INSTITUT D’ENSEIGNEMENT SUPÉRIEUR DE RUHENGERI
B.P. 155, Ruhengeri, Rwanda
T : +250 788 90 30 30, +250 788 90 30 32, W : www.ines.ac.rw, E : [email protected]
POTATOES VALUE CHAIN PROMOTION IN RWANDA
REPORT OF THE TRAINING WORKSHOP ORGANIZED BY THE
INTERDISCIPLINARY COMPENTENCE CENTER FOR REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT
(ICCRD/INES-RUHENGERI) IN COLLABORATION WITH THE SCHOOL OF
AGRICULTURAL, FOREST AND FOOD SCIENCES (HAFL), BERN UNIVERSITY OF
APPLIED SCIENCES, SWITZERLAND BETWEEN 20-22 JANUARY 2014
INES-RUHENGERI, FEBRUARY 2014
Accredited by Ministerial Order N° 005/2010/Mineduc of 16 June 2010
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INSTITUT D’ENSEIGNEMENT SUPÉRIEUR DE RUHENGERI
B.P. 155, Ruhengeri, Rwanda
T : +250 788 90 30 30, +250 788 90 30 32, W : www.ines.ac.rw, E : [email protected]
TABLE OF CONTENT
TABLE OF CONTENT .......................................................................................................................... 2
Scope of the workshop ......................................................................................................................... 4
Objectives of workshop ........................................................................................................................ 4
The expected outcomes ....................................................................................................................... 4
Organization of the workshop .............................................................................................................. 4
PART 1: 20TH JANUARY 2014 ............................................................................................................. 5
Key Representatives of organizations on day one ............................................................................... 5
1.
Speech of the Rector of INES-Ruhengeri ...................................................................................... 5
1.1.
Brief overview of the INES-Ruhengeri ................................................................................ 5
1.2.
Reasons for the gathering at INES-Ruhengeri..................................................................... 6
1.3.
Role of INES-RUHENGERI in the Local Community development ................................. 8
2. Speech of the Representative of the Minister of MINAGRI and Chairman of Post-Harvest task
force.................................................................................................................................................... 10
3. The context of partnership between INES-Ruhengeri and School of Agricultural, Forest, and
Food Sciences (HAFL), Bern University of Applied Sciences ............................................................... 10
4. Presentation of the Head of potato program at RAB, Northern Zone on Potatoes Value chain
analysis in Rwanda (from seed to market) ......................................................................................... 11
5. Presentation of the Executive Secretary of Farmers Federation IMBARAGA Northern region on
Small farmers production methods.................................................................................................... 13
5.1.
Presentation of IMBARAGA ................................................................................................ 13
5.2.
The principal actors in potato value chain ......................................................................... 13
5.3.
Vision in the long-run ......................................................................................................... 14
6.
DISCUSSIONS SESSION ................................................................................................................ 14
7.
The role of INES-RUHENGERI in adding value to local agriculture products (food processing) . 16
8.
Cooperation between INES- RUHENGERI, district and Private sector ....................................... 17
9. DISCUSSION: WHAT CAN BE DONE FOR EFFECTIVE AND SUCCESSFUL REGIONAL
AGRICULTURAL VALUE CHAIN DEVELOPMENT .................................................................................. 17
10.
Resolutions of the day ............................................................................................................ 18
Closing the workshop ......................................................................................................................... 18
PART TWO: PROBLEM BASED LEARNING ..................................................................................... 20
2.1. Introduction to Problem based Learning ( PBL) .......................................................................... 20
2.1.1.
How to organize PBL? ................................................................................................. 20
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INSTITUT D’ENSEIGNEMENT SUPÉRIEUR DE RUHENGERI
B.P. 155, Ruhengeri, Rwanda
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2.1.2.
Characteristic of a good PBL student ......................................................................... 21
2.2.
Introduction to value chain analysis....................................................................................... 22
2.3.
ALIGNING THE SUPPLY TO MATCH MARKET OPPORTUNITY (CASE STUDY: RWANDA) ......... 22
2.4.
VISITING POTATO FARMERS AT KINIGI, MUSANZE DISTRICT, ON 21ST January 2014 ........... 24
PART 3: POTATOES STAKEHOLDERS ANALYSIS AND RAPID MARKET APPRAISAL .............................. 27
3.1. Discussions/ exchange on the Farmers cooperatives company – for stakeholders analysis
(interviews with pure farmers versus cooperatives representatives) ............................................... 27
3.2.
