Observations from Rwanda: October 16, 2022

The campus of the Rwanda Institute for Conservation Agriculture (RICA) in the background, looking across Lake Kilimbi from the road leading to Kayovu, the village across the lake. September marked the first time that RICA was at capacity for students, with approximately 250 students on campus. September 12 was the first day of classes for the 2022-2023 academic year. This photo was taken September 25, 2022.
RICA students and staff spent Umuganda Saturday in September (day of community service) picking up trash along RICA roads and helping with construction in the neighboring village of Kayovu. Here RICA students and staff help make mud bricks for house construction. September 24, 2022.
These kids helped pick up trash during Umuganda in Kayovu, then wanted their picture taken afterward. September 24, 2022.
Incoming RICA students during orientation on campus. August 31, 2022.
Some of RICA’s faculty following the Matriculation Ceremony for incoming students. September 9, 2022.
Newly planted maize plants emerging on one of RICA’s center pivot-irrigated fields for Season A, which will be harvested in January. September 17, 2022.
A RICA staff member working in the shop. September 28, 2022.
Dr. Chane, RICA’s biology lecturer, explaining the process of completing a lab notebook to 1st year students. September 22, 2022.
A family heads to the field on the road past RICA fields. September 17, 2022.
Casual laborers (hired by the day) weed one of RICA’s maize fields. October 6, 2022.
RICA 1st year students, with faculty direction, harvest maize planted by students in Practical Farming class last term. September 28, 2022.
A Marabou Stork in one of RICA’s fields. This is a very large bird, standing about 5 ft tall. September 30, 2022.
Watering RICA’s latest maize crop. October 2, 2022.
Scarecrow in a field of watermelon across Lake Gaharwa from RICA. October 15, 2022.
Second-year students, along with Crispin Kabeja, RICA Precision Agriculture Lecturer, grid soil sample a field using GPS receivers. October 6, 2022.
RICA’s mostly complete central campus, taken from a center pivot-irrigated maize field looking east. October 15, 2022.

2 thoughts on “Observations from Rwanda: October 16, 2022”

  1. I enjoy seeing the progress of RICA. Your efforts have certainly provided many with a worthwhile education and many with an income through the building of the community and day to day operations.
    Proud to call you a friend!!

    Like

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