Potato farmers in Nyaruguru District have welcomed a lasting solution to the challenge of accessing quality potato seed following the construction of a new potato seed storage facility with a capacity of 150 tons. 

Managed by trained youth engaged in potato seed multiplication, the facility was established through the Pro-Poor Development Basket Fund (PPD-BF), implemented by the Local Administrative Entities Development Agency (LODA).

The PPD-Basket is supported by development partners including the Government of Germany through KfW Development Bank, the Government of France through the French Development Agency (AFD), and the Government of Luxembourg through LuxDev. 

During a recent field visit, a delegation from LODA and these development partners observed firsthand the impact of the facility on local farmers, particularly those living near Nyungwe National Park.

Farmers testified that the new storage facility has addressed a long-standing problem of limited access to quality seed. Before its construction, they often had to travel long distances to Musanze or Rubavu to buy potato seed, incurring extra costs in both time and money. 

Jeannette Nyiramyasiro, a farmer from Ruyenzi Cell, Ruheru Sector, shared that the project has already delivered tangible benefits: “This facility has boosted our production. Before, one kilogram of poor-quality seed would yield around 8 kilograms of potatoes. Now, with the improved seed, we harvest up to 20 kilograms from the same amount. We thank LODA for bridging us to modern, productive farming”.

The success of the project reflects the community-driven approach of the Pro-Poor Development Basket, which selects initiatives based on priorities incorporated into district development plans. 

Claudine Nyinawagaga, Director General of LODA, emphasized the importance of this approach in ensuring sustainability: “When you begin with the community’s own ideas, they feel ownership and see that you are addressing their real problems. That sense of ownership encourages them to safeguard the projects”.

In addition to the potato seed facility, the delegation also visited other projects in Nyaruguru, including a 23.56 km clean water supply system in Nyabimata Sector, now providing safe water to over 1,003 households (about 4,300 people), and a bridge in the same sector that has eased trade and movement, particularly during the rainy season, by improving connections between cells.

With improved potato seed storage, access to safe water, and better infrastructure, these projects are helping Nyaruguru communities overcome long-standing challenges and build a path toward sustainable development.