INES-Ruhengeri Hosts the F2FinRW Project Official Visit with RISA Delegates

Rwanda, February 5, 2025 — INES-Ruhengeri welcomed a distinguished delegation from the Research and Innovation Systems for Africa (RISA) for the official visit of the Farm to Fork Supply Chain and Ecosystem Project in Rwanda (F2FinRW).

The event was officially opened by the Vice-Chancellor of INES-Ruhengeri, Fr. Dr. BARIBESHYA Jean Bosco, who emphasized the institution’s commitment to applied research and innovation. “At INES-Ruhengeri, we believe in research-driven solutions that directly benefit communities. This project is a testament to how science and technology can transform agriculture and improve farmers' livelihoods,” he stated.

The initiator and coordinator of the project, Prof. KAMANA Emmanuel, provided an in-depth presentation outlining its progress, impact, and future direction. “Through this project, we are not only increasing agricultural productivity but also empowering farmers with digital tools for better decision-making. Our goal is to create a sustainable ecosystem where technology bridges the gap between farmers and markets,” Prof. Kamana noted.

The delegation, which included technical experts and project funders, engaged with key stakeholders, marking a significant step in advancing financial inclusion and agricultural technology in Rwanda.

As Prof. Kamana presented in the conference room, the F2FinRW-02 project has made significant strides in enhancing agricultural productivity and financial inclusion. In just two months, 94,510 plantlets have been produced, with an expected total of 283,530 plantlets in six months, ensuring a steady supply of high-quality seeds for farmers. The integration of IoT technology has also advanced, with eight smart sensors deployed to provide real-time soil and weather data, enabling farmers to make informed decisions.

Additionally, the Farm Advisory System is providing data-driven guidance, helping farmers optimize their agricultural practices and reduce losses. Market access has improved through the launch of a new Food feature on OneBasket, an e-marketplace designed to connect farmers directly with buyers, reducing the need for intermediaries and increasing profits.

Beyond technology, the project has had a significant impact on capacity building, with over 1,000 farmers, vendors, and transporters trained in modern agricultural techniques—65% of whom are women. Expanding its reach, the initiative has added 11,500 farmers from nine new cooperatives, with five cooperatives already receiving plantlets for further multiplication. These efforts are expected to benefit over 40,000 farmers, equipping them with improved seeds, better techniques, and stronger market linkages.

Following the presentation, the delegation toured several key INES-Ruhengeri facilities, including the Plant Tissue Laboratory, Chemistry Laboratories, and greenhouses. These laboratories play a crucial role in the project by developing high-quality plantlets, which are later distributed to farmers. The delegation observed the scientific processes involved, reinforcing the importance of applied research in agricultural innovation.

The visit continued with a field trip to local farms benefiting from the project, where the team assessed its real-world impact. A major highlight was the demonstration of IoT-powered sensors, which monitor rainfall, wind, temperature, soil pH, and NPK levels in both open fields and greenhouses. This real-time data is transmitted to farmers’ mobile phones, enabling them to make informed decisions for higher yields and sustainable farming practices.

Launched on March 18, 2023, the F2FinRW Project is funded by RISA through UK-Chemonics and aims to enhance productivity, sustainability, and market access for Rwandan farmers. Phase 2 (November 2024 - February 2025) focuses on strengthening livelihoods by promoting inclusive, high-quality food production and sustainable farm-to-market solutions.