Transforming rural livelihoods takes more than just effort — it takes the right skills and opportunities. That’s what the Rural Youth Employment Support (R-YES) project set out to offer: a chance for young Rwandans to turn agriculture into a viable, thriving career path.
Led by Kilimo Trust with support from IFAD, the project trained over 1,500 youth in 17 districts through partnerships with Rwanda Polytechnic, the TVET Board, and agribusinesses — resulting in over 7,000 jobs created.
As R-YES concludes, the Rwanda Rural AgriStars series highlights the youth who turned this support into success. They’re not just farmers — they’re entrepreneurs, mentors, and changemakers transforming their communities from the ground up.
Here are the stories:
Emmanuel:
Turning Passion into Profit Through Agribusiness
Like many young people in Rwanda, Emmanuel Ndayishimiye from Nyagatare District once saw farming as merely "a way to pass time." That changed when he joined Kilimo Trust's Rural Youth Employment Support (R-YES) program, where he received hands-on training in modern agricultural techniques and entrepreneurship, specifically in vegetable production and processing. "After the training, I had the zeal..........
Cherbine
Blending Passion and Purpose in Agribusiness
Clarisse, an enterprising animal farmer supported by Kilimo Trust, has seen remarkable growth in her farming operations through improved access to training, veterinary services, and reliable markets. Before the project, her small-scale venture struggled with low productivity and limited income. Today, thanks to the knowledge and resources gained .............
Jackson
When Jackson Sebahungu first began making yogurt during his college days in Kinigi, Musanze District, it was a humble attempt to build something of his own. He had little in the way of resources, but a strong sense of purpose—and a deep belief that dairy could change his future. Then a friend shared a link about a youth agribusiness program. Curious, Jackson applied......................
Jean
Jean, a determined young farmer from Rwanda’s Gisagara District, is leading a quiet revolution in his community—using trees. With training and support from Kilimo Trust under the R-YES project, Jean embraced agroforestry as a way to tackle youth unemployment and restore degraded land. By planting indigenous fruit trees that boost soil health and generate income, he’s not only building a greener future for himself but also inspiring other young people to see agriculture as a dignified and sustainable career.
Esther
Esther, a dedicated mother and poultry farmer, has transformed her family's fortunes through chicken farming with the support of Kilimo Trust. Starting with just a handful of local breeds, Esther struggled with high mortality rates and low productivity. But after receiving training on proper feeding, disease management, and poultry housing, her farm began to flourish. Today, ..........................
Dieudonné
Dieudonné a young vegetable farmer from Huye District, started with little more than a dream. Through Kilimo Trust’s R-YES project, he gained skills, exposure, and confidence—turning his small farm into a growing agribusiness that now mentors others. Today, he’s creating jobs, adding value, and showing what’s possible when youth are empowered.
Clarisse
Clarisse, a determined young woman, is challenging gender norms in Rwanda’s meat industry. Through Kilimo Trust’s R‑YES program, she trained in meat processing and secured a job as a butcher — a role traditionally held by men. Now financially independent, she supports her family and encourages other young women to follow their passion, no matter the barriers.