This message was emphasized by the Chairperson of Ingabo Farmers’ Syndicate, Mrs. Césarie Kantarama, during her address at the Cassava Week 2023 event, themed “Best Cassava Seeds, Best Production, Sustainable Food Systems, and Farmers Economic Growth”, held at Ruhango District HQs from December 27 to 29, 2023. Mrs. Césarie stressed that farmers should not merely be recipients of programs aimed at enhancing resilience to the negative impacts of climate change; rather, they should actively engage as collaborators in combating this threat and seek accurate information to align their activities with climate considerations for optimal production.
In his remarks, Mr. Jerome GASASIRA, Chairperson of the Ruhango District Advisory Council, commended the Ingabo Farmers’ Syndicate for its significant role in promoting cassava cultivation among other crops and its contribution to economic growth, not only in Ruhango District but also in various regions across the country. He added, “The success of the Ingabo Farmers’ Syndicate reflects the success of Ruhango District.”
One of the key resolutions of Cassava Week 2023 was to encourage farmers to collaborate within cooperatives and with financial institutions for swift and inclusive development, ensuring that no one is left behind.
Speaking to the press, Mrs. Alexia MUKAMUSONI, a cassava farmer from Mbuye Sector, Ruhango District, who attended Cassava Week 2023, expressed gratitude to the Ingabo Farmers’ Syndicate for its ongoing efforts in enhancing cassava production and mitigating negative effects on crops. She emphasized, “The dedication of the Ingabo Farmers’ Syndicate to our development as farmers is clearly evident and tangible.”
Furthermore, a Memorandum of Understanding aimed at boosting cassava productivity was signed between Ingabo Farmers Syndicate, CPF- INEZA, and CLECAM Ejo Heza. CPF- INEZA pledged to provide loans totaling 500,000,000 Rwf to farmers, while CLECAM agreed to extend a loan of 1,500,000,000 Rwf. These loans will be reimbursed over a period of 5 years, commencing in 2024.