INTRODUCTION TO THE RAPID MARKET APPRAISAL (TOOLS AND APPROACHES) ................ 27
3.3.
Field visit at Markets: RUGARAMA and KU RUKIKO in BURERA District, on 22.01.2014 ....... 28
3.3.1. For Farmers: ......................................................................................................................... 28
3.3.2.
For Retailers.................................................................................................................... 29
3.3.3.
For Traders...................................................................................................................... 29
4. Conclusion of the workshop how to incorporate PBL in teaching and training approaches at
INES) ................................................................................................................................................... 30
5.
CONCLUSION AND CLOSING WORKSHOP .................................................................................. 31
5.2. CONCLUSION ........................................................................................................................... 31
5.2. CLOSING REMARKS .................................................................................................................. 32
Accredited by Ministerial Order N° 005/2010/Mineduc of 16 June 2010
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INSTITUT D’ENSEIGNEMENT SUPÉRIEUR DE RUHENGERI
B.P. 155, Ruhengeri, Rwanda
T : +250 788 90 30 30, +250 788 90 30 32, W : www.ines.ac.rw, E : [email protected]
TRAINING WORKSHOP REPORT
THEME : POTATOES VALUE CHAIN PROMOTION IN RWANDA ORGANIZED BY ICCRD/INESRUHENGERI IN COLLABORATION WITH SCHOOL OF AGRICULTURAL, FOREST AND FOOD
SCIENCES (HAFL), BERN UNIVERSITY OF APPLIED SCIENCES, SWITZERLAND.
Scope of the workshop
The above named workshop follows Partnership established between INES-Ruhengeri through her
Interdisciplinary Competence Center for Regional Development (ICCRD) and the School of Agricultural, Forest
and Food Sciences (HAFL), Bern University of Applied Science, Switzerland; under the program “Learning
Events for Researchers from Developing Countries" funded by the Swiss Commission for Research
Partnerships with Developing Countries (KFPE)". The above learning event involves exchanges between
professional organizations and academia using a “Problem Based Learning Approach- PBL”.
st
This is the second part of the process because the 1 was concluded in September 2013 when the
coordinator of ICCRD visited HAFL to attend some modules on PBL and see how HAFL connects herself with
the surrounding communities and participates in finding solutions to their problems.
Objectives of workshop
-
Assessment of the potatoes value chain in the northern region of Rwanda
Exchange between research institutions, local farmers and food processing industries on
existing challenges and how to overcome them
Identifying how effective can be the role of INES- RUHENGERI in promoting regional agriculture
value chain.
The expected outcomes
-
Small farmers oriented production methods and value addition approaches are discussed
A clear framework of collaboration between regional actors in agriculture value chain
development is designed.
Organization of the workshop
The workshop was organized in two parts
Part 1: 20th January 2014: This stage was open to decision makers, research institutions, farmers
and their cooperatives, potato traders, processors, professional organizations and development
agencies involved in this potato value chain, INES Lecturers and students in the departments of
Rural Development Economics, Enterprise Development and Management, Plant biotechnologies
and food biotechnology.
Part 2: from 21-22 January 2014: This was closed to INES lecturers and Professional organizations
intervening in potatoes value chain. It involved a better understanding of training approaches
called PBL and how it can be used to help analyse and tackle community challenges
Accredited by Ministerial Order N° 005/2010/Mineduc of 16 June 2010
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INSTITUT D’ENSEIGNEMENT SUPÉRIEUR DE RUHENGERI
B.P. 155, Ruhengeri, Rwanda
T : +250 788 90 30 30, +250 788 90 30 32, W : www.ines.ac.rw, E : [email protected]
PART 1: 20TH JANUARY 2014
Key Representatives of organizations on day one
 Guest of Honor: Representative of the Minister of Agriculture and Animal
Resources, also Chairman of Post-Harvest Task Force- MINAGRI
 Rector of INES – RUHENGERI,
 Vice-Rector Academics of INES – RUHENGERI,
 Representative of Nyabihu District
 Regional Deputy Director, Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation in the
Great Lakes Region
 RAB Representative, Northern Zone, also Head of Potato Program in Rwanda
Agriculture Board- Northern Zone
 Executive Secretary of Farmers’ Federation IMBARAGA Mr GAFARANGA Joseph
 School of Agricultural, Forest and Food Sciences (HAFL), Bern University of Applied
Sciences, Switzerland
 Principal of College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medecine; University of Rwanda ,
 Program Manager- SPARK Rwanda
 Representatives of IFDC catalyst 2,
 INES- RUHENGERI Lecturers
 INES- RUHENGERI Students
1. Speech of the Rector of INES-Ruhengeri
The workshop ceremony was opened by the Rector of INES Ruhengeri, Fr. Dr. Déogratias NIYIBIZI at
10h15’ with a prayer after a tour of INES- RUHENGERI facilities.
