From 23rd to 27th February 2023, at Ngeruka Sector, Action pour la Protection de l’Environnement et la Promotion des Filières Agricoles (APEFA), conducted a training on Climate Smart Agriculture, Credit and saving scheme for beneficiaries of the project called “Solar powered irrigation and improved cooking stoves for communities in the Bugesera District”,
The first two-days training of 26 beneficiaries, were trained by Dr Chantal MUTIMAWURUGO, Researcher and Lecturer of the University of Rwanda, was officially opened by Executive Secretary of Ngeruka Sector, Patrick Rwasa together with, APEFA’s Executive Director, Oscar Nzabonimpa and Mr Philbert Nsengimana from GIZ, who represented IKI.
Executive Secretary of Ngeruka Sector, Patrick Rwasa encouraged the trainees to learn from the training since it will help them to practise their farming in improved way and change their bad history of damaging the environment.
He added: “This opportunity of getting enough information must be the start of practicing Agriculture generating income but also protecting environment by reducing the emissions of GHG to contribute to national target of 38% of GHG reduction by 2030.”
Executive Director of APEFA, Oscar Nzabonimpa urged the farmers who participated in this training to be an example among the remaining community and that they should know what they have been trained is aiming to develop them by doing the exemplary agriculture.
Mr Philbert Nsengimana from GIZ, who represented IKI as the funder of the Project under implementation in this intervention area, he explained that the Climate Change is a critical issue that worries the whole world, and every person should participate in finding solutions together from the farmer to the policy maker wherever you are.
These training focused on the key concepts and approaches associated with climate action in the agricultural sectors, especially Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA), and was structured around the 9-modules of CSA implementation approach, credit and saving scheme from building evidence base to the implementation and dissemination of locally suitable practices and context-specific technologies, while addressing barriers at different levels.
The modules carried out in the training related to the climate smart agriculture include Climate science and climate change, Climate Smart Agriculture concept and pillars, Agricultural production and climate change, Climate Smart Agriculture Solutions and Practices and Gender Balance in Climate Smart agriculture adoption.
The subject also emphasizes on working with groups of producers to develop markets and sources of supply. The cooperative business structure, already shown to be successful in agriculture and small business support.
The participants were encouraged to open accounts in ‘UMURENGE Saccos’, individually or through the Village Savings and Loan Association (VSLA) so that they will be ready to access the financial support for their farming activities and getting quality inputs.
The trainees also were recommended to keep the farm records, to be able to track down whether he/she is earning profits or losing. At the closing, the trainees received the guide on the solar powered irrigation operation and maintenance for its sustainability.
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