Voices of Rwandan Farmers and Extension Agents: Digital tools to fight BXW disease

Farmers and Farmer Promoters (local extension agents) in Rwanda have expressed very positive sentiments about digital tools that have been deployed to support banana production
in the Country.

We visited Farmer Promoters and Farmers from the project’s intervention sites and highlighted their perceptions about the digital tool’s performance at a farmer level.

User experience: Testimony from Farmer Promoters and farmers

Muvunyi Jean Nepomuscene, Farmer Promoter from Gitoki Sector, Gatsibo District, Western Province of Rwanda: “I consider these digital tools as my mobile farming advisory. These are great inputs to effectively deliver agricultural extension services to farmers in my village and
its neighboring areas. Thanks to these digital tools, I am currently applying the new and effective practice, the Single Diseased-Stem Removal (SDSR) technique, to fight BXW, hence experiencing a production increase.”

 

Patrice Muhimbabwenge, a farmer from Kinihira Sector, Rulindo District, Northern Province of Rwanda said, “Thanks to agronomic advice from these tools, I have applied the  Single Diseased-Stem Removal technique in my field, and it
helped to eradicate the Banana Xanthomonas Wilt disease in my farm. I would have lost all my banana plants, but now I can save some of them, therefore increase production, and be able to afford my family’s needs including paying health insurance and school fees for my children. I conclude by requesting more trainings for us farmers to deepen our knowledge and adequately navigate through these digital tool

 

Uwingabire Florence, a farmer from Gitoki Sector, Gatsibo District, Eastern Province of Rwanda : ”Through BXW App. I learned best farming practices from this App such as desuckering, and that the banana mat should only have three plants to give it enough space to grow better and yield more, hence produce healthy bunches. Furthermore, I am now aware that we should disinfect tools used in banana farm (machetes, hoes, knives etc..) in fire to avoid spread diseases. Furthermore, thanks to the App, we are now applying the Single Diseased-Stem Removal technique for best banana agronomy and increase
production.

Moreover, I learned that through 845 service, I am able to access the banana agronomic information. I did not know of that service. I used to dial this line to listen to other programs such as reproductive health, folk drama etc… I will also be looking for banana information.”

 

 

Mutuyimana Elisabeth, Farmer Promoter from Kinihira Sector, Rulindo district, Northern Province of Rwanda. “The project offered me a smartphone, in which I have installed and navigate BXW App. After the training, I have skills on how to fight the BXW disease in field by using clean/disinfected tools. In addition, I am sharing all the skills gained with my neighboring farmers