The Seed Technology & Business professional course will directly contribute to capacity building for young professionals and strengthen the seed sector in Rwanda. KIGALI, Rwanda, November 13, 2024 - The RICA Seed Center is pleased to announce the graduation of its first cohort of Rwandan seed professionals in seed technology and business. This milestone marks a year of dedication by trainees who have mastered professional skills in seed development, quality assurance, and sustainable seed business creation in Rwanda. The Seed Technology and Business professional course, one of the five business-to-business services offered by the RICA Seed Center, is implemented by One Acre Fund in partnership with the Rwanda Institute for Conservation Agriculture (RICA) and funded by the Howard G. Buffett Foundation. Recognizing the promise of young professionals to strengthen the Rwandan seed sector, the foundation’s investment underscores the critical importance of a robust seed industry to Rwanda’s agricultural economy. “Food security in Rwanda and around the world depends on engaging young people and encouraging them to pursue careers to improve the productivity and sustainability of our agricultural systems,” said Howard G. Buffett, Chairman and CEO of the Howard G. Buffett Foundation. “Our investment in the RICA Seed Center, in this first cohort of Rwandan seed professionals, and in the young people who will follow in their footsteps are all part of enabling a more food-secure future.” Agriculture is central to Rwanda’s economy, yet the seed sector, crucial to food security, remains largely informal despite advancements in hybrid maize seed production. To achieve sustainable food production amid climate change, building the capacity of Rwandan seed experts is essential for developing well-adapted crop varieties, seed production for priority crops, and quality control. Launched in September 2023, the Seed Professional course addresses this need by equipping young Rwandan graduates and agronomists with the skills to contribute to the nation’s food security goals and agricultural advancement. “It has been an incredible journey to watch these trainees grow, both as individuals and professionals, over the last 12 months,” remarked Dr. Joseph Moughan, Director of the RICA Seed Center. “Their dedication to mastering the intricacies of seed technology and the skills to excel in this business is inspiring. It fills me with great hope for the future of the Rwandan seed sector to see such passionate and hard-working young individuals exiting the RICA Seed Center as professionals to serve Rwanda.” The first cohort of the Seed Professional course graduated on November 8, 2024, at the Serena Hotel in Kigali, with 16 graduates receiving certificates as a testament to their dedication. Among these graduates are alumni from the Rwanda Institute for Conservation Agriculture and the University of Rwanda, as well as representatives from seed companies. Their training encompassed plant breeding, seed production, quality control, and seed business administration, reinforced by a six-month, self-led research project. “This program advances RICA's mission to cultivate knowledgeable, skilled agricultural leaders who drive sustainable change in Rwanda's agricultural sector,” said Dr. Ron Rosati, Vice Chancellor of RICA. “By equipping young professionals with expertise in seed technology and business, we’re not only strengthening Rwanda's seed industry but also creating pathways for careers that serve the nation’s food security goals.” In addition to the cohort’s graduation, seven seed company executives completed a short course in Seed Business Administration, receiving certificates in recognition of their commitment to enhancing technical capabilities within their organizations. RICA celebrates the program's successful impact. “RICA is proud of today’s achievement at the Seed Center, and we congratulate the first graduates who have successfully completed the Seed Technology and Business Professional Program. We are happy that they are equipped with the technical expertise needed to support seed companies in Rwanda,” added Dr. Ron Rosati, Vice Chancellor of RICA. The ceremony was attended by notable guests such as the Director General for Agricultural Modernization from the Ministry of Agriculture (MINAGRI), representatives of the Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB), and a representative from the Howard G. Buffett Foundation, reinforcing the support of government and industry stakeholders. “The support from distinguished government officials and industry stakeholders present today underscores the critical role of collaboration in advancing the seed sector,” said Belinda Bwiza, One Acre Fund’s Country Director. “Our partnerships with the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources, the Rwanda Agriculture Board, and the Rwanda Inspectorate, Competition, and Consumer Protection Authority are pivotal to the success of the RICA Seed Center.” Looking to the future, the RICA Seed Center aims to train over 60 seed professionals within the next three years. These experts will play a critical role in helping farmers improve yields, contribute to food security, and adapt to climate change in Rwanda. About the RICA Seed Center Launched in September 2023, the RICA Seed Center enhances the success of Rwanda seed companies through capacity building, seed processing, and variety development services, cultivating a seed sector that is regionally competitive and benefits over one million farmers. The RICA Seed Center empowers seed companies, academia, research centers, and government agricultural stakeholders through cutting-edge capacity-building services. The RICA Seed Center elevates seed quality through comprehensive seed processing and parent seed production services. It unleashes innovation in agriculture by cultivating and nurturing new varieties, sparking a new era of growth and prosperity in farming.
