Dieudonné at his farm
Dieudonné Iradukunda, young and successful vegetable farmer from Huye District in Rwanda is a shining example of how targeted youth empowerment can transform agriculture into a thriving business and a platform for community impact.
His journey began with a simple goal: to provide for himself through farming. But without formal training or market access, his efforts remained limited. That changed when he joined Kilimo Trust’s Rural Youth Employment Support (R-YES) initiative.
“Before R-YES, I was just farming to get by. Then I gained knowledge and skills. Now, I’m progressing toward professional excellence.” — Dieudonné
He enrolled in the vegetable and potato farming and value addition track, receiving three months of intensive training at TVET Kabutare. This was followed by an internship at the Rwanda-Israel Horticulture Center of Excellence, where he learned project planning, asset management, and advanced horticultural techniques.
Through R-YES, Dieudonné gained more than technical skills—he gained exposure. He participated in agricultural exhibitions, attended workshops, and engaged in additional job creation activities. These experiences sparked new ideas, including a value addition project that repurposes wood into marketable products—an innovation inspired by observing local land protection practices and researching via social media.
“We’ve grown, we’ve worked professionally, we’ve earned income. We’ve farmed, found markets, and seen our income increase.”
Today, his company Youth Proud Ltd. has expanded from two employees to twelve—seven full-time and five part-time—and now hosts interns to train other aspiring agripreneurs. The company also mentors students from Groupe Scolaire Mamba in Gisagara District, helping sharpen their skills and increase their confidence in agribusiness.
“When you have knowledge, you must share it with others. There are people who follow us in our daily work and believe we deserve to mentor students.”
Dieudonné’s story challenges conventional definitions of success. For him, it’s not about securing the perfect job—it’s about daring to begin, embracing learning, and building something meaningful.
“Waiting only delays your progress. No dream is too small.”
His advice to fellow youth is clear:
“Any job can give you money and support you. You should dare to work, because working is what brings income. Many youth want money but don’t know where to get it. When you work, money will find you.”
Dieudonné credits R-YES for equipping him with the tools to succeed professionally. He expresses deep gratitude to TVET Kabutare for its daily guidance, to the Horticulture Center of Excellence for its practical internship, and to Kilimo Trust for ongoing mentorship, follow-up, and exposure to new opportunities.
“You can see in our fields today that there are no problems; it proves that the knowledge we received is practical.”
From aspiring farmer to agribusiness leader and mentor, Dieudonné’s journey is a powerful testament to what’s possible when youth are empowered with the right knowledge, tools, and support. Through R-YES, he has not only built a business—he’s building a legacy.