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......................
Damson
Damson, a resourceful farmer in the heart of the community, has turned what many saw as waste into a powerful tool for sustainable agriculture. With support from Kilimo Trust, he learned how to convert everyday farm residues—like cow dung, maize stalks, and banana peels—into nutrient-rich organic manure. What began as a simple solution to rising fertilizer costs has grown into a thriving micro-enterprise. Today, .................................
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, ..........................
Eulade
Eulade, a passionate vegetable farmer, has found her niche in growing tomatoes—turning a modest garden into a vibrant source of income and community pride. With support from Kilimo Trust, she learned modern techniques for tomato production, including seed selection, pest control, and water-efficient irrigation. Before the intervention, Eulade faced frequent crop losses and unstable market prices. Today, her tomato fields ............................
Mahwi Yacu
Mahwi Yacu, a vibrant farmer group nestled in the highlands, has become a beacon of success in Irish potato farming, thanks to the support of Kilimo Trust. Made up of men and women who once struggled with low yields and limited market access, the group embraced improved farming practices—ranging from the use of certified seed and proper spacing to post-harvest handling and collective marketing. With training ........................