East Africa: CARI - EA Project Achievements Highlighted at Its Closeout Event
The Competitive African Rice Initiative - East Africa (CARI - EA) project, a three-year initiative commissioned by USAID through AGRA, was jointly implemented by Kilimo Trust and the EAC Secretariat in Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania. The project aimed to transform the rice sector in East Africa, increasing incomes for 220,000 individuals in the rice value chain. On August 17th, 2022, the CARI-EA project closeout event was held at Kampala Serena Hotel, Uganda, attracting over eighty project partners. Hon. Rebecca Kadaga, the First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for East African Affairs in Uganda, graced the event and appreciated the project's achievements. The project integrated over 190,000 smallholder rice farmers into sustainable supply chains, increased commercialization by more than 300%, and facilitated access to $10M in financing.
Rwanda: Good Food for Cities (GFC) Project Launched in Rubavu District
The Good Food for Cities (GFC) project, a five-year initiative (2022-2026) funded by the Belgian Government through Rikolto SON, was launched in Rubavu District, Rwanda, in July 2022. The project aims to increase incomes and create jobs for 2,000 smallholder producers of healthy, sustainable, and nutritious foods. Stakeholder meetings brought together representatives from farmer cooperatives, input dealers, market off-takers, financial institutions, and various organizations involved in the vegetable value chains. The district officials emphasized the need to address high malnutrition levels among children.
Rwanda: R-YES Youth Showcase Skills and Products at the 15th National Agri-Show
Kilimo Trust Rwanda, through the Rural Youth Employment Support (R-YES) project, supported its beneficiaries to participate in the 15th national agri-show organized by the Rwanda Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources (MINAGRI) from July 6th to 14th, 2022. The youth showcased various products and skills, including automated and manual drip irrigation systems, poultry farming, livestock feed production, and agro-processing machinery operation. The Kilimo Trust Rwanda stand was visited by over 250 visitors, including Dr. Gerardine Mukeshimana, the Minister of Agriculture and Animal Resources, who appreciated the youth's efforts and advised on product certification.
Uganda: 100 MT Storage Facility to Be Constructed in Olilim Sub-County, Otuke District
On September 8th, 2022, a site handover and groundbreaking ceremony for a new storage facility was held in Olilim sub-county, Otuke District, under the DINU project. The event was attended by Mrs. Akulu Julian, the Residence District Commissioner, and other government officials. The DINU project, funded by the Government of Uganda and the European Union, aims to enhance food and nutrition security, increase household incomes, and improve maternal and child nutrition and health in Northern Uganda.
Be Seen Be Heard (BSBH) KT Challenge Winners
The Be Seen Be Heard KT challenge encourages Kilimo Trust staff to promote project activities on social media. In this quarter, Anthony Makona Mugambi, Rachel Ajambo, and Eddy Frank Rugamba were the winners. Congratulations to them for their efforts in increasing the organization's visibility.
Conclusion
Kilimo Trust remains committed to transforming agriculture in East Africa. We thank our partners and stakeholders for their continued support and look forward to achieving even greater milestones together.