The HortInvest Project has recorded achievements in horticulture production, exports, and processing. The project constructed 16 demonstration plots that resulted in reaching 27,939 farmers (48.6% women and 15.4% youth) with training on good agricultural practices. In addition, 60 farmer cooperatives were trained on financial literacy. Both activities are expected to increase horticulture domestic production.
The HortInvest invested in the private sector to mobilize investment required to strengthen market systems for the increased horticulture production. Through the investment and innovation funds, the HortInvest project funded 21 companies on business cases (16) and innovation projects (5). These companies will enhance horticultural produce exportation.
In fact, 6 companies are involved in horticulture exports (at international high value markets) while other 15 companies are in production (training on GAP, fruit and vegetable processing, and supplying inputs), feeding those engaged in exports. All IIF supported export companies signed memorandum of understanding with HortInvest supported farmer cooperatives for sourcing their horticulture produce.
Food and nutrition security were not left behind. The project established nutrition action groups (NAG) at 29 villages. NAG are platforms that discuss nutrition status at village level. Furthermore, in collaboration with NAG, the program organized cooking demonstration sessions for monthly community members. Cooking demonstrations provide an opportunity to show how a complete diet is prepared, discuss on what a minimum dietary diversity is as well as the way a household can access a minimum dietary diversity on its own.
The HortInvest’s enabling environment did not limit to village level only. In collaboration with districts’ JADF, the project established horticulture working groups at district level in Karongi and Ngororero. At national level, the project supported operations of the Rwanda Horticulture Working Group (RHWG) and the Rwanda Potato Stakeholder Platform (RPSP); purchased & equipped the NAEB pack house with high quality cooling equipment; and, upgraded a loading bay. The provision of the cooling equipment ensured a continuous cold chain resulting to an export increase from 10 to 50 MT per week, enabling Rwandan exporters meet EU horticulture produce required quality.
© Copyright 2023. All Rights Reserved.
