Catholic Relief Service pledges to support farmers

The Catholic Relief Services, an international humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the United States, plans to multiply production of yellow potatoes in selected parts of the country. Scott Campbell, the organisation’s Central Africa regional director, said this is their contribution to supplement government’s efforts to enhance food security and fight poverty. “Our focus will also include working towards a successful implementation of the Economic Development and Poverty Reduction Strategy Two through boosting the agriculture sector as well as farming activities,” said Campbell. He made the remarks yesterday after meeting with Primier Pierre Damien Habamuremyi at the latter’s office in Kimihurura. Campbell is in the country for a working visit to asses the activities of his organisation and identify areas of intervention. “We are mainly to promote sweet potato production and are convinced that through this, we shall touch many lives,” he said. The project will be implemented through the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources. According the Advisor to the Prime Minister, Innocent Nkurunziza, the officials discussed various issues, including government programmes in specific areas where the organisation wishes to intensify support. “The Catholic Relief Service has indeed contributed and intervened in various government programmes, and they have committed to continue working with the government to ensure a successful and sustainable development progress,” said Nkurunziza. He said, among others, farmers need to embrace cooperatives to effectively exploite their potential as well as enjoy the benefits that come with operating in cooperatives.

National

Catholic Relief Service pledges to support farmers