Youth discovering agriculture and entrepreneurship with CSP Most cooperatives supported by the Cooperative Support Programme have young members. However, in some cooperatives, one may find quite a high number of young people, while in others just a few. Young members often have specific ambitions and are more interested in Agribusiness than in production. According to the fourth population and housing census in 2012, youth in Rwanda constituted 40% of the resident population in 2012, totaling 4.1 million. Looking at a challenging job market, entering the agriculture, and specifically the agri business sector can be more promising than youth might initially think. Pacifique Mukandayisenga is a young girl from cooperative COPROZOV in Burera District, Northern province. She joined the cooperative in 2008. She witnessed all the changes that occurred in the cooperative. At some point, challenges were so hard that many members were demotivated. But she kept at it, hoping that things would change positively. She is an unmarried mother and has one child. She had to struggle in order to have means to bring up her child. “Being a member of the cooperative helped me very much. I got support from my fellow members and I could get small loans when I was in need”, she said. Another positive thing she learnt is the entrepreneurial spirit. In addition to activities within COPROZOV, Pacifique is now a dressmaker. She is able to make a living now. Being a member of the cooperative was also an opportunity for her to discuss with other young people on how to join efforts for the cooperative and at the same time starting small businesses for themselves, so that they can be independent financially. Firmin Dukuzumuremyi is a young man from cooperative COAPOM in Burera District, Northern province. From the knowledge he got from training sessions organized by CSP, he learnt a lot things. “I have now self confidence because I learnt things that can help me in my life”, he said. “I know for example that saving is very important. This helped me to acquire a motor bike and I am currently running a business of a motor bike taxi driver” he added. Firmin explains that young people in the cooperative are helping so that the organization can increase production and get more revenues. They often discuss amongst youth how they can improve their revenues, while continuing and be a full member of the cooperative. 41
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