Jacqueline Nabeza, a mother of three from Gahororo Hill in Burundi, had long faced challenges to ensuring her family’s livelihood. Before receiving training from the Soil Fertility Stewardship Project (PAGRIS), her traditional agricultural practices had enabled her to harvest only 100 kg of beans per season – not enough to feed her family and generate a stable income.
Like many other farmers in the region, she had depended on selling in the market, where prices fluctuated, making her situation even more precarious.
When Jacqueline was selected to take part in PAGRIS training courses in 2020, she saw an opportunity to change her situation. However, not everyone shared her enthusiasm. Her husband, deeply rooted in traditional farming methods, rejected the idea of experimenting with new techniques.
But with determination, she applied the project’s lessons on a small plot – and proved their effectiveness.
“When I harvested 80 kg from a small plot, my husband understood that I wasn’t wasting my time. Today, he’s my biggest supporter.”
Jacqueline Nabeza
Jacqueline’s first harvests were a revelation. Thanks to the techniques she learned, such as using contour lines, organic fertilizers, and crop rotation, her production soared. She harvested 80 kg of beans on the small experimental plot alone – compared to previous harvests of 100 kg from her entire farm – then harvested 500 kg in total in 2025. This success has not only ensured her family’s food security but also enabled her to sell surpluses on the market, generating additional income.
“When I harvested 80 kg from a small plot, my husband understood that I wasn’t wasting my time. Today, he’s my biggest supporter,” she commented with pride.
The change in Jacqueline’s life didn’t stop with her family. Her success has inspired other women of Gahororo Hill. By sharing her knowledge, Jacqueline has helped at least five other women adopt these practices and improve their harvests. Her growing leadership has earned her local recognition, and she is now in demand to assist with self-help groups and training courses for farmers.
Given the impact of her experience, Jacqueline has no intention of stopping here: her ambitions include diversifying her crops and helping even more women adopt these modern farming methods. However, to maximize her impact, she stresses the need for better access to quality seeds and ongoing training.
Jacqueline’s story wonderfully illustrates the impact of the PAGRIS project on rural communities. She proves that with determination, sound knowledge, and the right support, farmers can transform their lives, improve food security for their families, and participate in the development of their communities. Today, Jacqueline’s success represents the power of innovation and resilience in agriculture.
PAGRIS is funded by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Burundi and implemented by IFDC, together with Wageningen Environmental Research and national partner Twitezimbere. PAGRIS is set to continue its activities in improving Burundian soil through June 2025.
