ABOUT THE MILLENNIUM FELLOWSHIP - CLASS OF 2024
United Nations Academic Impact and MCN are proud to partner on the Millennium Fellowship. This year, 52,000+ young leaders applied to join the Class of 2024 on 6,000+ campuses across 170 nations. 280+ campuses worldwide (just 5%) were selected to host the 4,000+ Millennium Fellows.
UNITED NATIONS ACADEMIC IMPACT AND MCN PROUDLY PRESENT ALINE GIHOZO, A MILLENNIUM FELLOW FOR THE CLASS OF 2024.
University of Rwanda Busogo | Butare, Rwanda | Advancing SDG 1, SDG 2, SDG 13 & UNAI 9
" Driven by a deep commitment to sustainable agriculture, I am excited to be a Millennium Fellow as it will empower me to enhance my impact on local communities through innovative Ideas and leadership skills. The Fellowship will equip me with the skills to scale my efforts in supporting farmers and aligning my work with SDGs. I am eager to collaborate with like-minded peers to create lasting change in Rwanda's agricultural sector. Thank you. "
Millennium Fellowship Project: Community Soil Analysis
The Community Soil Analysis project is a community-focused initiative aimed at transforming agricultural productivity through effective soil health management. With a mission to empower farmers, cooperatives, and companies, the project leverages soil analysis as a key tool to improve crop yields, reduce agricultural losses, and promote environmental conservation. Problem Statement Many farmers face challenges such as declining soil fertility, improper use of fertilizers, and low crop yields. These issues result in significant losses, food insecurity, and environmental degradation. Despite the availability of fertilizers, many farmers lack access to tailored soil information necessary to optimize their farming practices. Objectives
1. Increase Productivity : Conduct soil analyses to provide farmers with actionable insights, enabling the selection of appropriate crops and fertilizers. 2. Reduce Losses : Empower farmers to make data-driven decisions to mitigate risks such as crop failure. 3. Promote Sustainability : Encourage environmentally friendly farming practices by aligning soil management with conservation principles. Activities 1. Soil Testing and Analysis: Provide affordable soil testing services and generate customized reports for farmers. 2. Training and Extension Services: Educate farmers on interpreting soil reports, adopting sustainable practices, and improving crop management techniques. 3. Community Engagement: Conduct field visits, workshops, and Farmer Field School activities to foster collaboration and knowledge sharing among smallholder and large-scale farmers. 4. Partnerships: Work with stakeholders such as Tubura, the Rwanda Agriculture Board, and local cooperatives to ensure resource availability and technical support. Expected Outcomes
1.Increased crop yields by 60% by 2027 and 80% by 2029. 2. Reduction in losses due to soil-related issues. 3.Replanting of fruit trees and adoption of modern agricultural practices. 4.Enhanced environmental conservation through sustainable land use. Future Plans
By 2026, Community Soil Analysis aims to expand its services to all sectors of Rutsiro District and introduce Farmers’ Field School activities across three districts in the Western Province by 2027. It also envisions scaling up operations to the entire Western Province by 2029. Impact
The project is designed to improve the livelihoods of farmers by providing the tools and knowledge necessary for efficient soil and crop management. It also aims to contribute to national goals of food security and environmental conservation, aligning with Rwanda's agricultural transformation agenda.
About the Millennium Fellow
Aline Gihozo is a 24 years old girl live in Rwanda. She is final year student at University of Rwanda in agriculture mechanisation.when she was young she used to cultivate tomatoes in a very small garden, means that agriculture is her passion. In her village farming is their everyday activity. They depends on soil in order to live. With a strong focus on innovation, she has led projects like "Community Soil Analysis " and contributed to the people's award-winning "Precision Crop Preservation with Energy Efficiency" project. Aline is dedicated to advancing sustainable agriculture in Rwanda, volunteering extensively in agricultural extension and business development. Her future aspirations include entrepreneurship in soil analysis and apple cultivation, driven by a commitment to improving crop yields and supporting local farmers.
