Cibitoke : a widow rewarded for her exemplary commitment to modern agriculture

In Cibitoke province, a 56-year-old widow stands out as an exception. Thanks to modern agricultural techniques, Nadine Kubwimana rose to the challenge of self-sufficiency after the loss of her husband. Her inspiring journey earned her official recognition and is now admired by an entire community.

INFO SOS Médias Burundi

At the age of 56 years, Nadine Kubwimana, a mother of eight and widowed for over twenty years, has established herself as a figure of resilience and innovation in the district of Rugombo, Cibitoke province (northwestern Burundi). Her exceptional commitment to modern agriculture earned her an honorary distinction from the Association of Women Engaged in the Agricultural Sector.

Originally from Kagazi village, Nadine transformed the painful experience of losing her husband into a driving force for change. Thanks to advanced agricultural practices, including irrigation and the judicious use of modern inputs, she now grows corn and rice on high-yield fields. Her efforts have paid off: the income from her harvests has allowed her to finance the university education of four of her children, while the others continue their education in good conditions.

In recognition of her inspiring journey, she received a prize consisting of bags of agricultural inputs and two million Burundi francs. During the official presentation, the president of the Association praised her as “an exemplary and courageous woman,” a true symbol of ingenuity and perseverance in an often difficult environment for rural women.

In addition to her agricultural activities, Nadine also runs a business selling second-hand clothes, kitchen utensils, and household items at the local market in Rugombo. This diversification demonstrates her entrepreneurial spirit and her determination to ensure her family’s independence.

Benefiting from her experience, she encourages other widows to escape isolation and poverty: “I invite my fellow widows to unite within development associations, to turn away from begging, and to fight for a dignified life,” she declared.

Attendant at the award ceremony on Friday, April 18, the Rugombo Zone Chief praised Nadine Kubwimana’s “bravery” and urged the local widows to follow this inspiring example. He also emphasized the crucial role these women can play in the education and care of their children.

A message of hope in a region where the empowerment of rural women remains more than ever a major challenge.