By Doreen Karungi
Rwamagana, October 29, 2025-The Korea International Cooperation Agency in collaboration with Merry Year International celebrated the successful completion of a three-year undertaking that has transformed the lives of vulnerable farmers in Rwamagana District, turning once-barren land into thriving fields of opportunity.
Officially celebrated in a well-attended ceremony involving government officials, development partners, and the community, the “Project for Poverty Alleviation and Self-Reliance of the Rural Vulnerable in Rwanda” will run from 2023 to 2025.
The Executive Director of Merry Year International in Korea, Mr. Heechan Roh, was happy with the strong partnership between the Government of Rwanda, the Government of Korea, and local partners in executing a project that transformed the lives of vulnerable farmers in Rwamagana District.
The project, which targets rural household involvement in enhancing self-reliance and poverty reduction, has achieved remarkable results: increasing agricultural productivity, improving essential infrastructure, and strengthening local farmers’ cooperatives.
Mr. Roh said the effort had illustrated a powerful truth: that sustainable change can be realized when people come together around a common vision and mutual respect.
He further emphasized how the knowledge and capacity built through this project would continue to be useful for future generations.
He concluded by expressing thanks to all partners and community members who made the journey possible, saying the ultimate mark of success is not in statistics or reports but in the long-lasting difference it makes in people’s lives.
KOICA Rwanda Country Director, Jinhwa Kim, was pleased by the remarkable progress made by farmers under the COOPALEG Cooperative in Gahengeri Sector, Rwamagana District, following the successful completion of a rural development project.
Launched in March 2023, the project sought to help vulnerable households, especially women, realize sustainable livelihoods. The once-barren fields were transformed into productive farmlands, and local farmers were empowered with modern agricultural skills. The project equipped 153 farmers with improved seeds, fertilizers, and greenhouse technology, doubling community income from 7.2 million to 22.2 million Rwandan francs.
The cooperative’s farmland also expanded from 4.8 hectares to 8 hectares through collaboration with the local authorities.
Jinhwa Kim praised the strong women’s leadership of the cooperative, saying, “sustainable development begins with strong women.” She further lauded the initiative as a model for a market-oriented and inclusive agriculture driven by cooperation and self-reliance.
She urged farmers to continue this spirit of unity and working hard, reiterating that “agriculture remains the backbone of Rwanda’s economy, and model farmers like you are building the nation’s future.”
Ochul Kwon, Country Director of Merry Year International in Rwanda praised the commitment of the community. “Do you remember what this land looked like three years ago?” Kwon asked. “It was dry and lifeless.
Today, it is green and fruitful because farmers believed in their own power to stand up. Our vision was to help them realize they could become professionals in agriculture and they have achieved it.”
He further acknowledged partnerships like Proxifresh, Pride Farm, Triple S, and Fisher Globe that have provided market access, while celebrating COOPALEG’s transformation from traditional subsistence farming to organized agribusiness.
Speaking on behalf of the local administration, Richard Kagabo, Vice Mayor in charge of Economic Development for Rwamagana District, praised the tangible impacts from the program. “Such support from the Korean government and its NGO partner has brought real change to our farmers,” Kagabo said. “I have seen how land that was once barren now bears fruits of hope. The District commits to continue supporting COOPALEG so that such progress shall endure.”
As a symbolic gesture of compassion, MYI, KOICA and Coopaleg were jointly donating RWF 1.8 million to help the most vulnerable families in Gahengeri Sector pay for Mutuelle de Santé, excluding Coopaleg members, in a manner that reinforces community solidarity in development.
Cleophas Rugwizangoga, President of the COOPALEG Cooperative, promised to take the lead of project operations and advance the legacy of the project: “In the past, we worried about getting through each day,” he said. “Now we plan, cultivate and sell our own crops for a stable income. We will make COOPALEG the best cooperative in Rwanda with the knowledge and tools we have gained.”
Among the members of the cooperative who shared success stories was Mutimukeye Marie Jeanne, a mother of seven who is the finance manager at COOPALEG. “Before, I had nothing. I was renting and struggling to feed my family,” she said. “Through the training and saving lessons from KOICA and Merry Year International, I now have my own house and have even started a small business. My dream is to help others the same way they helped me.”
The KOICA and Merry Year International project in Rwamagana proved that true change grows from partnership and empowerment. Once-barren fields now thrive, and local farmers especially women stand stronger, ready to shape a future of self-reliance and hope.
