NYAGATARE-Oxfam Great Britain has advised women cooperatives in Nyagatare district to put more efforts in pineapple production.

While visiting over 145 women groups supported by Oxfam in the district, last Friday, Innocent Hitayezu, the head of advocacy in Oxfam, said there is a huge market for pineapples in the country.

He told women in Katabagemu sector that Oxfam has held talks with different beverage industries in the country, which are capable of buying their products.

"We held talks with different domestic industries that process pineapple products…there are a number of industries like Inyange, Sina Gerald and many others that are in need of pineapples. You have to double your efforts in production since there is enough market,” he said.

Women in Nyagatare district grouped under cooperative unions have been growing pineapples with support from Great Britain and Duterimbere Micro-finance that operates in the districts of Nyagatare, Gatsibo and Kayonza in eastern Rwanda.

Duterimbere officials said 20 women had so far received loans to boost their pineapple businesses while 20 others are set to receive loans.

Mary Uwamwezi, one of the beneficiaries and a pineapple farmer from Katabagemu sector, said that life has changed ever since Oxfam and Duterimbere started supporting women in the district.

"I have managed to sustain pineapple production on a hectare of land and the income has been so helpful to my family. Life has changed among women in our area…we thank Oxfam and Duterimbere for this constructive support,” she said.

Ends