Guest of honor
Allow me to extend to all participants my warm welcome at INES-Ruhengeri and wishes for
a happy, prosperous and peaceful year 2014
1.1.
Brief overview of the INES-Ruhengeri
The Government of Rwanda (GoR) is presently involved in the development of Sector
Strategies to implement Economic Development and Poverty Reduction Strategy (EDPRS)
programs. As stated in the Country’s Vision 2020, one of the development pillars identified
to speed up this strategy is that of Human Resource Development (HRD). The importance of
this Pillar is to empower and improve Rwandans livelihoods through skills development.
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INSTITUT D’ENSEIGNEMENT SUPÉRIEUR DE RUHENGERI
B.P. 155, Ruhengeri, Rwanda
T : +250 788 90 30 30, +250 788 90 30 32, W : www.ines.ac.rw, E : [email protected]
INES-RUHENGERI, in 2003, tapped into this national orientation and its mission is to:
“Contribute through the interactive conjunction between civil society, private sector and
public sector to the national and regional development, by providing specialized university
education enhanced by research, in order to create competitive enterprises and well paid
employment.”
INES-Ruhengeri as an institute of Applied Sciences aimed at linking with professional
world by investing in HRD, adapting academic programs to fit the market needs and
investing in modern laboratory equipment. Competences in Biotechnologies, Water
Resources and Environment management, Civil Engineering, land surveying, rural
development, enterprises management, statistics applied to economy, public administration
and good governance, law and applied linguistics etc are all part of what INES offers at a
Bachelor level. A master program in Microfinance is offered to improve managerial and
financial capacities of our financial institutions. INES is also planning to start a Master
program in Entrepreneurship Development and Management.
1.2.
Reasons for the gathering at INES-Ruhengeri
As we gather to exchange on “Potatoes Value Chain Promotion in Rwanda”, we are
concerned with rural community development. Rural community development is a process
conducted by community members. It is a process where local people can not only create
more jobs; income and infrastructure, but also help their community become fundamentally
better able to manage change.
The “concrete” benefits of community development, such as employment and infrastructure,
come through local people changing attitudes, mobilizing existing skills, improving
networks, thinking differently about problems, and using community assets in new ways.
Community development improves the situation of a community, not just economically, but
also as a strong functioning community in itself.
Today, we chose to discuss on Irish potatoes because they are largely produced in this
region and constitute one of the basic foods in the whole country. In this region, talking
potatoes is talking Life. There are lots of job opportunities in potatoes value chain, research
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INSTITUT D’ENSEIGNEMENT SUPÉRIEUR DE RUHENGERI
B.P. 155, Ruhengeri, Rwanda
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and development, seeds multiplication, cultivation, distribution, transformation and
consumption. On the other side, the region is also one of the densely populated which results
in excessive land exploitation. Small land parcels have to be used for both family survival
and market supply reasons
With land use consolidation local population are encouraged to group into cooperatives and
adopt common practices so that they receive trainings on new farming technologies, get
quality seeds and pesticides and monitor their capacities and learn together how to address
challenges when they arise.
MINAGRI and IMBARAGA Farmers Federation do a
commendable job in this
Guest of Honor
On July 11th, 2013, when the Minister MINAGRI visited Hinga Volcano Seed Promotion
Company, Musanze District, to focus on activities of multipliers of private farmers’ potato
seeds, which has been done by Rwanda Agriculture Board in the Department of Research,
she showed that potato farmers are producing about 16 to 18 tons per hectare, when
the target is 40 tons per hectare. She was optimistic to reach the target if good seeds and
proper fertilization is used.
