KIGALI -The International Fund for Agriculture Development (IFAD) has commended the government for the effective management of funds the agency extends to Rwanda.

The Fund’s vice president, Yukiko Omura, made the remarks after paying a courtesy call on Prime Minister Bernard Makuza, with whom he discussed how agriculture can further be promoted in the country.  

According to Omura, Rwanda’s efficiency in managing the funds signifies the government’s commitment towards the wellbeing of its nationals.

"All projects we have in Rwanda are running smoothly and this is because of government’s commitment and collaboration with IFAD and we are happy about that,” she said.

Some of the IFAD projects include Kirehe community-based Watershed Management Project, Rural Small Microenterprise Promotion Project which focuses on empowering orphans, women and families affected by HIV AIDS.

Others are Smallholder Cash and Export Crops Development Project (PDCRE), which operates in the Eastern, Southern and Western provinces.

Yukiko added that the country has done well in ensuring self sufficiency in agriculture by avoiding dependence on imported food saying that it is a good initiative that the government should consolidate.

Premier Makuza observed that the Fund has not only supported efforts to eradicate poverty in rural areas, but has also helped to fight hunger, which has affected regional countries.

"Agriculture is one of the most important sectors. We prioritise it so as to ensure that our people have sufficient food,” Makuza said.

IFAD has extended to Rwanda more than US$200 million since 2003.

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