Prime Minister Edouard Ngirente has said that Rwanda's agriculture transformation strategy will ensure that Agriculture Research and Innovations Hubs Are established. He was speaking during the closure of the Africa Food Systems Forum held in Kigali from September 2 to 6 in Kigali. ALSO READ: High food imports top on agenda as Africa food forum kicks off Agriculture Research and Innovation Hubs (AgriHubs) serve as a place where researchers, innovators, and farmers work together to develop innovative agricultural practices. We are committed to leveraging technology, promoting climate-smart agriculture, and creating opportunities for our youth in the agriculture sector. Importantly, at the core of our strategy are innovative approaches such as establishing AgriHubs. These concentrate resources to specific production areas and foster synergies among agri-food systems actors to drive agricultural transformation in Rwanda, he said. To achieve this strategy, he noted, Rwanda has leveraged private sector engagement more than ever before. ALSO READ: AFS Forum: Farmers, experts make case for increased soil testing technology This was done because we recognize that sustainable growth cannot be achieved without direct involvement of the private sector. Rwanda is committed to creating a conducive environment for the private sector to play a pivotal role in transforming its food systems, by putting in place supportive policy frameworks and developing essential infrastructures, he said. He said that it is imperative that the private sector’s input is included in shaping and executing the food system agenda. Rwanda remains committed to Vision 2050 and to the other international commitments, he noted. These commitments include the Sustainable Development Goals and the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme. Our focus is particularly on SDG2, which aims to end hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition, and promote sustainable Agriculture, Ngirente said, adding that Rwanda aims at modernizing crops and animal resources production, strengthening market linkages, boosting exports, and ensuring food and nutrition security for all Rwandans. ALSO READ: How youth-led innovations can boost agriculture He stressed that the involvement of the private sector is very much needed not only in the market but also at the production level. The government, he noted, is also working to de-risk the agriculture sector by implementing measures such as crop and animal insurance schemes, improving access to finance and promoting climate resilient farming practices. I would like to reiterate Rwanda’s commitment to continue engaging private sector in driving agri-food systems to improve food security and nutrition for all Rwandans, he added. According to Nelly Mukazayire, the Deputy CEO of Rwanda Development Board (RDB), we want to address food insecurity and feed ourselves we have to look at the whole chain and consider where we drive investment. We have to start with the land. James Mwangi, the CEO of Equity Group, added: We must shift agriculture from being a social sector to a commercial sector.
