When  I entered her compound, she was counting sacks packed with dry beans. Angelique Uwayirenge is one of the big farmers specialising in growing nutritious beans variety which as introduced by Rwanda Agriculture Board and some non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to boost people’s incomes and fight malnutrition in rural households.

Uwayirenge’s life today is a contrast of what it used to be three years ago, when the family never had enough to eat and her children always suffered from malnutrition.

She says her fortunes changed when she was introduced to growing nutritious beans by Harvest Plus, a non-governmental organisation that conducts research on agriculture focusing on nutrition and health to deliver equitable health and nutritional benefits to the poor.

Previously, the 35-year-old resident of Cyabayaga in Nyagatare District, used to grow crops, such as maize, potatoes and rice, on a small scale for home consumption before she was introduced to modern commercial farming by the NGO.

Benefits

Uwayirenge says since she started growing the improved beans in 2012, her family has never lacked food, and they are able to afford the basics of life with ease.

"Before I joined the programme, my children always suffered from diseases because of poor feeding. However, this is now history since I harvest enough beans for the family and sell others to by other food items to feed the family on a balanced diet,” she says.

She says she has also been able to save money with the local co-operative, which was not the case before.

The mother of two girls adds that the family’s standard of living has also improved greatly, thanks to growing nutritious beans on a commercial basis.

"I used to grow crops for home consumption. Ever since I started modern farming, my children have not lacked food or other basics of life and are in good health, and I also get cash from the crop,” says Uwayirenge.

Uwayirenge adds that she has been able to send her two children to a good (primary) school "since I can now afford the fees”.

"I have also managed to buy five cows, which provide manure for the crops. The cows produce milk, some of which we sell in the neighbourhood to raise money for the family,” she says.

She says she also bought a car, which the family uses to transport beans from the farm to their store, and to the market.

Uwayirenge says, together with her husband, they have been able to expand the farm from about five hectares in 2012 to 11 hectares presently, part of which (three hectares) is used to grow bananas.

"We used part of the land to grow bananas because they are one of the staple foods and they are liked by most Rwandans,” she says.

Uwayirenge says they also hire out the car to residents with weddings or other occasions, which generates more income.

Uwayirenge employs 20 casual workers during the time of harvest and planting seasons.

"We use tractors to prepare the land for planting, but hire casual workers during weeding, planting, and harvesting,” Uwayirenge says.

Challenges

Uwayirenge says weather vagaries are the main problem affecting the enterprise, especially since she does not use irrigation during prolonged dry spells.

"Although there are other small challenges, they do not affect us as much as harsh weather conditions. During the rainy season, we can lose almost 10 tonnes to 20 tonnes, from 30 tonnes that is supposed to be produced from our piece of land,” she says.

Future plans

Uwayirenge says they plan to buy another piece of land and a tractor to help in land prepapration. "We are optimistic that by the end of the next harvest season, we will have acquired a new tractor. We also want to buy a piece of land to build a better house for the family.”

Advice

Uwayirenge advises small-scale farmers to embrace modern farming and crop diversification so that they harvest enough produce for the family and sell the remainder. "It is important for farmers to seek advice from experts, especially on how they can improve production. I also encourage farmers to grow crops that can help fight malnutrition in homesteads, like nutritious beans,” she says.

She adds that commercial farming is a profitable venture, but needs better planning, consulting extension workers, and use of improved seeds.

"One must also observe right crop and animal husbandry practices to reap bountiful harvests.”

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