Tackling challenges and opportunities in rwanda’s irish potato sector

By Elias Hakizimana.

The Irish potato sector in Rwanda has undergone significant transformations, with cooperatives playing a pivotal role in linking farmers to markets and enhancing productivity. However, persistent challenges such as price fluctuations and lack of storage infrastructure continue to impact farmers.

Félix Turimumahoro, President of the Irish Potato Farmers Association of Rwanda (IABIRWA), highlighted the benefits of transitioning from subsistence farming to market-oriented practices under cooperative management.

“Cooperatives have eliminated the role of middlemen, ensuring farmers directly benefit from their yields. Today, a farmer does market-oriented farming, and we no longer face issues related to finding a market,” Turimumahoro stated during a discussion on Rwanda Television’s WARAMUTSE Rwanda.

Juvenal Musine from the Imbaraga Farmers Organization emphasized the collective benefits of synchronized farming.

“When people cultivate together and on time, yields increase, and prices stabilize. This principle applies not only to Irish potatoes but also to crops like maize, which now benefit from government-initiated warehouses ensuring proper storage and quality,” Musine said.

Persistent challenges: Storage and processing gaps

While maize and beans are stored effectively, Musine pointed out that Irish potatoes remain vulnerable to market volatility.

“Harvesting large quantities of Irish potatoes without storage or processing facilities leads to price drops and losses,” he said.

Dr. Patrick Karangwa, Director General of Agriculture Modernization in the ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources (MINAGRI) acknowledged the challenges but pointed to progress in seed production and infrastructure development.

“Previously, Rwanda imported up to 3,000 tons of Irish potato seeds annually. Today, all seeds supplied through the Nkunganire subsidy program are produced locally, eliminating import delays,” Dr. Karangwa said.

He further outlined ongoing efforts to mitigate price fluctuations and improve yield.

“To avoid food waste, farmers should stagger planting seasons for perishable crops like Irish potatoes. Expanding irrigation and cold storage facilities is crucial, and we are inviting investors to support these initiatives,” he added.

Economic potential of irish potatoes

Musine underscored the economic importance of Irish potatoes, ranking third after coffee and tea in Rwanda’s export priorities. In districts like Nyabihu and Rubavu, cooperatives collectively produce between 12,000 to 15,000 tons per season, generating billions of Rwandan francs.

Despite this success, Rwanda’s average yield remains at 7.5 tons per hectare, far below global leaders like the United States, which achieves 49 tons per hectare. Limited access to quality seeds is a key factor, with only 10% of Rwandan farmers using certified seeds.

Positioning Rwanda in the regional market

Rwanda is the leading producer of quality Irish potatoes in the East African Community (EAC) and ranks third in sub-Saharan Africa after Malawi and South Africa. However, imported Irish potatoes continue to cross the country’s borders, underscoring the need for competitive practices.

A call for collaborative solutions

To sustain the sector’s growth, stakeholders emphasize the need for a multifaceted approach involving cooperatives, government initiatives, and private investment. Dr. Karangwa reiterated the importance of innovation and infrastructure to ensure Rwanda maintains its competitive edge while addressing local farmers’ challenges.

As the Irish potato sector evolves, collaborative efforts will be crucial in realizing its full potential as a driver of economic growth and food security.

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