On the 17th January 2025, a study tour was conducted in Kinoni Sector, Burera District, to explore the application of conservation agriculture practices in farming. The event, organized by Burera District and ARECO-RWANDA NZIZA under the KungaBu project, was a unique opportunity for Butaro farmers, and KungaBu implementers to witness firsthand the positive impact of conservation agriculture on soil health and productivity.
Organized under the KungaBu project, the study tour brought together KungaBu Project staff, delegates from ARECO, local farmers, and district representatives. Among the visitors were also representatives from cooperatives managing the Kamiranzovu marshland and residents of Biyove Village, who are directly involved in soil conservation efforts. The welcoming team included Sector authorities, with Ms. Marie Nyirasafari, the Executive Secretary of Kinoni Sector, leading the reception. Mr. Eugene Twizerimana, founder of PDD (Peace and Durable Development), the local NGO promoting conservation agriculture, also played a key role in the event, alongside a representative from Bridge2Rwanda, a collaborator with PDD.
The event provided an in-depth look at the three core principles of soil conservation agriculture being implemented in Kinoni. First, minimal soil tillage is practiced to reduce soil disturbance, which helps maintain the soil structure and fertility. Second, covering the soil with plant organic matter is used to retain moisture and minimize erosion. Lastly, crop rotation and intercropping are employed, where different crops are planted together or in rotation, improving soil health and providing natural pest control. These principles work in harmony to promote sustainable farming practices that enhance soil productivity and long-term agricultural success.
The sites used by PDD to demonstrate conservation agriculture in Kinoni Sector are strategically located near administrative and health service spots to reach a wide audience, as the area has high foot traffic due to the presence of essential services. By showcasing conservation farming in such a visible area, PDD sought to raise awareness among local residents about the benefits of soil conservation practices.
In Kinoni, farmers have adopted the use of nitrogen-fixing plants such as mucuna beans and losena, which not only help maintain soil fertility but also serve as animal feed and soil cover. Other plants, including those from the Fabaceae (umukunde) and Tephrosia (umuruku) families, are also recognized for their role in enriching the soil. For optimal results however, conservation agriculture is often combined with other farming best practices, including using selected seeds, adhering to planting schedules, and applying fertilizers appropriately.
One of the highlights of the event was hearing from local farmers about the tangible benefits of soil conservation. Mr. Jean Damascene, a model farmer trained by PDD, shared his experience of applying these techniques on his farm. He reported a remarkable 100% increase in Irish potato productivity and a 25% boost in maize production since implementing conservation practices. These success stories demonstrate the potential for increased agricultural productivity when sustainable practices are adopted.
At the end of the tour, Mr. Faustin Kayitsinga, the Executive Secretary of Butaro, expressed his commitment to support the introduction conservation agriculture practices in Butaro. He suggested starting with small pilot plots where farmers can practice and refine the new techniques before expanding to larger areas, including the Kamiranzovu marshland. He also invited PDD experts and farmers trained in Kinoni to visit Butaro in the near future to assess how these practices are being implemented locally.
Founded in 2001, Peace and Durable Development (PDD) is a nonprofit organization focused on promoting peace and socio-economic development at the family level. PDD has worked extensively in areas like conflict resolution, women’s rights, and environmental conservation. The organization’s work in Kinoni has been financially supported by the Mennonite Central Committee (MCC), an international relief and development organization. Approximately 600 farmers in the Burera region are currently practicing conservation agriculture thanks to PDD’s efforts.
The KungaBu project, funded by the EU and jointly implemented by Burera District and ARECO-RWANDA NZIZA, is a three-year initiative designed to enhance food security and agricultural productivity in the communities surrounding the Kamiranzovu Marshland in Butaro. Soil conservation is one of the key components of the project, which seeks to improve the livelihoods of local communities through sustainable agricultural practices.
The study tour in Kinoni Sector provided an invaluable opportunity to witness the transformative effects of soil conservation practices on local farming. The event not only showcased successful techniques but also inspired Butaro authorities and farmers to adopt sustainable agricultural methods for long-term benefits. With the commitment of stakeholders like PDD, ARECO, and local authorities, the future of soil conservation in the Burera region looks promising.
