Farmers capacitated to cope with the impacts of climate change

Farmers in Gicumbi District are among the communities who have been experiencing effects of climate change over the past years. Soil erosion caused by increased rainfall, coupled with steep slopes that dominate the area have caused landslides that are a key challenge to this rural community.

To reduce the vulnerability of these communities, the Green Gicumbi Project was launched in October 2019 with the aim to strengthen the resilience of vulnerable communities through enhancing their capacities to cope with effects of climate change.

Mr. Ntawuruhunga Venant, a resident of Kagarama village in Mukarange sector, serves as a model farmer whose livelihoods have significantly changed because of the project interventions, in particular through the promotion of climate smart agriculture.

The 64-year-old farmer testifies that after embracing improved soil stabilization techniques and being trained on modern agricultural techniques such as improved crop varieties and organic fertiliser application; his yield per hectare has more than doubled. This is a story he shares with the rest of the community in Gicumbi District. 

“I have been able to harvest 20 Tons of Irish potatoes on my hectare of land, something unusual!” says Ntawuruhunga with a smile on his face.

Ntawuruhunga is a former public servant who retired in 2020 as a headmaster of one local primary school by resorting to farming activities. Together with his spouse, they testify that the increased harvest has enabled their family to repair their house at a cost equivalent to 3,265 USD and have managed to pay school fees for their twin daughters as well as buying other necessary home materials.

“I’m happy that I don’t have to sell off my sheep to be able to pay the school fees for my twins.” said Ntawuruhunga.