Agrishow2024: Rwanda’s Youth Showcase Innovative Solutions in Agricultural Research, Win Top Trophy

By Elias Hakizimana.

The role of youth in agriculture is crucial, with Rwanda’s young population playing a significant role in the country’s economy. The agricultural sector in Rwanda is experiencing transformative changes, primarily driven by young innovators who have discarded the outdated belief that farming is reserved for the elderly or unemployed.

At the recently concluded 17th Agri-show held in Mulindi, Gasabo District, youth from the company AGRIRESEARCH UNGUKA Ltd demonstrated the power of market-oriented agricultural research and promotion, effectively dispelling this misconception.

By harnessing innovation and various technologies that enable modern farming and combat climate change, these young individuals have won multiple awards in agricultural research, including the prestigious trophy they secured this time as the best researchers in agricultural transformation.

“We have been showcasing our work in agricultural research development as a business. As the only research enterprise in agriculture development, ICT, and innovation in Rwanda, it is with great joy that we have won this award three times in a row,” said Abdu Usanase, the founder and CEO of AGRIRESEARCH UNGUKA Ltd.

Recently, the company launched Rwanda’s first research and innovation center in green agriculture, named the Agricultural Green Research and Innovation Park Initiative (AGRIPI). This initiative integrates research, enterprise, and innovation in soil conservation and crop preservation. Usanase explained that AGRIPI is intended to be a hub of innovation that promotes agriculture and environmental conservation in Rwanda and beyond.

Samuel Nsengiyumva, the Director General of AGRIPI, highlighted that sustainable solutions are being developed to help farmers increase productivity and prevent crop losses.

“Our goal is to ensure food security by 2050,” he said. He explained that the concept emerged from the desire to create a center that brings together researchers, farmers, entrepreneurs, universities, and government agencies under the Public Private Academic Partnership framework.

Nsengiyumva confirmed that they have already conducted research on the benefits of sustainable agriculture for crops such as potatoes, beans, and maize, focusing on restoring soil health and increasing yields sustainably. Additionally, research is ongoing on different types of organic fertilizers, including those made using earthworms.

Other innovations by AGRIRESEARCH UNGUKA Ltd include a prototype organic manure produced from toilet waste, which has been under trial for two years with promising results, according to Usanase.

In an effort to boost agricultural output, these youth have developed a smart irrigation technology that uses solar panels and sensors. Additionally, their post-harvest handling technology involves a method of soil digging, sand application, and covering greenhouses with specific grasses that are durable.

The company also processes Irish potatoes into bread and doughnuts, branded as Inyamibwa. These unique products, including Inyamibwa potato bread and Inyamibwa potato doughnuts, are sold through the Inyamibwa Potato Shop.

AGRIRESEARCH UNGUKA Ltd was founded by entrepreneurial graduates from the University of Rwanda in 2019, aiming to provide sustainable solutions to agricultural and environmental challenges through evidence-based and innovative approaches.

   

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