Fruit farmers in Nyanza District say their produce is now well positioned to access international markets, thanks to support from the Green Amayaga Project, implemented in Rwanda’s Southern Province.
Beneficiary farmers express strong satisfaction, noting that fruit farming has begun delivering high quality, reliable yields that meet market standards .
Murera Ethienne, a resident of Ruyonza Village, Rwotso Cell, Kibirizi Sector, shared his experience:
“Green Amayaga supported me in agriculture by providing fruit seedlings. I planted mango, avocado, and orange trees all supplied through the Green Amayaga Project.
Today, I manage fruit farming on three hectares: one area for oranges, another for mangoes, and a third for avocados.”
He explains that the project helped him transition from subsistence farming to sustainable, climate resilient agriculture:
“Previously, we practiced small scale subsistence farming. Through Green Amayaga, we have adopted sustainable agriculture that is resilient to climate change and produces higher and better-quality yields.”
Murera adds that the seedlings provided have a long productive lifespan:
“Green Amayaga gave me high-quality seedlings. These fruit trees can remain productive for up to 40 years, and we are confident they will provide excellent returns.”
He notes that early harvests are already promising “As soon as the oranges matured, I harvested 200 kilograms. The following year, production is expected to rise to 800 kilograms or even one ton. I sold oranges at 1,000 Rwandan francs per kilogram”.
Before joining the project, the same land was used for traditional farming of maize and beans.“Today, I grow exportquality avocados and high grade mangoes that can be supplied to processing factories for the production of quality juice.”
Murera highlights the multiple income streams generated by avocado farming: “Avocados generate income in two ways: through fruit sales and through the sale of grafting materials. Currently, avocados are in high demand. I am confident that next year’s harvest will earn me between 800,000 and 1,000,000 Rwandan francs.”
He explains “With 200 avocado trees, if each produces 500 fruits per year, and each fruit sells for 150 to 200 francs, the income is clearly substantial.”
Beyond inputs, Green Amayaga also provided extensive training in fruit tree management “We received valuable training on pruning, pest control, irrigation, and the proper mixing and application of pesticides. I can now share this knowledge with other farmers in my community.”
The Governor of the Southern Province Alice Kayitesi emphasized that the Green Amayaga Project complements national development programs:
“Green Amayaga has reinforced government initiatives by improving household incomes, livelihoods and nutrition. Fruit trees are already generating income for citizens through harvests of avocados and mangoes…”
He added that the project aligns with Rwanda’s environmental protection agenda:
“This project supports national environmental conservation programs and accelerates the implementation of government priorities.”
Even after the project ends, citizens will continue safeguarding these gains, while government programs will ensure their long-term sustainability.
Marie Chantal Nyirabera
