John Mujyarugamba is a name synonymous with agricultural innovation in Nyagatare District and is more than just a farmer. He’s visionary, a community pillar, and a testament to the transformative power of perseverance.
His journey started after returning to his motherland following the liberation of the country and fell in love with Nyagatare, at the time the region had barely nothing but a big farming potential.
His success in farming ignited business ideas and he established Mujyarugamba Business and Trading Company (MBTC). His entrepreneurial story spurns into farming, hospitality and service sector.
MBTC operates a popular motel an restaurant in the centre of Nyagatare city. Traveling to Nyagatare, very few people can miss the popular restaurant with delicious African dishes.
Mujyarugamba believes in the district’s potential, his ambitions extend far beyond hospitality and is a firm believer in the power of agriculture to drive economic growth and social well-being.
His love for cattle farming runs deep, stemming from his family’s generations-old tradition. He sees livestock not just as a source of livelihood, but a key player in the ecosystem. From providing milk or meat for consumption, manure as fertilizers, hides and horns for fashion design, every part holds value.
“Cattle means wealth,” he observes, “if you take care of your livestock farm properly. It’s like any other investment which can earn you good proceeds.”
The Rwandan government recognizes the crucial role of individual farmers in development, Mujyarugamba is a living example. He owns a thriving farm in Tabagwe of Nyagatare District, selling milk, growing crops like maize and rice as well as animal feeds.
Macadamia, a high value crop known for its delicious flovour and nutritional value is among the crops Mujyarugamba grows on 2ha.
His banana plantation further diversifies his agricultural portfolio and the journey is far from over. He has come a long way, and his dreams remain ambitious.
Referring to his own ongoing farm expansion, he is building a silo to facilitate storage of hay, an expensive venture estimated at over Rwf 32million and is growing fodder on 5 hector piece of land.
The livestock farm is also undergoing construction of kraal that can accommodate at least 200 heads of cattle, at a cost of over Rwf 68 million, an already costly venture that will also require more investment into machinery.
Mujyarugamba’s commitment extends beyond his own farm. He employs over 50 workers, who grow, chop the fodder, feed the cattle and provides them with a steady income thus contributing to the local economy.
However, there are challenges inherent in farming, the high cost of agricultural inputs, access to stable markets, storage or paddock construction, requires significant investments.
As a suggestion, he believes more government intervention can provide much-needed support to farmers like him, who are crucial partners in food security and economic development.
But challenges never deter Mujyarugamba, “I plan to expand my agricultural ventures to create more jobs, and to continue playing a key role in Nyagatare’s development.”
In collaboration with other farmers, they work closely with the local authorities to ensure development and support communities. MBTC has contributed in uplifting vulnerable communities such as support to building of houses or contributions to medical insurance schemes.
Mujyarugamba is not just an entrepreneur but a model farmer, a symbol of hope and progress, paving the way for a brighter future of his community and the nation in general.
