A former Kenyan government official remarks on Rwanda’s progress in leveraging technology to improve agricultural productivity. The introduction of the East African Commodities Exchange (EAX) allows farmers access to trade and financing through use of electronic warehousing receipts. Farmers have greater access to markets, and postharvest losses are reported to have decreased by 5%. http://www.businessdailyafrica.com/Opinion+and+Analysis/Agriculture+needs+technological+solutions/-/539548/1971484/-/a7ohef/-/index.html
Rwanda: MINAGRI Launches A New Grain Storage System
The Purdue Improved Crop Storage (PICS) system is being piloted in 448 cooperatives across Rwanda in efforts to reduce losses and the use of chemicals in storage. http://allafrica.com/stories/201306170039.html
Rwanda: Minagri Registers Reduction in Post-Harvest Losses
The Rwanda Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources recognizes the need for proper postharvest management to minimize loss and maintain production levels. A task force has worked since 2010 to reduce loss of maize to a maximum of 5%, with losses currently declining from 30% in 2009 to 18.5% last year. http://allafrica.com/stories/201302190148.html
Rwanda: Minicom Releases New Instructions On Rice Processing and Trading
Rwanda’s Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) released new instructions for rice processing that formalizes national supply chain processes and linkages. The instructions mandate that only farmer cooperatives be allowed to sell and distribute rice to registered rice processing plants authorized by the MTI. http://allafrica.com/stories/201211060048.html
UCORIBU: A Success Story of Strengthening Food Security by Reducing Post Harvest Losses
UCORIBU: A Success Story of Strengthening Food Security by Reducing Post Harvest Losses discusses the impact of the USAID joint Post Harvest Handling and Storage Project on smallholder farmers. http://youtu.be/TumFF1CRmMQ
Rwanda: G8 to Help 50 Million Africans Out of Poverty
The recent G8 meeting resulted in pledges of promotions for investments in Food Security and Nutrition as a means to lift millions of Africans out of poverty. “The Rome Principle highlighted the need to invest in comprehensive country-led food security and agriculture development plans, also known as Country Investment Plans (CIPs).” The USA has been […]
Israel, U.S. Pledge to Expand Agricultural Cooperation in Africa
Israel and the United States have pledged to expand agricultural cooperation in Africa, focusing on Ethiopia, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Uganda. Both Israel’s Agency for International Development Cooperation and USAID will be working on reducing PHL, irrigation issues, productivity, and applying R&D results. http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/israel-u-s-pledge-to-expand-agricultural-cooperation-in-africa-1.425587
Group Storage to Earn More from Maize
Rwandan maize farmers are benefiting from a system called warrantage, which allows them to earn double the normal price offered by traders at harvest. Farmers deposit their maize in a group storage shed and can receive 60% of the crop’s value as a low-interest loan. A local bank has partnered with the group and helps to […]
Market Sought for Surplus 500,000 Tons of Maize, Beans
As a result of various government programs in irrigation, mechanization, land use consolidation, and use of improved seeds and fertilizers, Rwanda now has a large surplus of maize and beans. The Minister of Agriculture and Animal Resources reported a projected surplus of 300,000 tons of maize and 200,000 tons of beans this year. To cope, […]
Rwanda: Isae-Busogo Partners With Districts to Transform Agriculture
Rwandan universities are partnering with provinces to conduct agricultural research. The Higher Institute of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry is working with the Northern Province farmers to minimize PHL and increase productivity. This movement marks a shift in thinking for Rwandan intellectuals and the local population as they strive to find ‘home-grown’ solutions. http://allafrica.com/stories/201201162166.html