Although potatoes production increased considerably in the last three to five years, which
would lead to price reduction and affordability, the price fluctuations doubled compared
to two years ago and tripled this year 2013 (In Musanze alone price hiked from 100Rwf to
250Rwf and back to 80/100Rwf between June –December 2013).
Some consumers think the exportation of potatoes outside the country is the reason why
potatoes are expensive on the local markets; others say it is because of poor farming and
postharvest strategies, poor management of cooperatives and others attribute the scarcity of
potatoes on climate and environmental changes. Substitutes face similar challenges and the
smaller farmer finds it difficult to afford market prices. All of these have a certain share on
the reality of daily life of local farmers and consumers.
In all that, small farmers deserve big consideration and, especially in the northern region, it
is advisable to reflect and exchange on “small farmers oriented production methods and
Value Chain Development-from seeds to market through value added products.”
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INSTITUT D’ENSEIGNEMENT SUPÉRIEUR DE RUHENGERI
B.P. 155, Ruhengeri, Rwanda
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In this process, we can ask ourselves the role of our educational institutions
1.3.
Role of INES-RUHENGERI in the Local Community development
As it should be the duty of every higher learning institution, INES-Ruhengeri sat down and
assessed her role in the local community development and found that she needs a strong link
to the community to keep track on the inventory of local development factors and progress.
This refers to reducing poverty by empowering surrounding population to actively
participate in transformation of the agriculture, business and rural development – and by
reducing their vulnerability through behaviour change, adoption of new farming techniques
and strategies for rural farmers.
INES-Ruhengeri is a key partner in many areas including the potatoes value chain.

We are a very active member in the cluster of potato seeds that falls within the broad
Food Security Project we run in collaboration with Dutch institutions

Through our laboratories of tissue culture, plant biotechnology and food
biotechnologies we are able to analyse and multiply potatoes seeds

we are involved in the process of starting a potato processing plant in Musanze

We are testing locally produced beverages to assure their qualities

Our Botanic garden helps us to sustain the availability of traditional medicinal plants

We created INES-company to effectively help private and public institutions to
easily access our services
As community outreach needed a clear framework, in collaboration with Lucerne University
of Applied science, INES Ruhengeri created the ICCRD (Interdisciplinary Competence
Centre for Regional Development) which functions as a transformation unit between the
needs of the community, private enterprises and public administration on one side and
the know-how and activities of INES on the other side. ICCRD targets Musanze, Burera,
Gakenke and Nyabihu Districts.

ICCRD champions inclusive solutions through involvement of stakeholders
depending on the identified problem.
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INSTITUT D’ENSEIGNEMENT SUPÉRIEUR DE RUHENGERI
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
ICCRD comes as an input to the process of closing the gap between theoretical and
practical education in the region (INES Laboratories are very useful to the
community).

It also serves as a platform where INES connects itself to other public and private
regional development actors to synergize efforts towards achieving faster progress
and regional economic growth and development.
In brief ICCRD strategies can be summarized as follows:
1. Applied Research in collaboration with enterprises or administration,
2. The incubator that provides and enhances entrepreneurship development services
3. Networking.
Dear guest of Honor
This 3 days’ workshop on the Potatoes value Chain Promotion in Rwanda organized in
collaboration with the School of Agricultural, Forest and Food Sciences, Berne University
of Applied Sciences, from Switzerland. This collaboration falls under the program
“Learning Events for Researchers from Developing Countries", thanks to the support from
Swiss Commission for Research Partnerships with Developing Countries (KFPE)". The
above learning event involves exchanges between professional organizations and academia
using a “Problem Based Learning Approach- PBL”. We are and will build strong ties with
both Swiss academic and development institutions.
We are participants from various research institutions, practitioners (Seed multipliers,
farmers, commercial and distributors, processors), experts and decision-makers with various
backgrounds in potatoes value chain and agriculture value chain to a large extent.
We hope this opportunity will help us to exchange and find out

Small farmers oriented production methods and value addition approaches

A clear framework of collaboration between regional actors in agriculture value
chain development
Once again, I wish you a pleasant stay at INES-Ruhengeri
May God Bless you all.
