Edouard Nyandwi, a 34-year-old entrepreneur based in Busoni, Kirundo, Burundi, has transitioned from subsistence labor to local business development. Born in 1992 as the seventh of nine children, Nyandwi began his working life in agriculture, earning 300 FBu per day. Nyandwi recalled his early efforts, stating, "J’ai commencé l’école en achetant moi-même mes cahiers. Je travaillais dans les champs des autres pour gagner de l’argent et acheter le matériel scolaire dont j’avais besoin." Reflecting on the growth of his enterprise, he said, "Je voyais que mon commerce marchait bien, mais qu’il profitait surtout à moi et à ma famille. Je me suis demandé comment je pouvais aussi être utile aux autres habitants." These efforts established the foundation for his current impact within the community.
Investing in Agricultural Potential
Edouard Nyandwi sold his vehicle and boutique in 2020 to acquire agricultural land located on the shores of Lake Cohoha. This capital reallocation allowed him to move from retail commerce into large-scale cultivation.
His farm now employs specialized infrastructure to manage crop production throughout the year. The operation utilizes motopumps to extract water from the lake, supplying over twelve storage basins constructed across the property. These basins hold sufficient reserves to irrigate crops effectively during the dry season. By integrating mechanical pumping with localized water storage, the facility maintains consistent output despite seasonal rainfall fluctuations in the Busoni region.
Harvesting Success and Revenue
Edouard Nyandwi manages agricultural output on his property that includes 50 to 60 tonnes of onions annually. Production figures for other crops cultivated on the site reach 30 tonnes of tomatoes, 30 tonnes of maize, and 20 tonnes of beans. These harvests contribute to the overall commercial viability of the farm operations located in Busoni. Revenue generated from the onion harvests alone can reach 150 million Burundian francs. This income reflects the scale of the cultivation efforts established by Edouard Nyandwi since he transitioned his capital into land near Lake Cohoha. These financial returns from the onion yields represent a significant portion of the total earnings produced by the farm throughout the agricultural cycle.
Creating Jobs for Community
The farm managed by Edouard Nyandwi provides employment for more than 100 people. This workforce includes 50 individuals who work during the day, while another 50 staff members reside on the property.
All employees at the site receive a monthly salary exceeding 100,000 FBu. These positions represent a consistent source of income for the workers involved in the agricultural operations located in Busoni. By maintaining this staffing level, the farm supports local labor needs throughout the year. The structure of the workforce and the compensation provided serve as the primary means for community engagement within the agricultural project established by Edouard Nyandwi near Lake Cohoha.