Saath-Saath Project

Launched in 2015, the project focuses on enhancing the livelihoods of smallholder farmers, particularly women, in the Eastern Province of Rwanda. The project's primary objective is to increase crop yields, improve market access, and enhance the overall well-being of participating households. The project's methodology involves a combination of farmer training programs, infrastructure development, and market linkage facilitation. Training sessions are conducted by experienced agricultural experts, who educate farmers on sustainable agriculture techniques, including composting, crop rotation, and irrigation management. The project also establishes demonstration plots in participating communities to showcase the effectiveness of these practices. In addition, the project facilitates market linkages by connecting farmers with local buyers, enabling them to sell their produce at competitive prices. Implementation of the project's interventions has yielded significant results. A total of 2,500 farmers received training in sustainable agriculture practices during the first year, with demonstration plots showing yield improvements of 60% when applying the recommended practices. The project's success can be attributed to its community-based approach, which enables farmers to take ownership of their agricultural practices and make informed decisions about their livelihoods. The project's geographic focus is on the Eastern Province of Rwanda, where soil degradation and limited market access are significant challenges. The project's timeframes are not explicitly stated, but the midterm evaluation suggests that the project has been in operation for at least two years. Recommendations for future projects include scaling up the initiative to reach more farmers, strengthening market linkages, and providing ongoing support to participating households to ensure long-term sustainability.