Accredited by Ministerial Order N° 005/2010/Mineduc of 16 June 2010
Scientia et Lux
INSTITUT D’ENSEIGNEMENT SUPÉRIEUR DE RUHENGERI
B.P. 155, Ruhengeri, Rwanda
T : +250 788 90 30 30, +250 788 90 30 32, W : www.ines.ac.rw, E : [email protected]
2. Speech of the Representative of the Minister of MINAGRI and Chairman of PostHarvest task force
Mr François NSENGIYUMVA; The representative of The Minister of MINAGRI and Chairman of PostHarvest task force, in his official opening began his speech by greeting all participants. He said that
the Minister of Agriculture is committed to the value addition of potato. He said that the potatoes
as staple crops and one of six priority crops of CIP (Crop Intensification Program) is very important.
Potato must be developed because of its importance in income generation of farmers, and all
stakeholders involved in potato value chain. Concerning this potatoes value chain, he said that the
farmers, different stakeholders must sit together and see how to develop more the potato to get a
high yield with a high quality.
he explained that With EDPRS II, the private sectors, farmers, cooperatives, high learning
institutions must have a real framework to deal with challenges and transformation of potatoes in
the value chain. We need to develop our potatoes, “said François and added that “Abishyizehamwe
ntakibananira in Kinyarwanda”, means that together we can do everything. He reminded
participants that potato becomes the second after gorilla to bring money to the northern zone
areas of Musanze.
3. The context of partnership between INES-Ruhengeri and School of Agricultural,
Forest, and Food Sciences (HAFL), Bern University of Applied Sciences
Representatives of HAFL led by Dr Ingrid Fromm began the presentation by comparing Switzerland
and Rwanda and said that both are small countries. The school of agricultural, forest and food
sciences offers 28 bachelor’s degree and 21 for masters with the total student of 6000 and 2917
staffs.
The linkage between HAFL and INES is that both universities work in area of applied sciences
involving agriculture and so that INES need to be also an institute of applied sciences like Bern
University of applied sciences.
The work area of the university (master and bachelor’s, applied research and development,
consulting and further education); the campus; the strengths as unity study program ( alumni with
great professional opportunities),research close to practice, synergies between education ,
research and services, cooperation with partners in Switzerland and worldwide mostly funded by
Swiss academy of sciences. INES-Ruhengeri together with HAFL presented their interest in working
together. The potatoes value chain promotion in Rwanda was selected among others. On this,
improved potatoes value chain allows different stakeholders to benefit and specificall allow
producers to sell their produce at high prices with the high income and social benefit in rural area.
So, careful analysis of value chain is needed to increase the potatoes production.
Accredited by Ministerial Order N° 005/2010/Mineduc of 16 June 2010
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INSTITUT D’ENSEIGNEMENT SUPÉRIEUR DE RUHENGERI
B.P. 155, Ruhengeri, Rwanda
T : +250 788 90 30 30, +250 788 90 30 32, W : www.ines.ac.rw, E : [email protected]
4. Presentation of the Head of potato program at RAB, Northern Zone on Potatoes Value
chain analysis in Rwanda (from seed to market)
During his presentation, Mr NTIZO representing RAB in the Northern Zone began with the history of
potato in Rwanda and said that it was introduced by the German missionaries in 1903 in Rwaza
Catholic parish. He revealed that the potato was not welcome to Rwandan people and it was after
the famine of 1928-29 and 1945 where they began to eat it. The history of ISAR (Institut des
Sciences Agronomiques au Rwanda) and its path development until recently transformed into RAB
(Rwanda Agriculture Board) was also presented.
The importance of potato in Rwanda is analysed in the context of food and cash crop, income
generation, good nutrition value and poverty reduction. The consumption per person per year was
254 kg in production area (zones) and 125 kg in non-production area. The cultivated area was now
130,000ha/year, and the production is above 2 million per year. Rwanda is the third producer of
potato in sub-Saharan region and the average yield is 14 t/ha but in the developing countries they
reach 42 tons per ha because of good seed varieties, new technology input used etc.
Ntizo presented also the area of production where the northern zone comes at the first place.
The potatoes as special crop, it requires maximum attention with regard to water conservation
both at seed and produce levels. Advanced storage techniques require considering water because it
could be a source of loss due to diseases and pests. Ntizo took this opportunity to share all
concerned information about potato production conditions (optimum temperature of tuberization,
optimum temperature of bulking, formation of starch etc). On this he gave the advice to the
farmers to grow each variety to the concerned agro-ecological zones.
