Rwanda

Horticulture Innovation Lab in Rwanda

As part of Feed the Future, the Horticulture Innovation Lab has conducted research in Rwanda focused on reducing postharvest losses for fruit and vegetable crops, advancing local postharvest expertise, and improving local seed systems, among other topics critical to horticulture development. 

This page includes links to Horticulture Innovation Lab research projects, major partners and partner organizations based in Rwanda, along with blog articles and information products with a focus on horticulture in  Rwanda.

USAID Information

Project

Weighing passion fruit for sale in Rwanda

Engaging and understanding informal mid-stream actors in Nigeria

Led by Youri Dijkxhoorn
To improve food system outcomes, such as accessible and affordable healthy diets, this project explores the role of mid-stream actors in alleviating value chain challenges that impact the affordability and availability of healthy and safe foods for urban consumers.
Nigeria, Rwanda
Close-up on basket of tomatoes at a market in Rwanda

Reducing postharvest losses in Rwanda

Led by Gurbinder S. Gill, Agribusiness Associates Inc.

In 2014, the Rwandan National Horticulture Strategy estimates that 1 million rural households in Rwanda grow horticultural commodities, "principally for home use and sale.

Rwanda
Representative shows jar of seeds and drying beads to television reporter in Thailand.

Implementing drying beads for seeds in Asia and Africa

Led by Kent Bradford, University of California, Davis

Improving the ability of smallholder farmers to access high-quality seeds of improved varieties of horticultural crops is fundamental to increasing farmer productivity and incomes.

Nepal, Bangladesh, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda
Trainers talk to farmers about maintaining freshness and proper postharvest handling of various vegetable crops after harvest.

Opening a regional postharvest training center in Tanzania

Led by Diane Barrett, University of California, Davis
A year of training for postharvest experts from Tanzania, Rwanda, Kenya, Ghana, Benin and Gabon culminates in the establishment of a model Postharvest and Training Services Center in Tanzania--which the new experts emulate in their home countries.
Tanzania, Rwanda, Ghana, Kenya, Benin, Gabon

Articles

Workshop attendees representing universities and institutes from West Africa, East Africa, and UC Davis. Credit Horticulture Innovation Lab

Fruits of Collaboration: Advancing Nutrition Through Horticulture

Posted on
The Feed the Future Innovation Lab for Horticulture as it hosted its first Horticulture and Nutrition Systems Research Portfolio Workshop at the 2024 Africa Food Systems Forum (AFSF). This workshop aimed to unite experts from various agricultural fields to enhance research and practices related to horticulture and nutrition.
basket of tomatoes, with a hand holding one

6 lessons from postharvest loss assessments in Rwanda

Posted on
Gurbinder Gill highlights findings from a study of postharvest losses across four value chains in Rwanda, including tomatoes, peppers, bananas and sweet potatoes -- and what the findings mean for the horticulture sector.