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Imagine If We All Planted Our Age

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  What if we all planted our age every year? When I turned 30, I knew I didn’t want a conventional birthday. No cake, no party lights. Instead, I wanted something that reflected my values, something that would give life rather than consume it. So, I chose to celebrate my 30th birthday by planting 30 trees. This all took place at Back to Eden Farm in Rwamagana, Rwanda, where, together with my team, we are establishing Rwanda’s first Agri-Ecotourism Model Farm , a living example of sustainable agriculture rooted in Regenerative Agriculture, Permaculture, and Organic Farming , combined with community-centered ecotourism. For me, this wasn’t just about marking another year; it was about making a statement that every new age can also mean new growth, new roots, and renewed commitment to restoring the land that sustains us. As a farmer, researcher, and believer in regenerative agriculture, I have come to understand that our connection with the soil defines not just our food systems ...

Why Soil Still Matters: Regenerating Soils, Transforming Livelihoods

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In an era of digital agriculture, artificial intelligence, and drone-enabled precision farming, it's easy to overlook the most fundamental asset beneath our feet: soil. Yet, soil remains the silent cornerstone of food systems resilience, ecological regeneration, and farmer prosperity. As someone who has spent the past seven years immersed in regenerative agriculture and agribusiness innovation, I am constantly reminded that sustainable transformation begins in the soil. In Rwanda, for instance, over 40% of the soil is degraded and three-quarters is acidic (Government’s State of Environment Report, 2015). This means even with good rainfall and improved inputs, yields remain low, and fertilizers become less effective. When soil is sick, the entire food system suffers—leading to erosion, food insecurity, malnutrition, and poverty cycles that are hard to break. As climate change accelerates, so does the urgency to rebuild our soils. Healthy soils store carbon, hold more water, and fost...

Driving Rwanda’s Agricultural Innovation: The Role of Regenerative Agriculture and Youth Agripreneurs

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Rwanda’s agricultural sector is evolving rapidly, embracing innovation and sustainability as key drivers of growth. At the forefront of this transformation is AGRIRESEARCH UNGUKA Ltd , a leading research institution pioneering regenerative agriculture through its Agricultural Green Research and Innovation Park Initiative (AGRIPI). This initiative integrates cutting-edge farming techniques, industry-academia collaboration, and youth agribusiness incubation, positioning Rwanda as a model for sustainable agriculture in Africa. A Game-Changer for Rwanda’s Agriculture Sector The adoption of regenerative agriculture is proving to be a game-changer for Rwandan farmers, agripreneurs, and investors. Through AGRIPI, AGRIRESEARCH UNGUKA Ltd has successfully introduced: Optimized tillage practices for enhanced soil fertility. Intercropping and mulching techniques to maximize productivity. Agroforestry integration to promote ecosystem resilience. Composting and organic soil enrichment to re...

AGRIRESEARCH UNGUKA Ltd Holds Strategic Planning Retreat to Shape Future of Sustainable Agriculture Innovation in Africa!

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  From October 4th to 5th, 2024, the AGRIRESEARCH UNGUKA Ltd team convened at the scenic Kivu Peace View Hotel in Rubavu District for a pivotal two-day retreat. This milestone event marked the beginning of a transformative journey to develop the organization’s comprehensive Strategic Plan (2025-2029) , aimed at driving sustainable agricultural research, innovation, and extension services across Rwanda and Africa. The retreat comes just weeks after AGRIRESEARCH UNGUKA celebrated its 6th anniversary, a momentous occasion reflecting on its journey from a student-led research and outreach initiative to becoming a leading force in agriculture research and extension services in the region. Abdu Usanase , the Founder and Chief Executive Officer, officially opened the retreat. He commended the entire team for their unwavering commitment, resilience, and exceptional work over the years and recognized their collective efforts in building the company's stellar reputation as a hub of agric...

