Local farmers to benefit from RHODA funding

WESTERN REGION KARONGI - Farmers from Karongi and outlying areas who focus on horticulture will soon benefit from a Euro 1 million funding by the Horticulture International Funding (HIF).The project which is conducted under the Rwanda Horticulture Development Authority (RHODA) has the funds channeled through the Belgian Technical Cooperation. It seeks to elevate the livelihood of local farmers.This was unveiled early this week by Peter Muvara, the Chairman of RHODA while meeting local farmers from the western region at the provincial headquarters in Karongi district. “This funding line will help you to increase your produce and improve them to suit international standards. So you should utilize to the maximum such offers and make profit from it,” Muvara urged farmers. He underscored the fact that currently horticultural products are on high demand. He requested the farmers to invest more in this sector for the purposes of elevating themselves out of poverty. Muvara added that the funding will simultaneously help to sensitize the other farmers to also actively get involved in the business of horticulture. Paul Jabo, the Executive Secretary of the western province expressed optimism about the development. He pledged strict follow up to ensure that the funds offered is put into good use. “We shall follow up on the fund utility by critically assessing how it is used by the beneficiaries. In case of any irregularities, the law shall take course to pin down the culprits,” he pledged. He further reiterated that accountability shall be expected each quarter of the year and public reports will be put up to ensure greater levels of transparency. “If need be, we shall include security organs to intervene and force the farmers to account for the money,” Jabo said. Ends