Problems of potatoes found and presented were:
a) General problems
- Sensitive to stress factors (as drought, salinity, inadequate pH, Al-toxicity, heat stress) resulting
in decline yield and quality.
- the occurrences of physiological disorders such as growth cracks, secondary growth, hallow
hearts)
- The biotic stress as virus, bacteria, fungi, nematodes, insects, larger animals. Those could be
soil borne, air borne or seed borne diseases.
- the major constraints to potato production are: insufficient of clean seed
- poor/ inadequate agriculture practices
- pest/diseases pressure
- declining of soil fertility
- poor flow of technical information
The solution to those constraints is potato research and extension where we focus on the high
productivity and income generation, agronomic pathology and potato breeding. The categories of
potatoes seeds are also shown and see the importance of each category in good potato production.
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There were also the parameters from potato ( as clonal reproduction, variety stability, low rate of
multiplication, easy disease transmission, variation in dormancy, seed bulky, perishable and costly)
and other from the ecosystem (soils types, rainfall patters, soil diseases, insect population cycle ) in
potato production
b) Regional identified problems
o The seed potatoes production is also seen where the informal system covers 98%
of all supply of seed and (2%) coved by formal system.
o The technical and institutional challenges in informal system were also shown
where there were lack of specialization, poor seed distribution and marketing,
constraint to start up and the technical challenges for formal system to get right
varieties, overcome low multiplication rate, maintain seed quality. On this, the
rapid intervention in rapid multiplication of potato seed was welcome.
To improve those two kinds of system, NTIZO, formulated the following recommendations to
improve the informal system and formal system:
 For production:
o for informal system: to improve self-supply, participatory learning that can show
seed growers the value of crop management for seed (FFS methods).
o For formal system: the improvement of quality control and improve efficiency of
rapid multiplication.
 For marketing
o to improve specialization, demonstration of yield, contribution of quality seed and
contact and involve immediate villagers.
 for organization support: put in place a good mechanism for the organization of farmers
and other intervening stakeholders in potato value chain.
Important challenges identified by RAB
After presenting the situation of potato production in Rwanda where 9 stations are in involved in
the production of vitro plantlets, minitubers, pre-basic and basic seeds, these are supplemented by
certified cooperatives and individual seeds multipliers.
Ntizo presented also to the participants the challenges of potatoes seeds in Rwanda as:
-
insufficient clean seeds produced at the source ( RAB),
inadequate crop management among chain actors( rotation, disease management),
non respect of the chain ( eg. seed is sold for consumption for some actors),
soil fertility and land scarcity
Low investment in seed production due to limited access to credit.
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INSTITUT D’ENSEIGNEMENT SUPÉRIEUR DE RUHENGERI
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5. Presentation of the Executive Secretary of Farmers Federation IMBARAGA Northern
region on Small farmers production methods
5.1.
Presentation of IMBARAGA
The Farmer’s federation IMBARAGA, represented by Mr GAFARANGA Joseph, was founded in 1992
with the aim to protect the value and the interest of his members (farmers). The IMBARAGA
needed to change life of farmers to help them earn as much as other professionals, office workers
earn.
The presenter showed how important is potato and compared it with other crops where the
potatoes was a good crop because of high yield, short period for maturation, nutrition value,
income generation and job provision to stakeholders involved in its chain.
The presenter said in the beginning the production was 2-3 tons per ha, and in 1979, the creation
of PNAP (Programme National pour l’Agriculture de la pomme de terre) was an answer for potato.
The increase of production and research in potato was the first mission of PNAP. On this, the
production shifted from 2-3 to 8 tons per ha.
The farmer’s federation IMBARAGA is a federation of farmers which helps them:





to discus on the price of crop cultivated,
to get information on the market and diffusion of it among the members.
to help the farmers in planning of production
to help the farmers to meet with the big buyers
to coordinate all farmers activity with others stakeholders
5.2.
The principal actors in potato value chain
The presenter of IMBARAGA said that the very important actors in potato value chain were
Researchers, seed multipliers, producers, sealers, transporters, processors and consumer.
The first value chain is seed which is very important in increasing of potato production. On this,
Farmers’ federation was already entered in seed cleaning where some of them used/ multiplied the
minitubers. Farmers multiplied the minitubers and sell them at 80 Rwfs for each minituber.
