The Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB) recently organized a two-day workshop on "Strengthening Value Chains and Modernizing the Seeds System" under the Commercialization and De-Risking for Agricultural Transformation Project (CDAT).

It brought together a diverse array of stakeholders – from farmers and seed producers to policymakers and experts in the field of agriculture – to explore innovative strategies for enhancing value chains and revolutionizing the seeds system, thus driving agricultural transformation in the country.

The meeting deliberated ways to strengthen value chains and modernize the seeds system.

Over the course of the two days, distinguished keynote speakers illuminated the conference with their knowledge, experience and expertise in agricultural value chains and modernized seed systems.

Opening the workshop, Dr. Florence Uwamahoro, Deputy Director-General in charge of Agriculture Development at RAB, emphasized the need for enhancing agricultural value chains and improving the seed system.

“The significance of strengthening value chains and modernizing the seeds system cannot be overstated. Agriculture forms the backbone of our nation's economy, and it is our collective responsibility to ensure its growth and resilience,” Uwamahoro said.

She added that CDAT's focus on increasing the use of irrigation and commercialization among producers and agribusiness firms is aligned with our vision for a more prosperous and food-secure Rwanda.

The conference discussed critical challenges facing the seed sector – from limited infrastructure, knowledge gaps, regulatory issues, coordination obstacles, and inadequate access to resources – and proposed solutions including acquiring the necessary infrastructure through both public and private investments, building the capacity of the public and private sectors in seed production, and ensuring that knowledge gaps become stepping stones to success, among others.

CDAT’s focus on strengthening value chains and modernizing the seeds system is a testament to the project’s commitment to the commercialization and de-risking of the agriculture sector.

As the workshop drew to a close, the air was charged with a renewed sense of purpose. Conference participants, in their closing remarks, expressed gratitude for the insights and knowledge shared and pledged to carry forward the momentum generated by the event.

CDAT is funded by the World Bank Group via International Development Association (IDA) and implemented by RAB and the Development Bank of Rwanda (BRD).