project aimed at increasing crop production of rice and benefit horticulture cooperatives in the Bugesera District and Ngoma District in the Eastern Province of Rwanda. Considering the conditions of agriculture in Rwanda and the Project area, it was needed to improve farming techniques on the field through developing capacities of farmers, agricultural extension officers and other organizations. The Project focused on the enhancement of rice cultivation, horticulture crop production, strengthening farmers’ organizations and capacity development of concerned agricultural extension personnel.The Project has organized comprehensive training consisting of various contents started from market needs analysis. Not only technical training such as cultivation and water management training, but also marketing and organization strengthening training were linked each other and brought about various changes, which finally led to increase of crop production and profit of the target cooperatives. |
