KARONGI-Members of women cooperatives in Karongi District said that the assortment of agriculture items received from ActionAid will help boost their welfare.

The donations included improved cassava cuttings and Irish potatoes worth Rwf5.3million and 18 cows.

They were handed to the women farmers’ cooperatives during celebrations to mark the International Day for the Rural Woman.

Ecstatic beneficiaries told The New Times that this was an opportunity to elevate them out of poverty.

"I feel very joyous that I have finally got a cow of my own. I will do whatever it takes to ensure that it gives me all the possible benefits such as milk and manure,” Rose Musabyemariya said upon receiving a cow.

Shortly after handing over the donated items, ActionAid Country Director Josephine Uwamariya challenged the beneficiaries to further engage in more productive business to supplement their agriculture activities.

"The items you have received should act as a stepping stone for you to achieve further development,” she said.

Uwamariya called for joint efforts to help farmers, especially women as a way of increasing the country’s food security.

She pledged full support in facilitating women to easily access financial services and other capacity building programmes such as regular training sessions for women farmers.

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