In the heart of Gatsibo District, a youth-led cooperative named Twiteze Imbere—meaning “let’s join our efforts to develop ourselves”—has emerged as a beacon of hope for local youth. Chairperson Mukashyaka Nadia, just 23 years old, embodies the aspirations of her 28 peers, aged 18 to 35. Faced with the dual challenges of limited skills and inadequate funding, Nadia captures their struggle: “We might have ideas, but the main challenges for us are limited skills and funds.”
Currently, Twiteze Imbere operates a small poultry farm, raising only 200 birds under suboptimal conditions. However, the cooperative’s dreams far exceed its current capabilities. With the support of the Youth Entrepreneurship for the Future of Food and Agriculture (YEFFA) program—an initiative by AGRA in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation—Twiteze Imbere is on a transformative journey.
The YEFFA Program: A Catalyst for Change
The YEFFA program, implemented by Abusol Ltd and ADC Ltd, aims to create dignified work opportunities for young people, particularly women and disadvantaged groups, through the development of inclusive food systems and agricultural value chains.
Since partnering with YEFFA in June 2024, Nadia and her cooperative have undergone a profound transformation. Through a 10-day intensive training focused on poultry management, complemented by a 12-day study tour of successful poultry farms, Twiteze Imbere chair person has acquired crucial skills that have revitalized the cooperative ambitions.
Nadia reflects on this impact: “Our hope has increased. The training opened my eyes to how we can generate income from poultry.”
Remarkable Achievements
The results of the YEFFA program are evident:
Financial Growth: The cooperative’s savings have skyrocketed from 400,000 Rwandan francs to over 3 million Rwandan francs. This remarkable increase reflects not only improved financial management but also newfound confidence in their business acumen.
Project Diversification: In addition to poultry, the cooperative launched a nursery tree project, successfully selling over 40,000 young trees. This initiative, which started with an investment of only 300,000 Rwandan francs, has provided a vital financial boost, contributing significantly to their poultry operations.
Increased Production Goals: With aspirations to expand from 200 to at least 1,000 poultry, the cooperative recognizes that additional funding of about 3 million Rwandan francs is essential. The success of the nursery project is crucial in achieving this goal.
A Vision for the Future
With newfound skills and financial support, Twiteze Imbere is not just surviving; it is thriving. Nadia’s optimism is palpable: “I am very optimistic that this project will help us meet our mission.” The cooperative’s vision extends beyond mere survival—they aim to become a sustainable enterprise that empowers youth and women in the community.
Broader Impact of the YEFFA Program
The success of Twiteze Imbere reflects a broader initiative under the YEFFA program, which aims to train 4,006 youth in best practices for poultry farming. With a target of establishing 190 youth groups, the program is set to create self-employment opportunities, link youth to financial institutions, and significantly increase female participation in the poultry sector.
Employment Opportunities: The program anticipates creating 4,500 work opportunities, with a goal of ensuring that 70% of beneficiaries are women.
Sustainable Growth: By focusing on producing competent actors in modern poultry farming, the YEFFA program is laying the groundwork for a resilient agricultural sector in Rwanda.
Conclusion: A Model of Success
Twiteze Imbere’s journey exemplifies the transformative power of the YEFFA program. Through targeted training, financial support, and access to market opportunities, the cooperative has turned challenges into remarkable achievements. The story of Mukashyaka Nadia and her peers is one of resilience, hope, and empowerment—a testament to what can be accomplished when young people are equipped with the right tools and support.
As they continue to grow, Twiteze Imbere stands as a model of success, inspiring other youth-led initiatives across Rwanda to join in the movement toward sustainable agriculture and economic independence. The future looks bright for this cooperative, and with ongoing support, they are poised to make a lasting impact in their community.
