In Kayonza District, a cooperative run by youth has increased agriculture production  as a result of capacity-building support received from Rwanda Youth in Agribusiness Forum (RYAF) in partnership with Irrigation and Integrated Watershed Management Project - Phase II.

COBACCO Ndego with 59 members of which 39 are women and 20 are men is engaged in growing chili, green beans, maize and soybeans, and producing tree seedlings aimed at agroforestry.

According to the cooperative’s president, Cobacco Iradukunda Deogratias production increased from three to four tons per hectare in 2022 to eight-ten tons per hectare following improvements in farming knowledge and practices.

The support offered by RYAF and KIIWP resulted in the strengthening of the cooperative’s leadership skills.

Furthermore, it helped the cooperative to improve its accountability and make better business decisions.

The work also generated job opportunities in the area. Its success was acknowledged as it was awarded second place in the YouthConnekt Awards 2025.

The initiative was part of RYAF’s efforts to implement the KIIWP II Project in cooperation with the Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board and its Single Project Implementation Unit. (RAB/SPIU)

The experience demonstrates how targeted capacity building can equip young farmers with the skills to improve productivity and build more sustainable agricultural businesses.

Jean Bernard MUKUNDENTE

RYAF Communication and Public Relations

Email: b.mukundente@ryaf.rw / ryafcommunication@ryaf.rw