An initiative aimed at improving post-harvest handling systems, as well as supporting agri-businesses has been launched in Eastern Province.

The project that is being implemented under a partnership between government and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), seeks to support agriculture production and processing operations along value chain, Claver Gasirabo, the project co-ordinator, told The New Times.

Gasirabo said the project also looks to develop an efficient produce management system that will help reduce post-harvest losses and ensure food security in the country.

It also seeks to facilitate farmers with modern post-harvest facilities, as well as equip stakeholders with agribusiness skills.

It will be implemented under the land husbandry, watershed management and value chain development programme, and will be driven by the private sector.

IFAD-funded project is currently operating in 11 districts across the country.

Rwanda loses about 30 per cent of the agricultural produce due to poor post-harvest handling.

According to Francis Nkurunziza, the Nyanza District vice-mayor in charge of economic development, the project supports efforts geared at increasing household incomes and fighting rural poverty.

"This will translate into more job-creation and improved livelihood,” Nkurunziza noted.

Lucia Zigiriza, the project’s operations manager, said farmers growing crops, like maize, beans, cassava and potatoes, will benefit from the IFAD funding. The organisation is expected to increase its support to Rwf103 million and give farmers grants.

Zigiriza added that, through the project, farmers will be equipped with modern harvesting procedures, as well as agro-processing skills to promote value-addition.

"Farmers will be able to learn basic agro-processing, produce cleaning, grading, sorting, and packaging skills.”

"We will also build strong partnerships with Business Development Fund and use other financial incentives to stimulate innovation to improve competitiveness of the local produce,” Zigiriza said.

She added that they will also encourage private sector investment in agriculture, especially under the public-private partnerships model.

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