Heifer International Rwanda

Dear Readers, We’re excited to share the latest edition of the Heifer Rwanda Newsletter, packed with key updates, inspiring stories, and our continued progress in transforming rural communities. In this issue, we highlight several impactful initiatives, including: ·       Expanding the Mechanization for Africa Initiative ·       Heifer’s Role at the 2024 Africa Food Systems Forum ·       Empowering the Next Generation of Agritech Innovators ·       The PRISM Project: A Catalyst for Rural Transformation ·       Improving Access to Veterinary Care And much more here: https://shorturl.at/AxW5y Thank you for taking the time to read and for your continued support as we work towards creating lasting change. Ministry of Agriculture & Animal Resources Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board Heifer International Heifer International Africa

Last week, we launched the Mechanization Hub in Kayonza District — a significant milestone in our commitment to driving agricultural innovation and boosting productivity. 🌱This initiative marks a new chapter in supporting local farmers with advanced tools and technologies to enhance their work and improve outcomes. 🎥 Watch key highlights from the event to see how we’re shaping the future of agriculture in the region. #AgriculturalInnovation #SustainableFarming #MechanizationHub #Agriculture Ministry of Agriculture & Animal Resources Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board Heifer International

𝐇𝐞𝐢𝐟𝐞𝐫 𝐑𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐚 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐇𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐨 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐨 𝐋𝐚𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐡 𝐑𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐚’𝐬 𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝐌𝐞𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐇𝐮𝐛 𝐢𝐧 𝐊𝐚𝐲𝐨𝐧𝐳𝐚 Yesterday, Heifer Rwanda, in collaboration with Hello Tractor and the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources, officially launched Rwanda’s first-ever Mechanisation Hub in Kayonza District. This groundbreaking initiative aims to boost smallholder productivity, reduce labor costs, and improve farmers' livelihoods by providing access to modern tractors, hands-on training, and continuous technical support. The Mechanisation Hub is a pioneering model that offers a glimpse into the future of farming in Rwanda. It will serve as a prototype for additional hubs across the country, paving the way for scalable mechanisation that can significantly enhance agricultural output and contribute to economic growth. 𝐊𝐞𝐲 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐇𝐮𝐛: 𝐏𝐀𝐘𝐆 (𝐏𝐚𝐲-𝐀𝐬-𝐘𝐨𝐮-𝐆𝐨) 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐂𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐞: A facility where technicians maintain tractors on behalf of owners, ensuring reliability and peak performance in the field. 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐂𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐞: A space for farmers to exchange knowledge, receive digital and in-person support, and bridge the gap between innovation and tradition. 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐞: Offering hands-on training in precision agriculture and sustainable farming practices, empowering farmers to grow their skills and innovate. 𝐃𝐞𝐦𝐨 𝐏𝐥𝐨𝐭: A "living laboratory" where farmers can observe and experiment with new farming techniques and crop varieties to enhance productivity. 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐇𝐢𝐫𝐞: A rental service offering specialized farming equipment, helping farmers increase efficiency without heavy capital investment. This initiative is part of a larger effort to transform Rwandan agriculture by blending digital technology with practical, on-the-ground solutions. By providing access to modern machinery through a Pay-As-You-Go (PAYG) model, the hub removes a significant barrier faced by many smallholder farmers: the high cost of mechanisation. With no need for large upfront investments or collateral, farmers can scale their operations and improve yields with greater flexibility. Read more via the link below: https://lnkd.in/dCPxxXk8 Heifer International Heifer International Africa Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board Ministry of Agriculture & Animal Resources Hello Tractor Verena Ruzibuka Solange Uwituze #Agriculture #Innovation #Rwanda #AgTech #FutureOfFarming

