Rwanda Agriculture Show Provides Marketing and Networking Opportunities for Farmers

“Invest in innovations and agribusiness to transform agriculture” was the theme of this year agriculture show. From the 26th to the 3rd July, in Kigali; ICCO with its STARS program participated in the agrishow that was exhibiting a wide range of innovations and best practices in the agriculture sector such as irrigation and mechanization, information and communication technologies in agriculture, agro-processing, and modern livestock.

The annual event that is recognize in East and Central Africa as a major agricultural fair presents opportunities to see what is happening in Agriculture, share experiences and innovations, market products and services, network, connect as well as make business deals.  

ICCO stand was visited by the Rwandan Minister of Agriculture and Animal Resources, Geraldine Mukeshimana and the Ambassador of the kingdom of the Netherlands to Rwanda, Frédérique de Man.

The Minister of Agriculture called upon farmers to participate in the agrishow and learn from available best practices and innovations: “This Agri-show has many lessons for every farmer in Rwanda to learn and transform their agricultural practices into market-oriented enterprises. It is an opportunity that shouldn’t be missed out.” Said Hon. Gerardine Mukeshimana.

Two cooperatives and three microfinance institutions, partners in the STARS program participated in the fair.  

For Madeleine, 47 years, it was a new experience. She is the vice president of CORIMI Cooperative, a rice cooperative in Eastern Rwanda.

“This is the first time we participate in an exhibition and show what we do, the people that visited our stand were very curious and interested in our local rice. We will come back next year and sell as much rice as we can!” said Madeleine. “I also had the time to look around, I was impressed with the different inputs, services and the technologies available to increase and improve production.  I’ve got their contacts and we shall see how to work with them.” She explained.

Financial institutions were also able to attract new clients by showcasing their agriculture financial products.

The Strengthening African Rural Smallholders (STARS) program, a five-year initiative of ICCO Cooperation in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, is strengthening selected value chains by providing appropriate capacity building and linkage to the right agricultural business development services so that farmers can adopt sustainable agri-business methods and become competitive players in the market.