The Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (NAEB) has showcased progress on the Promoting Smallholder Agro-Export Competitiveness (PSAC) project, which supports smallholder farmers growing export crops.
During a two-week visit, IFAD advisors will tour project sites and assess achievements made since its launch two years ago across 14 districts.
NAEB reports that over 12 million seedlings of coffee, tea, vegetables, and fruits have been distributed to farmers in these districts. The project has also created jobs for more than 4,500 women and youth, valued at over 2 billion Rwandan francs, while enabling Rwandan exporters to access international trade fairs and expand markets.
Set to run until 2029, PSAC will provide around 2.5 billion Rwandan francs in grants to farmers, cooperatives, and exporters to support environmentally sustainable investments. Agricultural schools, infrastructure development, and farming inputs will also be provided to boost productivity and competitiveness.
The project focuses on 14 districts chosen for their poverty levels, traditional crop production, and favorable climate: Nyamasheke, Rutsiro, Karongi, Nyabihu, and Rusizi in the west; Huye, Nyaruguru, Nyamagabe, Ruhango, and Nyanza in the south; Rulindo and Musanze in the north; and Rwamagana and Bugesera in the east.
