Innovative Farming Practices Equip Families for the Future

In the quiet hills of Ngoma District, Rwanda, Uwizeyimana Emmanuel, 42, and his wife Nikuze Vestine, 40, stand as powerful examples of how knowledge, partnership, and determination can transform a family’s future. The couple lives with their three children, relying primarily on smallholder farming. For years, Emmanuel cultivated maize, beans and sweet potatoes using traditional methods, planting without spacing, mixing crops randomly, and consuming nearly all the harvest at home.

Despite their hard work, the family struggled. Harvests were barely enough to survive, and Emmanuel recalls moments when he could not afford school fees or health insurance. “ At one point, I even had to remove one of my children from school,” he says.

In 2023, the Joint Programme on Rural Women’s Economic Empowerment (JP RWEE) expanded its activities to include men in their community, laying a pathway for change. Encouraged by women who had been participating in the JP RWEE activities, Emmanuel decided to join, setting the stage to reshape his family’s life.

Through the JP RWEE, implemented by FAO, IFAD, UN Women, WFP and local partners, Emmanuel received training on innovative farming practices. He learned how to plant in rows, use organic and chemical fertilizers correctly, and manage crops with care. The results were immediate.

“Before the training, I harvested around 50 kg of maize from half a hectare,” he explains. “After applying what we learned, I sometimes get up to 250 kg.”

For the first time, the family produced enough to eat, sell and save. Emmanuel proudly shares that he now saves 100,000 RWF (approx. 67 USD) and has never missed a contribution to their savings group, that was established as a result of the training conducted by the JP RWEE.“I even managed to buy small livestock from my savings,”  he adds.

The couple later joined Hinga Wunguke Cooperative, where they continued to learn through the Farmer Field School (IAMU/FFS) approach. The cooperative has now purchased land for group learning and demonstration; another milestone Emmanuel celebrates.

The programme’s impact went beyond farming. Emmanuel and Vestine also took part in training on household harmony and gender equality. These sessions helped improve communication, strengthen family unity, and encourage joint decision-making.

“We already lived well as a family, but this training made us even stronger,” Vestine shares. “Now, we do everything together to improve our home and support our children.”

Leadership training also empowered Emmanuel to step confidently into a new role as a village leader, where he now helps resolve community concerns and supports local development.

Among all the benefits, the improved fuel-efficient stove remains one of the family’s greatest joys. Through the JP RWEE, the couple received a stove that minimizes firewood use and keeps food warm for hours.

“Among everything we received, the stove makes me happiest,” Emmanuel says. “We used to spend so much on firewood. Now one small bundle cooks both lunch and dinner.”

For Vestine, the stove has reduced daily stress. She no longer must rush home to cook before attending community activities, allowing her to fully participate in cooperative meetings and social events. 

With growing savings and improved crop yields, Emmanuel and Vestine invested in livestock to further strengthen their household’s food security. The training they received on improved agricultural practices and home management helped them adopt better livestock-feeding techniques and maintain healthy animals.

Today, Emmanuel and Vestine stand as united and empowered household. They earn more, save consistently, participate in community leadership, and serve as inspiring examples to others around them.

“I appreciate JP RWEE so much,” Emmanuel concludes. “It has changed our farming, our income, and even our home. It supported us in many ways.”

Their story demonstrates what can be achieved when rural families are equipped with the tools, knowledge, and confidence to build resilient and prosperous lives.