Theophile’s Journey to Sustainable Cabbage Farming (success story 1)

06-11-2024

In the coming weeks, we will share three success stories that highlight Agriterra’s collaboration with Farmer Organisations and the positive impact on farmers' food and nutrition security. These stories will specifically showcase improvements in productivity and income for individual farmers in Ngoma District in Rwanda, achieved through the Ngoma Out-grower Service Company Ltd. This farmer-led business is composed of 4 cooperatives and benefits an additional 13 affiliated cooperatives.

The first success story is about Theophile’s Journey to Sustainable Cabbage Farming. 

Nzabonimpa Theophile, a 41-year-old farmer from Ngoma district, has been working with the KOABIKA Cooperative for the past four years. His journey in farming has seen significant transformation since the Acting Now project began supporting the cooperative in 2023. Before the project’s intervention, Theophile, like many of his fellow farmers, was engaged in unstructured farming practices, which led to inconsistent yields and difficulties in accessing markets.

In his earlier days of farming, Theophile recalls how vegetables were cultivated in a disorganized manner. The seeds used were often uncertified and of varying quality, purchased from local markets without much consideration for what would grow best in the region. This lack of proper planning and the use of uncertified seeds meant that the crops were not always of marketable quality. As a result, finding buyers for the produce was a constant challenge, and the returns on investment were discouraging. The lack of profitability caused frustration among the farmers, as their hard work often did not yield the desired results.

Transformation through Agriterra’s Acting Now Project

The turning point for Theophile and his cooperative came when the Acting Now project initiated its support. Through this project, Agriterra provided farmers with critical training in Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), alongside access to certified seeds and appropriate fertilizers. This comprehensive approach aimed to not only improve agricultural productivity but also address the underlying challenges farmers faced in sustaining their livelihoods.

Before Agriterra intervention, the cooperative’s cabbage production was often hindered by poor agricultural practices. Key techniques such as mulching, proper irrigation, regular disease scouting, and the use of certified seeds were either overlooked or improperly executed. The GAP training sessions offered by the Acting Now project was pivotal in helping Theophile and his fellow farmers understand the importance of these practices. They learned to adopt sustainable farming methods, such as using the right fertilizers and scouting crops for early disease detection, which had been largely neglected before.

Remarkable Results

One of the most transformative aspects of the project was the emphasis on certified seeds. Previously, Theophile and others would purchase random varieties from local markets, which often led to poor germination rates and lower yields. With Agriterra guidance, they began using certified seeds, which significantly improved crop quality and productivity.

Additionally, the project introduced the practice of regular crop scouting to detect diseases early, preventing the spread of infestations that could destroy an entire crop. This newfound awareness of proactive crop management was a game changer for Theophile and his peers.

The Acting Now project provided training on certified inputs (seeds and fertilizers), ensuring that farmers had both the tools and the training to implement what they had learned. This holistic support motivated Theophile and other members of the cooperative to actively engage in their farming activities, confident that they now had the means to improve their outcomes.


Theophile showcasing the cabbage being harvested from his farm land 

The results were impressive. Theophile’s cabbage production increased in both quantity and quality. With healthier crops, the cooperative was finally able to attract better market opportunities, and their produce was met with appreciation from buyers. This shift led to a notable increase in profits, providing Theophile and his cooperative with renewed hope and motivation.

Theophile notes that in the four years he has been a member of the cooperative, 2024 has been a particularly successful year for him. Reflecting on the season, he shared that he started planting on 14 June 2024 and by 27 August 2024, he had already secured a good market for his cabbage, even before the harvest. Theophile is optimistic about the future and excited to see the fruits of his Labor.

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Also read

• Esperance’s Journey to Sustainable Onion Farming (success story 2)

• Elias’ Journey to Improved Carrot Farming (success story 3)