The Hydroponic System is a system of growing crops without soil, often called soilless farming. In hydroponic farming and hydroponic systems, the soil is replaced with nutrient-rich water.
YEAN in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation is conducting a pilot phase on a soilless farming-hydroponic farming system that is believed to be more efficient and productive on a small land.
The CEO of YEAN, Etienne Niyigaba has told IGIHE that this farming system helps farmers to yield big on a small area with a sustainable investment.
“Every committed farmer with enough or a small budget can make it depending on exploited land size. Besides, it is very promising for high yields,” he said.
“We work with the Mastercard Foundation for the pilot phase of this project in Rwanda, implementing capacity building programs among the youth equipping them with the necessary skills to embrace the farming system. Creating innovations in agriculture should go hand in hand with job creation and venturing into market-oriented agriculture,” Niyigaba observed.
As he explained, they are currently working together on the “Rwanda Hydroponic Project” to promote the hydroponic technology that could provide opportunities for job creation, climate change adaptation, and food security for the Rwandan youth.”
Cecile Niyireba, an agronomist at YEAN, has said that working with the institution has improved her skills in advanced practices of soilless farming shared with other farmers.
“We also trained the youth on best ways to yield high on a small land,” she noted.
A student at the University of Lay Adventists of Kigali (UNILAK), Gentille Uwimbabazi pledged to make good use of acquired skills.
“We have been familiar with crops grown on soil but the new farming system is very unique and interesting. As a university student who benefitted from the training, I have developed interest in applying the farming method because it has proven to be successful and produces high yields,” she revealed.
Dioscore Shikama, the CEO of Food Bundles, a company that supplies agricultural produce explained that buyers are delighted with the quality and natural taste of food products obtained from such farming systems.
Through this project, YEAN and Uruhimbi Kageyo Cooperative (UKC) built demonstration fields where farmers are acquainted with best techniques in horticulture and the growing of fodder. So far, the project has trained 50 youth of whom 70% are female.
Agriculture accounts for 31 percent of Rwanda’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and remains the main source of income for the majority of Rwandans occupying 70% of the labor. The youth constituting the majority of Rwanda’s population are strongly encouraged to tap into opportunities available in the sector to spur their economic growth and contribute to national development.
About the Mastercard Foundation
The Mastercard Foundation works with visionary organizations to enable young people in Africa and in Indigenous communities in Canada to access dignified and fulfilling work.
It is one of the largest, private foundations in the world with a mission to advance learning and promote financial inclusion to create an inclusive and equitable world. The Foundation was created by Mastercard in 2006 as an independent organization with its own Board of Directors and management. For more information on the Foundation, please visit: www.mastercardfdn.org
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