NYAGATARE — A cooperative society of orphans and widows, COTABORU Twuzuzanye in Rukomo Sector, Nyagatare District has made great strides to improve livelihoods of its members.

The cooperative is now a leading  milk and apple producer in the area.  The members attribute their success to strong will and commitment from members and support of local leaders and NGOs.

"You know when you have the willingness to do something; people support you.

This is how we started and the district has helped us by urging development partners to finance our activities,” Jeanine Niwemutoni, one of members said.

OXFAM Great Britain is one of the organizations which have supported the cooperative’s initiatives.   It has donated 70 cross-breed cows and bulls for transportation of water to feed these cows.

 "It is a blessing that OXFAM GB helped us own cows. The support from them has been commendable,” Emelita Nyiramugwera, another member said.

COTABORU members, say those who have received heifers are expected to pass on calves from such improved breeds to other community members  to enable all residents including non members of the cooperative, to own cows.

The Executive Secretary of Rukomo Sector, Emmanuel Hitayezu, expressed optimism that COTABORU will contribute to the development of the sector through rapid multiplication of improved stock of cattle.

"I am optimistic that when this cooperative extends improved breeds to their neighbours, there will be faster development in our sector and improved social welfare,” he said.

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