The importance of follow up to achieve high adoption- experiences from Kiramutse and Bugesera in improving food security

Session: Farmer to farmer follow up is playing a complementary role to formal extension services in facilitating the spread of agriculture technologies and the improvement of food security across rural village, Kiramutse, Southern Province of Rwanda. This session will discuss the importance of follow up to achieve high adoption. Consistently following up with farmers who have received agriculture training reveals the successes and challenges they are experiencing. It also allows guidance to correct for any procedures not being followed or to identify areas that may be unique to a family’s situation. Lastly, consistent, humble and loving follow-up communicates to the farmer that has value and dignity. This encouragement can show that she/he is capable of changing the health of her family in a dramatic way.

Innocent Sibomana is a masters’ candidate in International Development Studies with a bachelor’s degree in Rural Development from University of Lay Adventists of Kigali (UNILAK) and an advanced Diploma in Agriculture from Former Higher Institute of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry (ISAE-Busogo), recently College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine in University of Rwanda. He is well motivated & a consistent development professional with over 5 years’ experience in small holder farmers, cooperative management, agroforestry and environmental conservation, Village Saving and Loans(VSLA) methodology working with community based organizations (CBOs),faith based organization(FBOs).He is currently working with Mbyo and Ntarama Communities, Eastern Province, Bugesera District as an agriculture technician. Jean De Dieu Dushimimana holds a bachelor’s degree in Agriculture from the University of Rwanda. He worked in agriculture and community development in Rwandan rural areas for 4 years. He is currently working as community development officer of Kiramutse community, Southern Province of Rwanda.