GATSIBO-The United States Government, through its United States African Development Foundation (USADF), donated Rwf138million to COPLORIZ Ntende, a rice cooperative operating in Gatsibo District.

USADF is an American foundation that helps African countries to fight poverty and promote rural development. The funds will be used to strengthen capacity building among cooperative members and improve production.

According to COPRORIZ officials, the donation is a result of effective utilisation of donor money. The fund agreement was signed by Geoffrey Kayigi, the head of USADF, and COPRORIZ president, James Karangwa.

Speaking after signing the fund agreement, on Saturday, Geoffrey Kayigi said that this fund should be effectively used to improve cooperative members’ welfare.

"The effectiveness of this donation should be measured in an individual’s improved welfare…you should use it effectively,” he said.

He, however, added that the positive impact of the donation should also be extended to the entire community in the area.

"If you improve production and welfare as cooperative members, you should also extend it to all residents in the area,” he said.

Karangwa thanked USADF for continued support to the cooperative and promised thorough and productive use of the donation.

Jeannette Tumushime, one of the cooperative members told The New Times that USADF has helped them improve rice production.

"They (USADF) help us in many rice-related activities like giving us fertilisers and training us on modern farming methods,” she said.

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