By Jean de Dieu Ndayisaba.
Gatare Tea Company, located in Karambi Sector of Nyamasheke District, joined tea farmers from Karambi and Cyato sectors to celebrate their annual tea farmers’ day, an event marked by recognition of outstanding farmers and distribution of various incentives aimed at boosting productivity.
Early childhood center improves working conditions for tea pluckers
The celebration began with a visit to an early childhood development centre (ECD) built by the factory for tea pluckers who previously struggled to work while carrying their young children to the fields. The facility now provides free childcare, allowing parents to work with peace of mind and improved efficiency.
Tuyishime Liliane from Cyato testified that before the center was built, the heat and harsh field conditions made it difficult to work while caring for infants.
“It was hard to pluck tea while looking after a child under the scorching sun. We often failed to meet our daily targets,” she said.
Gatoya Monique added that the ECD has significantly increased their productivity.
“I used to pluck 15 to 20 kilograms a day, but now that my child is safe, fed, and resting, I can reach 30 to 40 kilograms,” she noted.
Farmers Share Success Stories
Nzabonimpa Celestin, a farmer from Karambi who began cultivating tea in 2013, said the establishment of Gatare tea factory has transformed his life.
“Tea has uplifted me. I built a house, bought livestock, and acquired more land. all of this is thanks to tea farming,” he said.
Outstanding Farmers Rewarded
During the event, top-performing farmers were rewarded with cows, goats, mattresses, and fabrics (ibitenge). According to Joseph Barayagwiza, Managing Director of Gatare Tea Company, the rewards aim to motivate farmers and strengthen the partnership between them and the company.
“When a farmer sees his peer rewarded for excellent field management and high-quality yields, he becomes motivated to improve as well. Higher productivity benefits the farmer financially and improves the factory’s output,” Barayagwiza explained.
He highlighted the positive impact of the ECD center, noting that some farmers who previously harvested 8–10 kg per day now harvest triple the amount.
“This directly increases the income they take home, and their satisfaction translates into better overall production for the factory,” he added.
Local Government Commends Socio-Economic Impact
Nyamasheke district officials praised the factory for transforming livelihoods in Karambi and Cyato sectors. According to Muhayeyezu Joseph Desire, vice mayor in charge of economic development, job creation has drastically reduced rural migration.
“This area used to have high levels of poverty, with residents moving to Kanjongo or Kagano for casual labor. Today, more than 5,000 people earn a living through tea farming and related activities. This has even boosted compliance with government programs such as Ejo Heza,” he said.
Growing Production Capacity
Gatare Tea Factory began operations in 2017 and found local farmers struggling to deliver their produce to Gisovu Tea Factory in Karongi due to long distances and poor transportation, which often damaged tea leaves. Today, Gatare Tea Company processes up to 55 tonnes per day, significantly improving efficiency and farmer incomes.
Rwanda Mountain Tea, the company’s parent institution, reported that its initiative to build childcare centers across all nine of its factories has enabled more than 400children to receive free daily care while their parents work in the fields. an effort they plan to continue expanding.
