In partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture and animal resources (MINAGRI), European delegation in Rwanda, the embassy of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, Enabel conducted a 2-day steering committee meeting of Kwihaza Project in Huye District from 10th - 11th Sept 2024. The first day was dedicated to field visits in Kamonyi, Huye, Nyamagabe districts to witness the progress of the project activities. In Kamonyi district the team visited Koubite cooperative operating in horticulture value chain by growing onions; in Huye district, the team visited the University of Rwanda -Rwasave Fish Farming and Research Station (UR-RFFS) where the hatchery facilities are being extended; and in Nyamagabe district the team visited KIUM cooperative, doing pond fish farming, and Nyamagabe breeding Centre under construction on a grant through Rwanda Agriculture and Animal resources development Board (RAB). 

On the second & final day of Kwihaza Project steering committee meeting participants reviewed the status of budget execution, challenges encountered and provided overall direction for proper project implementation.  In his remarks Mr. Olivier KAMANA, the permanent secretary in MINAGRI (Chair) thanked all participants for their time, contributions, and their team synergy. He said, “I am happy to attend this meeting and learn about the progress that has been made.”  On the other hand, Ms. Charlotte HELMINGER, the co-chair, Chargée d’affaires a.i. in the Embassy of Luxembourg in Rwanda extended appreciation to the MINAGRI’s Permanent Secretary for creating time to participate in the field visit and SC meeting. She appreciated the openness of the exchange and further acknowledged the complexity of the project and reiterated the need to continue enhancing coordination among the partners.   

Kwihaza Project is in its 2nd year of 5-year of implementation & is specifically targeting sustainable increase in production, per capita consumption, and income generated from fisheries, aquaculture, and horticulture value chains, with focus on women and youth.  The project steering committee is held twice a year, chaired by MINAGRI & Co-Chaired by European delegation in Rwanda, the embassy of the grand duchy of Luxembourg, bringing together Enabel Rwanda & project implementing partners RAB, MINAGRI- Agricultural Information and Communication Centre (CICA), Rwanda Inspectorate, competition and consumer protection Authority (RICA), Rwanda Standards Board(RSB), National Agricultural Export Board (NEAB), ACCESS to FINANCE RWANDA(AFR)& Appui au développement Autonome (ADA). 

•