KOTINGOZA was formed in 2007 after bringing together three cooperatives that were growing different crops with the main goal of fighting hunger.

Farmers that were previously using traditional farming methods for the past 13 years were usually hit hard by droughts.

In early 2020, the Rotary Club of Kigali Mont Jali donated three modern irrigation machines to KOTINGOZA.

The Rotary clubs bring together people with a heart to help solve the world’s problems, fight ignorance and poverty, improve access to clean water, resolve conflicts, fight epidemics and eradicate rabies through vaccination, and to help those in need.

Gérard Handika, the president of Rotary Club Kigali Mont Jali told IGIHE that they assisted KOTINGOZA Cooperative through a project to support farmers’ cooperatives known as Africa Development Promise (ADP).

“We chose this cooperative because it has a clear growth purpose. This is part of the Rotary programs among which is included rural development and child and maternal health care, more so in this case since the majority of this cooperative members are women (68%). The method they were using for watering was archaic and difficult. With the machines provided to them, they will be able to increase their productivity with less hardship,” he said

Handika urged them to continue to work together and develop broad and practical projects.

The irrigation machines that were provided by the District 9150 through Rotary Club Kigali Mont Jali to KOTINGOZA, have a value of $ 3,000, equivalent to about Rwf 2.8 million.

Rotary Club Kigali Mont Jali was founded in 1999, with more than 20 members. It is one of the six in Rwanda including Musanze, Kigali Virunga, Kigali Doyen, Gasabo and Butare.

KOTINGOZA’s activities are monitored by the ADP and they are also in charge of training the members on how to use the irrigation machines.

Parfaite Mukeshimana, ADP coordinator said that 15 farmers were initially trained; they will be helping others to use the machine.

“We help farmers by providing them with training and irrigation equipment. Once we get to the field and do needs assessment, we make a report and start looking for people who can help them,’’ she said

ADP started its operations in Rwanda in 2014, working with five women farmers’ cooperatives in Bugesera.

Farmers that were previously using traditional farming methods for the past 13 years were usually hit hard by droughts.

The Rotary Club of Kigali Mont Jali donated three modern irrigation machines to KOTINGOZA.

Gérard Handika, the president of Rotary Club Kigali Mont Jali said that they assisted KOTINGOZA Cooperative through a project to support farmers' cooperatives .

Parfaite Mukeshimana, ADP coordinator said that 15 farmers were initially trained; they will be helping others to use the machine