The "Transformation towards sustainable food systems" project, known by the acronym KWIHAZA, is funded by the European Union and the Government of Luxembourg. Implemented by Enabel in collaboration with Rwandan partners such as MINAGRI, the project operates with a total budget of €17.5 million. It addresses systemic agricultural challenges in Rwanda, including low productivity and limited financial access, specifically within the horticulture, aquaculture, and fisheries sectors. The project’s specific objective is to sustainably increase production, per capita consumption, and income generated by quality products in these value chains, with a focus on women and youth. This is pursued through three expected results: enhancing the capacities of smallholder organizations to improve quality and market access; strengthening SMEs and entrepreneurs to operate in a sustainable way; and building a conducive environment for inclusive value chain development.      

This mid-term evaluation was conducted for the purposes of both learning and accountability, covering the implementation period from January 2023 to June 2025. The analysis prioritized the DAC criteria of effectiveness, efficiency, coherence, and sustainability, while impact was excluded from the scope due to the early stage of implementation. In addition to these standard measures, the evaluation examined unintended effects and cross-cutting themes, specifically regarding the environment, gender, and inclusion. The review also analyzed the effectiveness of the project's multi-level partnership approach, which involves coordination between government agencies, research centers, and field actors.