NAEB earmarks turnaround programme for coffee cooperatives

The coffee industry in Rwanda has a long-standing history and plays a significant role in the country's economy. With around 350,000 coffee farmers nationwide and nearly 250,000 farms, coffee farming is a crucial aspect of the rural economy, contributing 15% to overall agricultural exports. In a bid to enhance coffee productivity and quality, the National Agricultural Export Development Board of Rwanda (NAEB) has focused its efforts on specialty coffee. This shift towards quality is aimed at not only improving the economic standing of farmers but also elevating Rwanda's position as a top coffee exporter. Sandrine Urujeni, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer of NAEB, highlighted the importance of addressing aging coffee trees, some of which are between 50 and 70 years old. These aging trees have been a significant factor in the decline of productivity in recent years. To combat this issue, NAEB has implemented a strategy to assist farmers in replanting and diversifying their crops. Over five million seedlings have been provided to farmers to support the rejuvenation of coffee farms. Additionally, technical assistance and training programs have been put in place to educate farmers on good agricultural practices. The focus is on ensuring that farmers have the necessary skills and resources to increase productivity. Furthermore, NAEB has recognized the challenges faced by smallholder farmers with limited knowledge and access to land. To address this, the board is actively involved in supporting cooperatives through various interventions. One such initiative is the turnaround programs, which aim to revive and empower coffee farming cooperatives. By providing training on agricultural best practices and leadership skills, NAEB is working towards enhancing the governance and productivity of these cooperatives. Moreover, the board is facilitating access to essential inputs such as fertilizers and pesticides to combat pest and disease issues. By supporting cooperatives with these resources, NAEB is striving to uplift smallholder farmers and improve overall productivity in the coffee sector.