As we celebrate Women’s Month this March, we reflect on how the NICE project has championed women in the communities it serves. Through its transformative initiatives in the Rubavu and Rusizi districts, the NICE project has made significant strides in advancing nutrition, sustainable agriculture, health and community development. These efforts have enabled families to enjoy food security with quality, improved health and economic stability. This year’s theme, “Women are Valuable,” highlights the vital role that women play in their families and communities.
The International Women’s Day was celebrated by providing children with nutritious meals that include eggs in Rusizi and Rubavu cities
One among keys focus of the NICE project has been to support mothers of malnourished children. Smart Food Tips sessions and cooking demonstrations equip them respectively by theoretical and with practical skills to prepare nutritious and affordable meals using locally sourced ingredients. Nutritious options such as fish, eggs, passion fruits and vegetables are made available through farmers’ markets at reasonable prices., women to take care of their families’ health and well-being.
“The cooking demonstration organized by NICE is a fantastic initiative. It not only teaches us how to prepare healthy and affordable meals, but it also significantly improves the nutrition and health of our children,” said Mukashema Liliane, a mother from Rusizi.
Liliane Mukashema feeding her child porridge enriched with eggs prepared during a cooking demonstration
In sustainable agriculture, the NICE project trains farmers on agroecology practices such as improving soil, health, using organic fertilizers and implementing effective soil, inputs and crop management. These methods enhance yields and protect the environment, allowing families to produce healthier food.
“Before the NICE project, our farming was unorganized. The project provided training on organic fertilizer production, planting techniques to prevent soil erosion and intercropping, which improved soil quality and increased our yields. This valuable knowledge has been shared with others, leading to more environmentally friendly farming practices. By adopting methods such as planting in rows and producing bio-organic fertilizer, our harvests have improved and it is better for our land,” shared Nyirabarekezi Chantal, a farmer in Rubavu district.
Chantal Nyirabarekezi expressing her joy over the cabbage harvest after applying the organic fertilizer techniques taught by the NICE project
Small grants provided by the NICE project empower women’s groups to initiate projects such as selling of fruits and vegetables, poultry farming, fishing and crop cultivation, creating sustainable sources of income. These grants have enabled women to improve their livelihoods and provide nutritious meals for their children and entire families.
In the Nyakiriba sector, Rubavu district, the NICE project’s washing facility has transformed local food hygiene. Aline Gloria Ishimwe, a farmer and vegetable seller, testified: “Before, we washed vegetables in running water or on the ground, which affected their quality. Today, with the NICE facility, our carrots are cleaned, our customers are satisfied and our income has improved.”
Aline Gloria Ishimwe, a farmer and vegetable vendor, standing near the demonstration farm in Rubavu
NICE has initiated programs like the Farmers’ Hub, which provides trainings and networking opportunities to promote sustainable practices. Farmers are leveraging this platform to grow as a community by enhancing their knowledge and resources.
By recognizing and valuing the contributions of women, the NICE project is actively contributing to reducing of malnutrition, promoting healthier communities and building a sustainable future for families in the Rubavu and Rusizi districts.