Karongi: 598 Tea Farmers Graduate from a One-Year Practical Training Program in Karongi

On April 4, 2025, in Rugabano Sector, Gisiza Cell, a certification ceremony was held for 598 tea farmers who successfully completed a one-year practical training program on tea farming and financial management. The training was organized in collaboration with Rugabano Outgrowers Services (ROS) Ltd. and aimed at equipping farmers with the necessary skills to improve tea production and financial sustainability.

The event was attended by Karongi District Mayor, Muzungu Gerald, representatives from Rugabano Tea Factory, Executive Secretaries of the sectors of Gashali, Rugabano, Murundi, and Gitesi, the district’s agriculture unit leaders, agronomists from different sectors where ROS operates, and representatives of tea farmers from various zones.

A Comprehensive Training for Tea Farmers

The training program covered 24 modules, with 75% focusing on tea farming techniques and 25% on financial literacy and management. Farmers were trained on best practices in tea cultivation, soil management, pest control, and proper harvesting techniques, while also learning about saving, investment, and household financial management.

In his address, Mayor Muzungu Gerald congratulated the graduates and emphasized the importance of professional farming in economic development. He encouraged them to apply their newly acquired skills, stating:

“Tea farming is not just about cultivation; it is a business that can transform lives. A well-maintained tea plantation ensures financial stability for the farmer and creates employment opportunities for the community.”

He further urged farmers to embrace professional farming techniques in other crops such as coffee, bananas, potatoes, vegetables, and fruits to ensure increased production and profitability.

Commitment to Agricultural Development

Mayor Muzungu also highlighted the district’s plans to establish demonstration farms and organize study visits for farmers to learn from successful tea and other crops-growing areas. He stressed the importance of utilizing all available land for agricultural purposes, even marginal soils, noting that crops such as tea and pineapples can thrive in less fertile soils.

He concluded by encouraging other tea factories in Karongi to learn from ROS Ltd., whose tea is highly regarded in international markets.

The Success of ROS Ltd. in Tea Farming

Havugimana Callixte, the General Manager of ROS Ltd., highlighted the impact of professional training on improving tea production. He noted that non-professional farming yields only half of the potential harvest, which is why ROS implemented the “learning in the field” approach to equip farmers with hands-on knowledge.

He proudly stated:
“Our tea is highly rated both locally and internationally. Among the 19 tea factories in Rwanda, we currently rank first in quality. We are cultivating 1,753 hectares, but our goal is to expand to 4,000 hectares in the near future.”

According to Havugimana, the training program not only focused on tea farming but also covered essential life skills such as financial literacy, nutrition, and stunting prevention, ensuring that farmers improve both their economic and social well-being.

Farmers’ Testimonies and Future Plans

Joyeuse Iraguha, one of the graduates, expressed her gratitude for the training and shared her plans to expand her tea farm:

“This training has been life-changing. I have learned better farming techniques and financial management. I now plan to increase the size of my tea plantation, ensure timely cultivation, and apply the best practices I have learned. This will not only improve my income but also create employment for my neighbors who are not yet involved in tea farming.”

The event was marked by songs, poetry, and traditional dances performed by the farmers, celebrating their achievements.

The training program, which was funded by Wood Foundation, is expected to have a lasting impact on enhancing tea productivity, improving farmers’ livelihoods, and boosting Rwanda’s tea industry on global markets.

Gashonga Jean Claude