You do not have to be a farmer in order to become a successful tomato seller. One can always buy from farmers to feed their business.

That’s the belief that Francine Murekatete, a resident of Rukira village in Ngoma District, holds. Murekatete is considered by peers as the best vegetable dealer in the district, if not in the whole province. 

She says that before she started the vegetable business, Murekatete used to deal in cereals like maize and beans. However, eight years ago she switched to vegetables trading, which has proved to be more profitable compared to her earlier venture. 

Murekatete says though vegetables require a lot of attention as perishables, the extra effort is compensated by the monetary rewards. 

The businesswoman says that the tomatoes trade is demanding but very rewarding in terms of profits.

"With tomato business you don’t go wrong…it doesn’t matter whether the demand is high or low. We manage the situations in ‘profitable way’. 

"I used to make about Rwf1 million profit from cereals per year. But with tomatoes and vegetable business in general, I make over Rwf3 million a year. This has changed my livelihood and life,” she says.

"I now live comfortably and own a new pickup truck to help in the business,” she adds. 

Murekatete employs more than 100 people, who help her in various activities the business is involved in. 

Murekatete also grows some tomatoes with the help of her family members and hired labour.  

She says all of them contribute some little money to pay labourers, while she manages the proceeds from the project.

"Production on the one-hectare vegetable garden supplement my income,” she notes. 

All those who contribute to the project get a share of the profits, depending on the capital and efforts put into the venture. 

Murekatete’s lifestyle

Murekatete is often seen calmly sorting her vegetables in Kibungo Main Market as she waits for customers. 

She says she wakes up at five in the morning; says a prayer and takes a shower before eating breakfast.

Later, she heads to the district’s main market and checks her merchandise on the stall as prepares for the day ahead. Murekatete says she works up to seven or 8pm. Being the first person to arrive or leave on many days, the other traders have lovingly nicknamed ‘Market Boss’.

Vegetable trade

Murekatete’s ability to earn large sums of money has led many to ask how ‘a mere vegetable seller’ can earn so much money. 

She answers such kinds of people softly but firmly: "Spend only on what you require and you’ll be able to save a lot of money.  

"I put few coins and notes in a small box every evening after work. This is a simple act that works wonders in terms of growing savings.”

Murekatete leads a simple life. Neither does she have any wish for material gains nor any form of pleasure. 

Work, she says, is her main focus and form of ‘enjoyment’. 

"I love my work...I Don’t mind working over 12 hours a day.” 

"All I need is food and a place to sleep. Everything else is wastefulness,” Murekatete points out.