Women in Agriculture
13-02-2025Pauline Mujawabera, a 45-year-old farmer from Rubavu District, transformed her farming approach with Agriterra’s support under the Acting Now project in 2023. Although she joined COAFAR Cooperative in 2009, Agriterra’s training helped her see farming as a business, instilling the confidence to break traditional ideas that only her husband’s income could provide for the family. This shift empowered her to contribute significantly to their household income, elevating her family’s overall quality of life.
Before Agriterra’s guidance, Pauline, like many farmers in her community, believed that more industrial fertilizers and pesticides would yield better results. She recalls how they often mixed 3 kilograms of pesticide in 20 liters of water instead of the recommended 50 grams, while applying double or even triple the advised amount of fertilizers. This overuse, however, resulted in declining soil fertility and lower-than-expected returns.
Pauline in her potato farm
Through training on Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), she adopted new methods, including using certified seeds, precise pest control, and organic compost which she now produces herself from a balanced mix of cow dung, chicken droppings, ashes, dry and wet glasses, charcoal powder, fermented milk and yeast. This has led to a dramatic increase in her yield in potato production, reaching 15-20 tons per hectare from a previous 6-8 tons.
Pauline at her compost shed and storage facility
In addition to increasing her crop production, Pauline after receiving trainings on modern kitchen she stablished a kitchen garden at her home, providing a sustainable source of vegetables and enhancing her family’s nutrition. Recognizing its benefits, she guided five neighbouring families in setting up their own kitchen gardens, which helped improve children’s nutrition, reduce food expenses, and enhance local food security. Her initiatives have solidified her role as a community leader, and many in her community now look to her for inspiration and guidance.
Pauline with her neighbours, whom she helped establish modern kitchen gardens
Today, Pauline’s farm is a model of efficiency, supporting her family and providing jobs for two permanent employees and 15 seasonal workers. With storage facilities for her potatoes and compost shed, she has become an example of modern, professional farming. Looking ahead, Pauline aims to reach 30 tons of potato harvest per hectare and remains dedicated to empowering her community, teaching sustainable practices that promise a brighter future for all.