Menya Umushinga Udasanzwe W’ubuhinzi Bwo mu Migi wo Guhinga Ku Mazu Y’amagorofa mu Kirere Hadakoreshejwe Ubutaka

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Ikigo cy’umuryango w’abibumbye cy’ibiribwa n’ubuhinzi (FAO) ishami ryacyo ryo mu Rwanda, ku munsi mpuzamahanga w’amazi, ryahishuye umushinga wabo wo guteza imbere ubuhinzi bwo mu migi aho bahinga ku mazu y’amagorofa mu kirere hadakoreshejwe ubutaka. Ni umushinga bagaragaje kumafoto meza atangaje yerekana mboga nziza ndetse n’inkeri byeze kunyubako y’ibiro byabo biherereye Kacyiru. Nkuko babitangaje k’urubuga rwabo rwa X, ni umushinga ugamije guteza imbere ubuhinzi bwo mu migi minini mu gusigasira umutekano urambye w’ibiribwa. Iburyo : Coumba D. Sow, Umuyobozi mukuru wa FAO Rwanda afashe inkeri zeze mu ntoki ari kumwe na Christian IRAKOZE, umuyobozi mukuru wa kompani y'urubyiruko, Eza Neza.  Mu busanzwe u Rwanda ruri mubihugu biza imbere mu kugira ubwiyongere n’ubucucike bukabije bw’abaturage. Ibi bigendana n’ubwiyongere bw’ibiryo bikenewe nyamara bikagendana nanone n’igabanuka ry’ubutaka buhingwaho. Ubushakashatsi bugaragaza ko umuvuduko w’ubwiyongere bw’abaturage ukomeje k’urw...

Nurturing Future Poultry Farmers: FAO Rwanda Empowers Youth in Nyaruguru and Ruhango

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  In a recent collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources (MINAGRI), the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Rwanda announced a $378,000 investment to empower 41 youth in Nyaruguru and Ruhango Districts to become successful poultry farmers.  The project provides comprehensive support, equipping young individuals with the resources they need to thrive. This includes: Modern Poultry Farms: Four groups will receive houses capable of accommodating 700 chickens each, kickstarting their poultry farming ventures. Enhanced Productivity: 2,000 laying hens and an additional 7,000 chickens will be distributed to 200 youth and women poultry producers, boosting their flock size and potential output. Holistic Support: The initiative goes beyond infrastructure and livestock. It provides chicken feed for two months after egg laying commences, ensuring the birds' well-being and early production. Veterinary Support: Dedicated veterinary services will ensure the hea...

Ibyumba bikonjesha (Firigo) bidakoresheje umuriro: Igisubizo kirambye kw'iyangirika ry'umusaruro w'imboga n'imbuto mu Rwanda

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  Muri iki gihe akanyamuneza ni kose k'ubahinzi nyuma yuko bejeje neza mu gihembwe cy'ihinga gishize cya 2024 A. Ubu umukoro usigaye ni uburyo bwo kuwubungabunga no kuwufata neza bawurinda kwangirika. Iyangirika ry'umusaruro mu Rwanda riracyari hejuru. Aho ku ibinyampeke riri hagati ya 5-10% mu gihe imboga n'imbuto rikiri hejuru cyane aho rirenga 30%. Amakoperative y'abahinzi b'imboga n'imbuto ndetse nama kompani yohereza umusaruro w'imboga n'imbuto mu mahanga ni bamwe mu bantu bazahazwa cyane n'igihombo giturutse kw'iyangirika ry'umusaruro.  AGRIRESEARCH UNGUKA Ltd, kompani iri muziyoboye izindi mu Rwanda mu guteza imbere ubuhinzi binyuze mu guhanga udushya n'ikoranabuhanga ivuga ko nyuma yo kubona igihombo gikomeye abahinzi bahura nacyo kiva kwiyangirika ry'umusaruro no kuba ibyumba bikonjesha bisanzwe byifashishwa mu kugabanya iyangirika ry'umusaruro bihenze kandi bikagira n'uruhare runini mu gutera imihindagurikire y...