Meet Kwizera Bosco, a farmer and fisherman from Nyamasheke District, Gihombo sector in Tare cell, married to Nyirambangukira Janette and they have 4 children. Before the Joint Program on Rural Women’s Economic Empowerment (JPRWEE) initiative reached his community, Bosco struggled with traditional farming methods, financial instability, and a lack of knowledge about nutrition. These challenges left his family vulnerable to poverty and malnutrition. With a family of five depending on him, Bosco’s small piece of land was both a source of hope and frustration. Everything changed when he participated in the Gender Action Learning System (GALS) training.
Before getting GALS trainings Bosco faced numerous challenges:
- Low Agricultural Productivity:
Traditional farming methods and mixed cropping of coffee plants with cassava beans and soya resulted in low productivity, leaving Bosco unable to sustain his family or generate income. - Poor Nutrition:
Bosco’s lack of knowledge about crop diversity and balanced diets led to health issues in his family. His wife, Janette, was unaware of how to combat malnutrition or prepare nutritious meals containing proteins, carbohydrates, and vitamins. - Financial Struggles:
Without structured financial planning or savings, any income earned was used inefficiently. Bosco also restricted his wife’s access to family finances, creating further financial strain and it was hard for him to renovate his family house. - Gender Inequality:
Influenced by cultural norms, Bosco side-lined his wife’s ideas and contributions, leading to conflicts and limiting their potential to work as a team. - Fear of Joining Cooperatives:
Bosco did not understand the benefits of joining cooperatives or groups, which could have provided him with additional support and resources.
The GALS training introduced Bosco to transformative tools, particularly the Balance tree and diamond dream, which:
- Helped him recognize his wife’s equal rights to family assets and finances.
- Understanding his wife preferences and good relationship.
- Encouraged shared decision-making on family matters and finances.
- Emphasized the power of communication and collaboration within the household.
Additional Influences
Bosco’s mindset also shifted by observing other beneficiaries who shared their success stories. These interactions inspired him to embrace new ideas and apply the knowledge gained to his farming and family life. As now he was able to renovate his family house and it is now about to be done successfully.
Results and Changes
- Financial Empowerment:
Bosco and Janette learned the importance of saving and budgeting. They formed a small savings group with other farmers, which allowed them to invest in better farming tools, pay school fees, and renovate their house without incurring debt. - Modern Farming Techniques:
Bosco adopted modern farming methods, focusing on coffee plantations to boost productivity. He also implemented soil conservation techniques and composting to enhance soil fertility. - Gender Equality:
Shared decision-making with his wife strengthened their relationship and created a harmonious household. - Community Leadership:
Inspired by his success Bosco became a peer educator, training two other farmers in GALS techniques and becoming a role model in his community. - Sustainability:
Bosco’s farm became a model for sustainable agriculture, motivating his neighbors to adopt similar practices.
Future Plans
- Expand Coffee Plantations: To generate more income for his children’s education and family needs.
- Purchase a Cow: To provide milk for his children, combating malnutrition and improving their overall health.
- Community Sensitization: Bosco plans to encourage more community members to participate in GALS training, sharing its benefits widely.
Today, Bosco and his family are among the happiest in Tare Cell. Through GALS training, Bosco transformed not only his own life but also that of his family they bought a goat and one pig. The program equipped him with practical skills and reshaped his mind set, enabling him to embrace gender equality and sustainable development. Bosco’s story stands as a beacon of hope for countless other farmers seeking to break free from poverty and build a brighter future.
