Empowering Rwanda’s Agricultural Sector Through Innovation: F2FinRW Phase 2 Training Workshop and Certification

On January 17, 2025, INES-Ruhengeri had the honor of hosting the 3rd Training Workshop and Certification Issuance for the Farm to Fork Supply Chain and Ecosystem Project in Rwanda (F2FinRW) Phase 2 at the university's Main Hall. The event gathered lecturers from INES, project partners, stakeholders, and beneficiaries to strengthen Rwanda’s agricultural ecosystem through cutting-edge technology and knowledge sharing.

During the presentation by Prof. Kamana Emmanuel, the Initiator and Project Coordinator, on the overview of the project’s current situation, he explained how the workshop deepened participants’ understanding of innovative practices in Rwanda’s agricultural sector. Key training sessions included:

✅ IoT Sensors & Farm Advisory System (FAS): Participants explored how Internet of Things (IoT) sensors enhance farm productivity by providing real-time data on soil and weather conditions, enabling informed decision-making to boost crop yields.
✅ Seed Multiplication: A key focus was the increased production of potato plantlets, with over 66,000 produced and 47,780 already sold. This effort aims to strengthen the potato farming sector’s seed supply.
✅ Farmer Training: More than 1,000 farmers received training on potato seed production methods, integrated pest management, and the use of the ShambAssist Agricultural Advisory System, equipping them with skills to improve productivity and quality.

Achievements and Milestones

The F2FinRW Phase 2 project has achieved remarkable milestones in modernizing Rwanda’s agricultural practices, including:

✅ Deployment of IoT Sensors: Eight farms in Nyabihu, Rubavu, Musanze, and Burera districts have been equipped with IoT sensors, collecting data on soil moisture, temperature, wind speed, and sunlight intensity. This data is analyzed and shared with farmers via the Farm Advisory System (FAS) to optimize practices.
✅ Lab Seed Multiplication: The project has successfully multiplied potato seeds in laboratory settings, with 66,610  plantlets produced and further growth anticipated.
✅ E-Marketplace Launch: The introduction of an e-marketplace (OneBasket) provides farmers direct access to buyers, enhancing market accessibility and reducing sales challenges.

Ongoing Activities and Future Plans

The project continues to pursue activities to support Rwanda’s agricultural growth:

✅ Seed Multiplication and Monitoring: Ongoing efforts to monitor seed multiplication ensure the production of high-quality seeds.
✅ Training and Certification: Training sessions will continue, with certifications awarded to participants upon completion.
✅ IoT Sensor Monitoring: Continuous monitoring of IoT sensors and FAS ensures ongoing access to data-driven insights for improved farming practices.

Addressing Challenges and Mitigating Risks

As with any innovative initiative, F2FinRW Phase 2 has faced challenges, including:

✅ Internet Connectivity: Poor internet connectivity in remote areas like Nyabihu has affected IoT sensor use. The team is exploring alternative mobile network operators to address this issue.
✅ Farmer Adaptation: Some farmers struggle to adapt to new technologies. To resolve this, SPIDERBIT conducted one-on-one training sessions in January 2025.
✅ Farmer Ownership: Engaging farm owners directly in training sessions is critical. The INES team is ensuring that farm owners, not just employees, participate actively.

Looking Ahead: The Way Forward

The F2FinRW Phase 2 Project remains committed to making a lasting impact on Rwanda’s agricultural sector. Future plans include:

✅ Expanding Seed Multiplication: Strengthening efforts to ensure a steady supply of high-quality potato seeds.
✅ IoT Device and FAS Monitoring: Maintaining optimal functionality of IoT sensors and FAS to support farmers.
✅ E-Marketplace Onboarding: Encouraging more farmers to join the OneBasket platform for streamlined product sales.

The Vice-Chancellor of INES-Ruhengeri, Fr. Dr. BARIBESHYA Jean Bosco, who officially opened and closed the event, expressed satisfaction with the project’s impact, stating:

“This is an opportunity to reflect on our collective journey and to share ideas. As Prof. Kamana highlighted, developing our nation requires everyone’s contribution, and most initiatives have a starting point. Where we are now is not an endpoint; we are still in the early stages of leveraging technology to improve agricultural productivity.”

He added:

“Our mission is to continue educating and conducting research that addresses community challenges.”

At the conclusion of the training, participants received certificates and expressed their excitement about the project’s empowerment and impact.

Originally launched on March 18, 2023, the project is funded by the Research and Innovation Systems for Africa (RISA) through UK-Chemonics. Its aim is to enhance productivity, sustainability, and market access for Rwandan farmers. Phase 2 (November 2024 – February 2025) focuses on improving livelihoods through inclusive, high-quality food production and sustainable farm-to-market solutions.