This commitment was highlighted by Mrs. Amparo Gonzalez Diaz, Team Leader for Agriculture, Rural Development, Environment, and Gender Section at the European Union Rwanda Delegation, during the official launch of the project. The event took place at Lucerna Hotel in Muhanga District, Southern Province on January 31, 2024.
The Gwiza-Muhinzi Project, themed “Enhancing Cassava Productivity and Utilization for Food and Incomes of Smallholder Farmers in Rwanda,” will be implemented by the Ingabo Farmers’ Syndicate in close partnership with the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) in 10 districts of Rwanda. These districts include Kamonyi, Muhanga, Ruhango, Nyanza, and Gisagara of the Southern Province; Nyamasheke and Rusizi of the Western Province; and Kayonza, Gatsibo, and Bugesera of the Eastern Province.
During her speech, Mrs. Gonzalez called on cassava farmers to embrace this project as a remedy to food shortages. She declared that the European Union is committed to investing over 300 million Euros across 50 projects, always aiming to lift smallholder farmers and increase their production.
Mr. Konlambigue Matieyeolou, the Country Director of IITA, expressed joy at the collaboration between his organization and the Ingabo Farmers’ Syndicate. He highlighted cassava as a mandated crop and emphasized that “Ingabo Farmers Syndicate is a Strategic Partner.” He called on different partners to join hands in promoting the productivity of this crop both in quality and quantity.
Mrs. Cesarie Kantarama, Chairperson of the Ingabo Farmers’ Syndicate, thanked the European Union for their support in finding a durable solution to food shortages by empowering smallholder farmers, ensuring food safety, and elevating their incomes, always aiming to tackle and eradicate hunger.
Mr. Emmanuel Bashimiki, one of the farmers who attended the inception meeting, thanked the leadership of the Ingabo Farmers’ Syndicate for their commitment to promoting cassava production. He mentioned that they have been empowered through training, advocacy, linkages with markets and financial institutions, skills development, and provision of improved seeds.
Mr. Eric BIZIMANA, the Vice-Mayor in charge of Economic Development in Muhanga District, who represented the Governor of Southern Province as the guest of honor, expressed appreciation for the project. He noted that it will not only boost cassava productivity but also promote its value chain, from production to consumption, in terms of quality and quantity.