When the KAIUJE Cooperative was established in 2022 in Rwanda’s Nyabihu District, the goal was clear: to meet market needs while ensuring sustainable livelihoods for its members.
Initially specializing in broccoli, the cooperative has since grown to 51 active members who now also cultivate zucchini, cauliflower, beetroot, and red cabbage — a reflection of both their ambition and steady growth from the original 12 farmers.
But even with this progress, KAIUJE’s farmers faced a major hurdle: postharvest losses. Lacking proper storage, much of their perishable produce spoiled before it could reach the market.
“When we started, our goal was simple; to always meet market needs while ensuring sustainable livelihoods for our members, but our setback had always been the lack of safe storage for our perishable produce,” says Kamaramvura Phocas, President of KAIUJE Cooperative.
Farmers were losing both income and motivation. In fact, nearly one-third of harvests could be lost to sun or rain.
Their breakthrough came in the form of a zero-energy cooling chamber — a charcoal cooler — constructed by by Kilimo Trust that now allows KAIUJE farmers to keep their vegetables fresh, safe, and market-ready. The support by Kilimo Trust was part of the Kungahara Project funded by the European Union through Rikolto which has transformed how the cooperative manages its harvests, cutting losses and preserving quality.
“Before the charcoal cooler, nearly an entire bag of broccoli, about 700 kg, could spoil due to sun or rain, causing losses of up to 300,000 Rwandan Francs ($240),” recalls Alphonsine Nyirahagenimana, a cooperative member. “Today, with the charcoal cooler, our vegetables stay fresh and attractive to clients, reducing postharvest losses significantly.”
The impact is far-reaching. The cooler has not only maintained quality but also expanded market reach and profitability. KAIUJE Cooperative produce is not only sold in Musanze and Rubavu but now reaches Kigali markets like Kimironko, Kabuga, and some get exported across the border to the Democratic Republic of Congo in Goma and Bukavu.
“Before, nearly one-third of my harvest would spoil under the sun. Now I can store my vegetables safely, sell them fresh, and provide for my children’s education. From my broccoli profits, my family is even building a house without loans.” Alphonsine adds
The cooler benefits not only members but also about 20 farmers outside the cooperative, who are welcomed to use it free of charge.