NORTHERN PROVINCE

MUSANZE — The Private Sector Federation (PSF) has earmarked Frw7.5 million towards the growing of bamboo trees in Kinigi, Musanze District.

The new project is being implemented by an association of women working in crafts called Twubake Urwanda.

Members of the association, on Monday launched a sensitization campaign in Kinigi Sector during which they briefed farmers on the methods of growing bamboo and its benefits as a cash crop. The shoots of bamboo are meant to boost the economic status of residents.

The move is intended to supplement Irish potatoes and Pyrethrum as a supplementary cash generating crop usually grown in the area.

Antoine Manzi, of the PSF said that the federation is financing the association because of its credibility.

"The association has won trophies at exhibitions for being innovative as well as benefiting a big number of the local population in terms job creation," said Manzi.

"For this bamboo project, the private sector has given the association Frw7.5 million as a grant and will continue to help them in establishing the project because it is going to benefit a lot of people," Manzi added.

Addressing the audience, Jacqueline Umujawayezu, the association’s president explained that they had chosen Kinigi as a pilot area for the trees after which it would be replicated to other areas of the country.

The ceremony attracted representatives from the private sector and Public Private Partners (PPP).

"The Association chose to begin with Kinigi as a pilot area because we have been dealing and depending on these farmers for our raw materials and mainly because farmers here are dedicated," Umujawayezu said.

"We have chosen to grow bamboo because of its wide range of benefits in terms of economic diversification. Lots of things can be made out of it like chairs, closets, beds, alcohol, food, and plates," she added.

In the meantime, the executive secretary of Kinigi Rogers Ruberwa called upon the residents to embrace the plant, saying it was so demanding.

"Bamboo growing requires less effort and supervision unlike the growing of Irish potatoes. Please I insist that you take this practice seriously because of the benefits that are far greater. And the many things that are made from Bamboo trees, meaning more jobs will be created for the local population," Ruberwa said.

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