WFP deal, a boost to farmers

The World Food Programme (WFP) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources to buy 20,000 metric tonnes of maize and 10,000 metric tonnes of beans for distribution in refugee camps in Somalia, DR Congo, South Sudan and Burundi.Rwanda is the second sub-Saharan nation to have such an agreement with the WFP after Tanzania.This agreement will give Rwandan maize and bean farmers extra incentive as they now have a ready market for their produce.However, the implementation of the deal must be managed properly.We must avoid a situation where Rwanda’s food security is compromised because farmers concentrate on producing the much needed grain for export. Secondly, the exports should not cause an increase in domestic food prices because of limited supply. The Rwandan consumer needs to be protected.The Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources (MINAGRI) should put in place a mechanism to ensure that food prices don’t rocket out of proportion or that the country’s food security isn’t affected.Nonetheless, the deal is a great opportunity for farmers to increase their revenues.

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WFP deal, a boost to farmers