Made in Rwanda: Farmers, artisans showcase unique products

Uniqueness characterized the monthly ‘Kigali Farmers and Artisans Market’ held at Brioche Bread and Pastries in Kacyiru on Saturday. The new outdoor market was dedicated to giving consumers an opportunity to support local farmers and artisans. The aroma of nice food wafted through the air as show-goers flocked to the venue to buy food and fresh juices. Other products available at the exhibition included eggs, fresh fruits, vegetables and art pieces by local artists. With the entry fee at Rwf1000, many people turned up for the event which was spiced up by great music. Patrons buy food and beverages during the Kigali Farmers’ and Artisans’ market. /All photos Marie Anne Dushimimana. Florence Mwashimba, a Kenyan, and the brain behind the initiative said only unique locally made products were allowed at exhibition. “We invite all vendors who sell Made-in-Rwanda products with uniqueness. Farmers and artisans come together to showcase and sell their products,” she said. She added: “Many people think they cannot get quality products in Rwanda, or they do not know where to get them, this is a way to show that there are many good products here, and at an affordable price.” According to Mwashimba, the main aim of the event was to bring the vendors and farmers together, and also to bridge the gap between the consumers and the manufacturers. When she started the Kigali Farmers and Artisans Market in June this year, only eight vendors attended the event but last weekend the exhibition attracted 62 vendors and over 200 show goers. “In this market, every coin you spend you’re building a country. Every time you buy things from these vendors, that money is going to build a family. It’s just supporting each other,” said Mwashimba. July Vindala, an expatriate said she attended because she wanted to buy Rwanda made products while spending his weekend in a good way. Nathalie Neema from Bee Lights, a social enterprise which makes candles, said the market is a good place to shop unique locally made art products and to have fun. “We sold all sorts of candles, and we know they are needed during Christmas season. They are just portable, and every product here had its uniqueness,” she said. The market day is held every last Saturday of the month. Florence Mwashimba is the founder and the organiser of Kigali Farmers and artisans market. editorial@newtimes.co.rw

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Made in Rwanda: Farmers, artisans showcase unique products