EASTERN PROVINCE, RWANDA – A promising cassava harvest is demonstrating the potential of Zai Pit Technology to improve agricultural productivity and strengthen farmers’ resilience to climate change in Rwanda.

Following the encouraging testimony of Mrs. Gaudence Mukamazimpaka, another cassava farmer in Gatsibo District, Eastern Province Mr. Emmanuel Uwamungu, has reported impressive results after adopting the technology. He harvested 52 kilograms of cassava from a single plant at just 12 months of maturity, demonstrating the potential of improved cassava production practices to increase yields.

With the crop expected to remain in the field for another three months, until it reaches 15 months of maturity, Mr. Uwamungu anticipates harvesting more than 70 kilograms from the same plant.

Reflecting on his experience, Mr. Uwamungu said:

“I am encouraged by the results I am seeing from applying Zai Pit Technology. Harvesting 52 kilograms from a single plant after just 12 months gives me confidence that I can achieve even better results when the crop reaches 15 months.”

His experience follows that of Mrs. Gaudence Mukamazimpaka, whose testimony also highlighted the promising results of adopting Zai Pit Technology in cassava farming. Together, these experiences demonstrate how practical agricultural innovations can contribute to improved production and encourage other farmers to embrace better farming practices.

“Zai Pit Technology is giving us an opportunity to improve the way we grow cassava, conserve water and make better use of our farms. These results encourage us to continue adopting improved agricultural practices,” said Mrs. Mukamazimpaka.

Zai Pit Technology is a water-conservation farming technique that involves preparing planting pits to help capture and retain rainwater and improve soil moisture around crops. This approach can support crop establishment and growth, particularly in areas experiencing irregular rainfall and prolonged dry spells.

For cassava farmers, adopting such climate-smart agricultural practices presents an opportunity to improve production, enhance resilience to changing climatic conditions and contribute to household food security and income generation.

Through the SCORE RWANDA Project, INGABO Farmers’ Association, in collaboration with its partners, continues to document and promote farmer experiences and practical agricultural innovations that contribute to sustainable food production and resilient farming systems.

The experiences of Mr. Uwamungu and Mrs. Mukamazimpaka highlight the importance of promoting appropriate agricultural technologies, strengthening farmers’ knowledge and supporting the adoption of improved practices that respond to farmers’ needs.

As more farmers embrace innovative approaches such as Zai Pit Technology, Rwanda’s cassava sector has opportunities to improve productivity, strengthen climate resilience and contribute to sustainable agricultural development.

Innovation in farming is not just about adopting new techniques; it is about helping farmers produce more, adapt to changing conditions and build more resilient livelihoods.