When Harerimana was growing up in Nyagatare District of Rwanda, he decided to choose to work for himself rather than wait to find a job. Not only has Harerimana improved his own life through farming, but he has created opportunities for other young people in Nyagatare District by providing them with guidance on how to become self-employed through agriculture sector.
Harerimana creates a large quantity of crops, including maize, beans, tomatoes, and cabbage, as well as beekeeping for honey production. He started his beekeeping in March 2022, with 5 beehives. After graduating from high school in 2021, he could not find work. Instead of giving up, he decided to start his own business, and he found a local beekeeper to teach him about modern beekeeping techniques.
Harerimana began his beekeeping business with very little capital and concentrated on learning how to do things the right way and putting into practice what he had learned. In a short time, his beekeeping business grew, and today he owns 360 beehives and is active in both Nyagatare and Gatsibo districts.
To help him raise the money to invest in his farming venture, Harerimana first took casual jobs to get enough cash to save part of his paychecks. Then he became part of the VIUP program at the sector level, earning 5,000 Rwandan francs per day. After many months of saving, he was able to combine his savings with a small group loan, and then later get a loan of three million Rwandan francs from the sector savings and credit cooperative (SACCO). He used this money to finance his investment in the farming of crops, as well as livestock farming.
He used this money to invest in growing food and raising animals and eventually made around seven million Rwandan Francs. After paying back his loan , he had enough money left over to extend his business.
In 2023, he continued to expand his farming business by adding a large amount of land (10 Hectares) to farm maize and lease an additional three hectares of land for tomato and cabbage production. Harerimana also produces five to six tonnes of well-processed honey each year.
With income generated from agricultural & livestock activities, Harerimana has purchased five hectares of land that is registered in his name.
In addition to growing crops and raising animals, Harerimana has provided job opportunities, specifically aimed at youth. Some of his employees have been able to save part of their income; after working with him for six months, he assists them in purchasing goats. Ten of his employees have benefitted from this program.
Harerimana frequently receives invitations to attend workshops and meetings where he can share his experiences with other young men and women who are interested in agriculture and livestock farming. Many of the youth he speaks with note that he has helped them to launch their own businesses.
Harerimana calls on government to support youth by providing acess to unused public land and affordable loans with low interest rates.
Harerimana’s message to young people is: “With hard work and persistence, you can transform your life through professional farming . Start small, remain focused and don’t give up.”
Written By Jean Bernard MUKUNDENTE