At the 18th Rwanda Agriculture Show, themed “Leveraging Innovation and Investment: Building Resilient and Sustainable Agri-Food Systems,” the INGABO FARMERS’ SYNDICATE proudly emerged as a standout participant, clinching a prestigious trophy that underscored their commitment to sustainable farming, innovation, and grassroots empowerment.
This annual national event, organized by the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources (MINAGRI), is a platform that brings together agricultural cooperatives, researchers, private sector players, and development partners to showcase advancements, share knowledge, and promote investment in Rwanda’s agri-food systems. For INGABO, this year’s exhibition marked not just participation, but a significant moment of national recognition for years of relentless work and visionary leadership.
A Decade of Dedication Bearing Fruit
Founded over two decades ago, the INGABO FARMERS’ SYNDICATE is a network of farmers dedicated to improving agricultural productivity, promoting agroecology, and creating economic opportunities for smallholder farmers across Rwanda. What began as a grassroots movement has grown into a model of resilience and innovation, bringing together thousands of farmers under one unified voice.
Their participation in the 2025 Agriculture Show was carefully curated to reflect this transformation. Visitors to the Ingabo stand were greeted with an engaging display of climate-smart farming practices, organic produce, digital farmer services, and innovative post-harvest technologies. One key feature was their presentation of ZAI PIT TECHNOLOGY that has come as an innovative solution inn boosting cassava productivity, a technology now being scaled across member cooperatives.
Innovation Rooted in Farmer Realities
What set the INGABO exhibit apart was not just the technology, but how these innovations were rooted in real farmer experiences. For instance adapting to climate change. Demonstrations of agroecological intercropping techniques, developed through farmer field schools, offered practical solutions to issues like soil degradation and pest control without harmful chemicals.
The syndicate also showcased its digital information platform, which links thousands of farmers to weather forecasts, market prices, and agronomic advice in real time. This platform is a game-changer for remote communities and a testament to how rural innovation can be both high-tech and accessible.
Empowering the Next Generation of Farmers
The success at the show also stemmed from Ingabo’s strong focus on youth and women inclusion. Young agripreneurs within the syndicate demonstrated their value-added products and explained how training and through Ingabo has transformed their livelihoods. The judges were particularly impressed by the integrated approach to agri-business incubation and rural job creation.
One young female entrepreneur, a cooperative leader from MBUYE Sector, Ruhango District, Southern Province named Alexia MUKAMUSONI shared how joining Ingabo allowed her to scale her cassava production and gain certification for seed multiplication Stories like hers gave life to the syndicate’s motto: “Farming with dignity, led by innovation.”
Recognition and Impact
Winning the trophy at the 18th Rwanda Agriculture Show was not just a symbol of excellence—it was validation of the inclusive, sustainable, and forward-thinking model that Ingabo represents. The award was presented by senior officials from MINAGRI and Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB), who commended the syndicate’s tangible impact on rural livelihoods and their role in advancing Rwanda’s National Agriculture Strategy.
“This award is a recognition of the power of collective action,” said the Syndicate President during the award ceremony. “Ingabo is proof that when farmers are empowered, organized, and equipped with the right tools, they can transform agriculture and feed the nation sustainably.”
Looking Ahead: Scaling Innovation
The recognition has inspired Ingabo to continue its work with renewed vigor. Plans are already underway to expand farmer training programs, strengthen value chains for strategic crops, and establish regional innovation hubs. With support from partners and continued collaboration with government institutions, Ingabo is poised to become a national leader in farmer-led agricultural transformation.
As Rwanda continues to push for innovation and investment in its agri-food systems, INGABO FARMERS’ SYNDICATE stands as a living example of how bottom-up solutions, driven by farmers themselves, can lead to systemic change. The trophy from the 18th Agriculture Show is more than just an award—it is a milestone in a long journey toward food security, sustainability, and dignity for all Rwandan farmers.
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