Albert Twiringiyimana, From Struggle to Thriving
Albert Twiringiyimana is the kind of man you notice for his quiet, steady presence. He carries himself with the calm, though bearing the complexion of someone used to long days under the sun and his hands calloused from years of tending soil. In his small Rwandan community, everyone knows him as a hard worker, a man who rises before dawn, shoulders squared, ready to face whatever the day brings. But for most of his life, his determination never seemed to match the results.
Each season followed the same pattern: prepare the land, plant whatever quantity of seed he could afford at the time, hope for more rain and wait. Unfortunately, each harvest brought the same disappointment; his wheat sacks rarely weighed over 150 kilograms which was just enough to feed his family but never enough to sell. There was nothing left over to invest back into the farm, no savings for the future, and no way to break free from the cycle of subsistence. And this was certainly not for lack of hard work because he worked his fields from sunrise to sundown, only that without the right tools, viable seeds, and deeper knowledge, his effort could only go so far.
That began to change when he joined Walisha’s farmer support program. For the first time, Albert had access to high-quality seeds and enough fertilizer to properly nourish his crops. These inputs also came with hands-on training that changed the way he approached farming. He learned how to plant strategically, making the most of every square metre of his land. In the same plot where he once scattered 20 kilograms of seed, he now planted only 12 kilograms and still reaped more than double the yield.
The results were nothing short of transformative. Albert’s next wheat harvest reached almost 500 kilograms; a yield he once thought impossible. He had now brought his family to a more secure food situation, with enough to eat year-round. And for the first time, there was a surplus to take to market for sale! That extra income has changed Albert’s outlook entirely. He can now invest in his farm, improve his living conditions, and provide for his household without the constant weight of scarcity pressing on his shoulders. Albert can now plan ahead to acquire things for himself, which marks a powerful transformation in his life.
Today, Albert speaks with quiet pride about his progress, but also with determination. He dreams of expanding his farm, increasing his yields further, and securing an even better future for his family. From struggling to thriving, Albert’s journey shows what happens when potential meets opportunity. And you can give another farmer the same opportunity by supporting Walisha’s efforts.
Adopt a farmer today by sending in a $99 one time donation or $9.95/monthly, to support another farmer just like Albert and be part of building sustainable agriculture in Rwanda.
Make it happen here.