Share
RDO’s Mugwaneza on the need to invest in post-harvest agriculture technology
Rwanda’s agriculture sector employs 80 per cent of the population and contributes 33 per cent to her GDP growth. Now, with Covid-19, many farmers have incurred losses due to difficulties in the market and agriculture players have reiterated the need for investing in post-harvest agriculture technologies. Diana Mugwaneza, Programs Officer at Rwanda Development Organization, joins CNBC Africa for more.
Wed, 27 May 2020 14:41:17 GMT
Disclaimer: The following content is generated automatically by a GPT AI and may not be accurate. To verify the details, please watch the video
AI Generated Summary
- Rwanda's agriculture sector, a key pillar of the economy, is grappling with significant challenges arising from the Covid-19 pandemic, leading to losses for many farmers.
- Investment in post-harvest agriculture technologies is crucial to address logistical barriers, enhance productivity, and improve the quality of agricultural produce.
- Mechanized solutions, such as harvesters, offer a viable strategy to overcome labor shortages and promote efficiency in the agriculture value chain, contributing to food security.
Rwanda's agriculture sector, which employs 80% of the population and contributes to 33% of the country's GDP growth, is facing significant challenges due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. Many farmers have suffered losses as a result of market difficulties, prompting calls from agriculture players to prioritize investment in post-harvest agriculture technologies. Diana Mugwaneza, Programs Officer at the Rwanda Development Organization, shed light on the pressing need for increased funding in post-harvest agriculture during an interview on CNBC Africa.
Mugwaneza emphasized the importance of investing in post-harvest agriculture, particularly in the current global context of the Covid-19 pandemic. She highlighted the escalating losses experienced by farmers in post-harvest agriculture, attributing them to factors such as movement restrictions impeding the timely harvesting and transportation of crops.
The Programs Officer acknowledged the challenges faced by farmers during the pandemic, citing difficulties in accessing markets, transportation, and essential post-harvest handling equipment. These obstacles have led to substantial losses for farmers, with some even facing rejection of their produce by buyers demanding specific quality standards.
Logistical support has become a critical issue in the agriculture value chain, as Mugwaneza pointed out. The disruption caused by Covid-19 has hindered the transportation of agricultural produce, requiring clearances from authorities and impeding the efficient flow of goods to buyers. Moreover, the lack of adequate post-harvest handling equipment, such as threshers and grading machines, has further compromised the quality of crops and affected farmers' profitability.
One key challenge highlighted by Mugwaneza is the scarcity of labor in the agriculture sector, particularly during harvest periods. The reduced availability of laborers poses a threat to food security and the timely harvesting of crops. To address this issue, she proposed investing in mechanized solutions like harvesters to streamline the harvesting process and reduce the dependency on manual labor.
In response to the challenges faced by farmers, Mugwaneza advocated for strategic investments that promote efficiency, productivity, and resilience in the agriculture sector. By adopting modern technologies and equipment, farmers can overcome logistical barriers and enhance the quality of their produce, ultimately securing their livelihoods and contributing to food security in Rwanda.
As the world grapples with the far-reaching impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, the imperative of investing in post-harvest agriculture technology has never been more evident. Rwanda's agricultural sector stands at a critical juncture, requiring concerted efforts from stakeholders to bolster resilience, mitigate losses, and pave the way for sustainable growth.
SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER
DAILY UPDATE
Get the best of CNBC Africa sent straight to your inbox with breaking business news, insights and updates from experts across the continent.
Get this delivered to your inbox, and more info about about our products and services. By signing up for newsletters, you are agreeing to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.