Empowering Rural Communities through Innovation in Rwanda: TWITEZIMBERE Farmer Field School Creates Pathways to Market and Inclusion

Photo: The Selling point in Ngoma District. JP RWEE/Rwanda

In the heart of Gisagara District, Rwanda, a community-driven initiative is transforming local agriculture and improving rural livelihoods. The TWITEZIMBERE Farmer Field School (FFS), supported by the JP RWEE, has developed an innovative solution to enhance food security, generate income, and promote inclusive employment: a community-owned marketplace. 

Launched in May 2022, with activities starting in June 2023, the JP RWEE initiative, implemented by FAO, IFAD, UN Women, and WFP, organized 1,902 smallholder farmers (1,424 women and 478 men) into 105 FFS groups to tackle productivity and market challenges. Through hands-on learning, these farmers have improved their skills in conservation agriculture, pest management, post-harvest handling, business planning, and marketing. 

After two successful agricultural seasons, which resulted in a significant increase in maize and bean yields, the TWITEZIMBERE FFS group proposed the creation of a community marketplace to provide fair and local selling opportunities. With partial funding from member savings totaling RWF 1.5 million (approx. 1,000 USD), the group purchased land and, with support from FAO through JP RWEE, constructed a multipurpose market space. 

Today, this selling point serves 14 FFS groups, benefiting over 700 households. It features sections for food, clothing, livestock, and more, and employs over 75 people, including youth and teenage mothers. The market not only enhances local trade and reduces transportation costs but also fosters confidence and leadership among women and young people. 

What makes this initiative unique is its grassroots origin. Unlike traditional government-built markets, this innovation emerged directly from the community, thanks to participatory planning, resource mobilization, and collaboration with local authorities and development partners. 

By regenerating agroecosystems, nurturing entrepreneurship, and promoting social inclusion, the TWITEZIMBERE selling point demonstrates how the FFS approach can drive lasting socio-economic transformation from the ground up.