In Muhanga District on 6 March 2019 was the launch of HortInvest, the “Investing in Horticultural Development in Rwanda” project worth 16.2 Million EUR, a four year (2018-2021) horticultural value chain project.
The Vice-Mayor for Economic Affairs, also talking on behalf of five other districts – Rubavu, Rutsiro, Nyabihu, Ngororero and Karongi-welcomed the guests that included Her Excellency the Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, the Deputy CEO of NAEB (representing the Minister of Agriculture and Animal Resources), the Global Managing Director responsible for Agriculture of SNV, the Country Director of SNV, the Project Manager of HortInvest, other representatives of consortium members of HortInvest and members of IABM Cooperative of Muhanga as well as farmers who came from the other districts.
Launching the project after one year of implementation gave the opportunity to start the event by visiting some of initial implemented activities including protected agriculture technology and the exhibition of impressive healthy horticultural produce. Ambassador Frédérique De Man highlighted the long and very good collaboration between Rwanda and the Netherlands, specifically in the horticulture sector and stressed the good impression that she got when she saw that women were very much involved and represented among the project beneficiaries. The ambassador requested for the contribution from all parties involved in the project, including beneficiaries, to conduct the project to a successful completion.
The Deputy CEO of NAEB appreciated all the support provided by the Kingdom of the Netherlands in the sector and recommitted the full support of MINAGRI in general, and NAEB in particular, to support the project. A representative of the farmers said a word of thanks for the support and mentioned practical outcomes of the project with direct effect to their livelihood including access to market, capacity building in best agricultural practices. A sketch, prepared by a team of farmers, showed the importance of horticulture in changing the nutritional habits to improve the health of the family and avoiding stunted growth of children.
Source: agroberichtenbuitenland.nl