Today, Heifer International Rwanda in collaboration with Ministry of Agriculture & Animal Resources and implementing partner Hello Tractor will launch Rwanda’s first #MechanizationHub in Kayonza District, Eastern Province, 🇷🇼. 📌 The establishment of this Mechanization Hub is part of Heifer Africa’s “Mechanization for Africa” initiative, a joint effort between Heifer International and Hello Tractor. Focused on advancing agriculture mechanization across Africa, Rwanda will become the fourth country to join this transformative project, following successful launches in Nigeria, Kenya, and Uganda. This program is designed to support smallholder farmers with the resources they need to enhance productivity and economic sustainability. 📌 Through this initiative, farmers in Kayonza and beyond will gain access to essential tools, including brand-new tractors, training sessions, and vital support services. These services enable farmers to cultivate larger areas of land more efficiently and with reduced labor. By providing these tools and knowledge, the Mechanization Hub aims to empower local farmers to increase their crop yields and income, while also creating job opportunities within rural communities. 📌 In addition to providing immediate benefits to farmers, the Mechanization Hub will serve as a model for sustainable, mechanized farming that can be expanded across Rwanda. By integrating mechanization into traditional farming methods, this initiative seeks to modernize the agricultural landscape in Rwanda and pave the way for future growth and innovation. 📌 The project’s long-term goal is to drive economic growth in rural areas by fostering a productive and sustainable agriculture sector. By creating a support system for farmers that includes access to equipment, practical training, and ongoing assistance, the Mechanization Hub aims to build a thriving agricultural community capable of meeting the country’s food security needs. Follow Heifer International Rwanda for updates on #HeiferImpact in Rwanda as we work together to empower farmers, boost rural economies, and create sustainable pathways for growth in Rwanda’s agricultural sector.

Heifer International Rwanda and Hello Tractor Launch Groundbreaking Mechanization Hub in Kayonza to Boost Agricultural Productivity Heifer Africa, in partnership with Hello Tractor and the Government of Rwanda, today will unveil a state-of-the-art Mechanization Hub in Kayonza District. This milestone marks a significant advancement in Rwanda’s agricultural transformation and is a key component of the Mechanization for Africa program. The initiative will empower smallholder farmers in the region with access to modern tractors, comprehensive training, and ongoing technical support, all aimed at increasing productivity, reducing labor intensity, and enhancing livelihoods. The launch event will be attended by a diverse group of stakeholders, including officials from Heifer International, Hello Tractor, the Ministry of Agriculture, and local government representatives, as well as members of the local farming community. The occasion will feature live tractor demonstrations, speeches from key leaders, and impactful testimonials from farmers sharing how mechanization has the potential to transform their work. More to follow Ministry of Agriculture & Animal Resources Heifer International Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board Hello Tractor

During her visit to Nyamasheke District for the World Food Day Celebration, our Interim Country Director, Verena Ruzibuka, had the opportunity to meet with PRISM project beneficiaries in the Kirimbi Sector. It was truly inspiring to witness how farmers are transforming their livelihoods through piggery and poultry farming, thanks to the support of Heifer International Rwanda via the PRISM project. Verena encouraged the farmers to fully leverage the resources and knowledge gained through PRISM, emphasizing the vital role of innovation in enhancing agricultural practices. The uplifting stories shared by these resilient farmers highlight the project's significant impact—boosting food production, increasing incomes, and strengthening food security for their families. Importantly, the PRISM project is designed with long-term social impact in mind. By empowering communities with sustainable agricultural practices, we aim to foster resilience and self-sufficiency that extend far beyond immediate gains. This commitment ensures that families not only thrive today but also possess the tools and resources to sustain their livelihoods for generations to come. As part of our World Food Day celebrations, Verena and our partners participated in planting nutritious crops and feeding children, reaffirming Heifer’s dedication to combating hunger and promoting access to nutritious food. We appreciate our partners: International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) Ministry of Agriculture & Animal Resources and Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board for the support in the implementation of PRISM project. Together, we are making strides toward a future where every family can thrive! #HeiferImpact #WorldFoodDay #SustainableAgriculture #FoodSecurity