Small-scale cassava farmers in Rwanda are reaping the benefits of a targeted programme designed to improve their access to markets, thanks to a public-private partnership initiative through Ingabo Syndicate, an organization representing Rwandan agricultural cooperatives.
With funding from the FO4ACP programme—a collaboration between IFAD, the OACPS, and the European Union—the syndicate has been able to extend critical support to its members, particularly those involved in cassava production.
Cassava, a crucial staple crop grown by over 700,000 family farms in the country, plays a significant role in both food security and the agricultural economy. However, many farmers have historically struggled to secure stable and fair market access.
The Ingabo Syndicate, which supports 15,000 farmer-members, has been at the forefront of addressing these challenges.
One of the programme’s key successes was the establishment of formal purchase contracts between cassava cooperatives and processing companies, such as the Kinazi Cassava Plant. These contracts have provided farmers with guaranteed prices and timely payments, ensuring a stable income and fostering stronger ties within the value chain.
For example, in 2020, the Ingabo Syndicate brokered a landmark agreement between 15 cassava cooperatives and the Kinazi Cassava Plant. This contract allowed the cooperatives to sell their entire 2021 cassava crop directly to the plant, stabilizing the supply chain and providing a predictable income for the farmers.
“Establishing contracts with a competitive price for the cassava guarantees the plant a sufficient supply of quality produce and at the same time ensures a good price and timely payment for the cooperatives and producers,” said François Xavier Mbabazi, Executive Secretary for the Ingabo Syndicate.
Beyond facilitating market access, the Ingabo Syndicate is also working on developing adaptable model contracts for cooperatives. These contracts not only help farmers secure better prices but also improve their ability to access loans, which can be reinvested into their operations for further growth.
Additionally, the syndicate is exploring new market opportunities and supporting research into disease-resistant cassava varieties, aiming to further strengthen the position of small-scale farmers in the cassava value chain. “By bringing all actors together, we can make the entire value chain stronger,” noted Victor Manariyo, Agriculture and Livestock Development Officer for the syndicate.
This comprehensive approach is empowering Rwandan cassava farmers to overcome long-standing challenges and build a more resilient and prosperous future.
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