Diversification ensures growth

Francine Murebwayire, 40, started from a very humble beginning- just  renting a 5acre  of farmland at a cost of Rwf200.000 in 1997. She separated with her husband before the genocide, but has no regrets because she has single handedly managed to make a good living.

Murebwayire started by planting a few vegetables and later managed to plant the first season of maize, earning Rwf50.000.

She used the proceeds to buy her own piece of land and harvested maize worth Rwf80,000 in the second season.

Murebwayire says that her agriculture produce was mainly boosted by growing cash crops on a large scale using the land consolidation techniques promoted by local leaders.

Her earnings have since increase and as a single mother Murebwayire has her own house, 3 cows, pigs, rabbits and a 5hectres of maize.

Her vision is to invest in pineapple juice processing plant and become a successful entrepreneur, despite the fact that she lacks modern equipment.

She also believes that women can make it if only they can focus on their energies and spend time on their initiatives without necessarily depending on men.

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