Heifer International, in partnership with Hello Tractor and the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources, launched the expansion of the Mechanisation for Africa initiative in Rwanda on September 4. This initiative aims to revolutionise agricultural practices for smallholder farmers. Heifer International, a global development organisation, utilises innovation, technology, and creative financing to combat hunger and poverty. Due to the initiative’s successful implementation in Nigeria, Kenya, and Uganda, Rwanda’s expansion is customised to meet local needs while harnessing the broader insights of the continent-wide programme. During the Rwanda launch, 15 tractors were delivered to farmer representatives under a flexible pay-as-you-earn model, enabling repayments over five years. A dedicated hub will also be set up in Kayonza District to offer maintenance and support services for tractor owners. ALSO READ: Heifer International awards three top young agri-tech innovators Surita Sandosham, president and CEO of Heifer International, states that smallholder farmers are essential to Africa’s food system, contributing 80 per cent of total food production in Sub-Saharan Africa. “By introducing mechanisation tailored to local needs, we seek to partner with governments to reduce the burdens of manual labor—particularly for women and the elderly—while boosting productivity for farmers, job creation for young people, and food security in the country,” she added. Eric Rwigamba, Minister of State for Agriculture and Animal Resources, noted that this project will help improve agricultural mechanisation in Rwanda, as well as assist farmers in preparing for the season early and on schedule in a cost-effective and efficient manner. “Early preparation for the season, including planting and catching rain, leads to higher harvests. This will boost productivity and production by educating young farmers on how to use, repair, and market their tractors,” he stated. Rwigamba also underlined that this project provides an opportunity to increase output, while also creating jobs for young people. Mariya Musabyimana, a farmer who received a tractor, expressed her gratitude and optimism for the new equipment. “I am incredibly grateful to receive this tractor, I believe it will make my work significantly easier, improve my livelihood, and support my growth both as a woman and a youth in this community,” she declared. ALSO READ: First Lady commends Heifer International for fighting poverty Verena Ruzibuka, the interim country director, believes this initiative will tackle key challenges for smallholder farmers, including access to inputs, technology, and financing. “We are thrilled to see the programme come to fruition after eight months of collaborative development; I believe it will significantly contribute to enhancing the labour force and improving the livelihoods of farmers,” she said. Ruzibuka highlighted that the programme aims to transform Rwanda’s agricultural sector. Steve Sebudadi from Kayonza expressed his excitement about the new tractors, emphasising that they would transform his life after previous challenges. “Today is a significant day for us; we are thrilled that farmers have not been left behind and that farming is no longer seen as a pursuit reserved for the poor. This opportunity is a stroke of luck, and it will greatly enhance our yields, helping us better provide for our families,” he said. Since its launch in January 2022, the Mechanisation for Africa initiative has made significant strides, reaching 125,501 smallholder farmers, cultivating 56,008 hectares, and financing 160 tractors across Nigeria, Kenya, and Uganda. It has created 2,464 direct jobs and allocated 31 per cent of the funding to support women, highlighting the initiative’s commitment to improving agricultural productivity and livelihoods across Africa.
