Resource 2: A comparison of Mushenyi and Ruhango

Mushenyi

Mushenyi village lies about 4 km from the Kigali–Nyagatare expressway in Eastern Province of Rwanda. Besides receiving sufficient and reliable rains throughout the year, the village is well served by natural springs.

The residents of Mushenyi village are mostly mixed farmers. They grow a variety of crops including maize, sweet potatoes, bananas and vegetables like onions, tomatoes, lettuce, etc. They also raise cattle, poultry, goats and other small livestock.

In spite of being endowed with abundant natural resources, the residents of Mushenyi have a very low standard of living. They receive low prices for their agricultural products.

Ruhango

Ruhango is a trading post on the Kigali–Butare main road. Because it is on a main commercial transport route, the residents were able, historically, to develop strong trading contacts with the major towns. They have also built networks among truck drivers and other transporters, which enable them to move goods cheaply.

The residents of Ruhango are mostly traders. They buy cheaply agricultural products, poultry and goats from surrounding rural villages and are able to sell them dearly in major urban areas like Butare, Nyanza, Gitarama and Kigali

As a result, the residents of Ruhango enjoy higher standards of living compared to people in surrounding villages. Ruhango has social amenities, including dispensaries, schools and piped water.