Farmers grouped under cooperative Tuzamurane in Muhanga District have seen their crop yields increase due to modern farming training they underwent. The cooperative, operating in Cyeza Sector comprises 899 members, 504 of whom are women. Unlike before when they grew crops for subsistence, they now grow crops such as maize and soya beans on large scale in line with the land consolidation policy. Dieudonne Barihafi, the head of the cooperative, said it started in 2008 as an association before it was turned into a cooperative. Today, Tuzamurane cooperative has expanded and produces 212 tonnes of maize and 65 tonnes of soya thanks to training by Rwanda Rural Rehabilitation Initiative (Rwarri) , Barihafi said. Rwarri works closely with Alliance for Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) to fund cooperatives around the country. The cooperative head said Rwarri trains farmers in modern farming skills, including use of fertilisers. Arodia Mukamujema, a member of Tuzamurane cooperative, said after joining the cooperative, her life has changed as she is able to save, meet her daily needs and send her children to school. The farmers were speaking as Rwarri members toured their projects. Other cooperatives that the organisation supports are Korubeho, comprising 645 members, also in Muhanga, and Impabaruta Cooperative in Kamonyi District, which also grows maize and soya beans. Emma V. Kambewa, the programme officer at AGRA, appreciated the farmers for their hard work and promised them further support to improve their farming activities.
