Rwandan cooperative helps members improve livelihoods despite effects of Covid-19
GICUMBI, June 7, 2026 — A farmers’ cooperative in northern Rwanda says its members have improved their livelihoods through sustainable agriculture, savings schemes and income-generating projects, despite disruptions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Members of Koperative Abizerwa Byumba [KAB], based in Ruvune Sector in Gicumbi district, have continued implementing agricultural and financial initiatives that have helped boost household incomes and strengthen food security.
One beneficiary, Beatrice Nyirabaligira, says joining the cooperative transformed her family’s circumstances.
“Before joining this cooperative, something was missing in my life and my life was not good. When I joined in 2015, we were trained on soil and water conservation and vegetable production. An idea came into my mind that I can grow vegetables for my family but also for selling,” Nyirabaligira says.
“Now I have a vegetable garden business. Later I joined the village savings and loans association, and to be part of this group makes me happy because I managed to save money and buy a cow. I later got a loan and renovated my house. Now I am happy because I can pay school fees and school materials for my children and the health insurance for my family.”
KAB members are currently learning how to construct radical terraces on cooperative farms that serve as demonstration sites for sustainable land management practices. The terraces are supported by the application of lime and compost to improve soil fertility, while water-trapping pits have been established to collect rainwater where needed.
The cooperative resumed activities after Covid-19 restrictions were eased in parts of Rwanda, including Gicumbi District, where lockdown measures had previously halted physical meetings.
To comply with government health guidelines, KAB members agreed to reduce attendance at village savings and loans association meetings to a maximum of 15 participants, including leaders. Other members attend separate sessions while remaining part of the same associations.
Establishing macadamia enterprise in Gicumbi district
The cooperative has also established a macadamia enterprise near its offices as part of efforts to diversify farmers’ income sources. Cooperative leaders said the initiative was introduced after recognising the potential of macadamia farming to generate income for smallholder farmers.
The site is expected to serve as a demonstration farm to encourage wider adoption of macadamia cultivation. Seedlings produced at the facility will be sold to generate revenue for cooperative activities, while members will receive training and participate in field visits to learn about seedling production.
According to the cooperative, germination has already begun, with pricking out taking place progressively. Seedling production activities are also underway in 10 nurseries across the area. Fast-growing seedlings are being transferred into tube pots and are expected to be planted during the September–October rainy season.
More about KAB
KAB was formed through the combined efforts of farmer groups in Gicumbi district and began working with Vi Agroforestry in October 2014. The cooperative specialises in agroforestry, forestry and horticultural seedling production and currently has 2,231 members, including 1,407 women.
With support from Vi Agroforestry, KAB has constructed 125.5 hectares of radical terraces and planted more than 1.25 million trees across Gicumbi district. Members have received training in sustainable agricultural land management and have adopted improved farming practices on their land.
The cooperative has also supported members with water-harvesting tanks for domestic use and promoted the construction of improved cooking stoves to reduce firewood consumption. In addition, many members have received assistance to establish and operate businesses involved in fruit trading and livestock production.
KAB says these initiatives have contributed to increased agricultural yields and improved living standards among its members. As a result, many households are now able to afford community-based health insurance and provide adequate food for their families.
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