Pyrethrum, a crop introduced to Rwanda by Belgian colonizers in 1936, has become a vital part of the country's economy and a source of livelihood for many farmers. The crop, which is used to produce insecticides, has been grown in the western province of Rwanda for decades and has significantly improved the lives of farmers in the region. According to Ngaboyabahizi Protais, a writer for Imvaho Nshya, pyrethrum farming has been a game-changer for many farmers in Rwanda.
The western province of Rwanda, particularly the districts of Rubavu and Nyabihu, has become a hub for pyrethrum farming. Many farmers in the region have taken to growing pyrethrum due to its high demand and profitability. Habarurema Emmanuel, a 19-year-old farmer from Rubavu, started growing pyrethrum at a young age and has seen significant improvements in his living standards. He has been able to buy a cow, build a new house, and pay for his children's education using the income from pyrethrum farming.
Other farmers, such as Ndizihiwe Laurent, have also benefited from pyrethrum farming. Laurent, who has been growing pyrethrum for over 40 years, says that the crop has transformed his life and that of his family. He has been able to buy land, build a house, and pay for his children's education using the income from pyrethrum farming. Laurent encourages others to take up pyrethrum farming, saying that it has the potential to improve their lives.
Pyrethrum farming has not only improved the lives of farmers but also created employment opportunities for others. Mwiseneza Ancille, a resident of Myuga village in Rubavu, has been working on pyrethrum farms for five years. She earns around RWF 1,500 per day and has been able to buy a cow, a goat, and a plot of land using her income. Mwiseneza says that pyrethrum farming has been a lifesaver for her and her family.
Horizon SOPYRWA, a company that processes pyrethrum into insecticides, has played a significant role in promoting pyrethrum farming in Rwanda. The company's CEO, Gabriel Bizimungu, says that the company has been working to support pyrethrum farmers and improve their livelihoods. Horizon SOPYRWA provides farmers with high-quality seeds, training, and incentives to encourage them to grow pyrethrum.
The Rwandan government has also been supportive of pyrethrum farming, with the governor of the western province, Ntibitura Jean Bosco, saying that pyrethrum is one of the key crops that can help improve the livelihoods of farmers in the region. The government has been working to provide support to farmers, including providing them with access to markets and finance.
Overall, pyrethrum farming has become a significant contributor to Rwanda's economy and has improved the lives of many farmers in the western province. With the support of companies like Horizon SOPYRWA and the government, pyrethrum farming is expected to continue to thrive in Rwanda.
Key points
- Pyrethrum farming has improved the livelihoods of many farmers in Rwanda's western province.
- The crop has become a significant source of income for farmers, who use the money to improve their living standards.
- Companies like Horizon SOPYRWA and the government have played a crucial role in promoting pyrethrum farming in Rwanda.
