Gatsibo Rice Farmers Invest Over Rwf3.1 Billion in Community Development Projects

GATSIBO, Rwanda, July 4, 2026 - A rice farmers' cooperative in Gatsibo District has invested more than Rwf3.1 billion in community development projects, including a hotel, a farmers' supply store, healthcare services, and social welfare programs, as Rwanda marked the 32nd anniversary of Liberation Day. The investments were highlighted during Liberation Day celebrations, which also featured the inauguration of new facilities developed by the Coproriz Ntende cooperative, including a building valued at Rwf450 million and a farmers' store worth more than Rwf200 million. According to the cooperative, the investments extend beyond agriculture to include poultry farming, education support for members' children, development loans, daycare centers near rice fields, a pharmacy, and retirement assistance for elderly farmers. Cooperative members said the initiatives have improved access to affordable farm inputs, medicines, housing, and financial services, contributing to higher living standards. Officials praised the cooperative as a model of farmer-led economic development and encouraged other cooperatives to adopt similar approaches to reducing poverty and creating sustainable income opportunities. Founded in 2003, Coproriz Ntende now has more than 3,700 members cultivating approximately 900 hectares of rice across Gatsibo and neighboring Kayonza districts.