The second was the potato consumption. The quality of potato was very crucial . The washing,
sorting, grading and packaging are already done at IMBARGA. The MINAGRI, Agriterra, IFDC, NGOs,
Embassy of Holland help the farmers’ federation IMBARAGA in that purpose.
The third value chain was the potato transformed as crisps, French fries. This is still a vergin phase
as there is no enterprise adding value to that extent. IMBARAGA is still in research process and its
products are still at noncompetitive level. The market needs a good investor.
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The fourth value chain is the commercialization. On this purpose, the farmers sell their produce
without any value addition to Kigali market. During harvest time, up to 500 tons of potato can be
sold every day.
The 5th value chain was the consumers: This one is challenged by knowing the best variety and at
which price. As long as consumers do not specify varieties and take whatever it is on the market
and pay profitable prices to sellers, the later will not spend any time sorting out and packaging well
their produce. This is a big challenge because it is a hindrance to professionalizing their business.
Another problem is linked to market control and influencing market behavior in terms of equitable
distribution of profit between farmers and sellers. Dealers earn a lot compared to producers.
Major constraints found

5.3.
The major constraints found are:
o Unknown quality of the soil and dosage of fertilizers,
o difficulty to get new farming technologies,
o inefficacy of pesticides,
o insufficient seeds
o the low price at critical point of production,
o and difficulty of storage.
o extension of the use of same varieties in the field and also influencing the market
Vision in the long-run
With regard to challenges identified, IMBARAGA has currently about 3 farmers that produced the
potato seed in greenhouse and plans to build 7 others in the future.
The development of positive selection, the promotion of small and big store of seeds, introduction
of the new actors in buying and selling of seeds, improvement in communication, planning of seed
multiplication, good collaboration with the research institutions in the soil analysis and adding
value to potato, organization of the product delivering were the broad vision of Farmer’s
federation IMBARAGA.
6. DISCUSSIONS SESSION
Moderated by François NSENGIYUMVA, Chairman of the Postharvest Task Force in
MINAGRI, discussions in this session rotated around previous presentations and reflected on what
and how we can do to increase potato yield.
1. What can we do to small farmers to increase their income and improve their life?
2. What can we do to the small and big farmers to have the equitable benefit within the
potato value chain?
3. What is missing in our system that has to be improved?
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4. Where are data about soil analysis, good seeds, farmers with good soil, farmers implicated
in the potato production or in all crops, human consumption in potato based on regions (
Ex. north versus south regions), How can many farmers use the proper soil, good seed?
5. Farmers asked whether it can be possible to help the farmers in potato storage/
conservation as is done for the other crops such as rice, maize, etc
6. why there is no agriculture bank, and why the sellers of potatoes are richer than the
producers, and why not combination of fertilizers (manures and chemical) to minimize soil
toxicity and environmental impact
7. Why is there no sensory evaluation in potato quality like it is done for the coffee?
A. The feedback to asked questions
Interventions on the above questions gave clear answers and left some others unanswered with
satisfaction. Researchers, farmers and experts gave the following feedback
a) Seed, fertilizers, farmers’ organization and market linkages
To get a good yield of potatoes, seeds with many eyes/ bourgeons are good when combined
with appropriate fertilizers (manures). It is also advisable to do a planning in the small group,
and in this, help to get more information about utilization of fertilizers, good seed etc. The
utilization of good seed, good agricultural practice, good management of potatoes, the good
professional farming and good soil analysis were welcome in this process of potato value chain.
Such combination can help the farmers to reach 30 tons per ha. Through “Farmer fields
school”, farmers learn how to use organic fertilizers (manures, compost). Such concept was
recently introduced in collaboration with IFDC and IMBARAGA. The Farmer field school will
help the farmers to know the quantity and quality of those organic and chemical fertilizers
needed in potato production. This will also solve the issue of quality of potatoes cultivated and
sold on the market, better ways of packaging and distributing. It has been realized that there is
a big gap in good seeds acquisition and multiplication; and postharvest technologies that could
prevent farmers’ vulnerability in particular and consumers in general due to price fluctuations.
The consumption of potatoes per individual in Rwanda is about 125 kg /year /person. For the
agriculture bank, it is still in discussions.
b) Soil analysis, statistics
 With regard to soil analysis, a farmer gave an example of where he planted with soil
analysis and done a correction (with lime) according to obtained result and he got 20 tons
against 4 tons before soil analysis and correction with lime. About statistic, he said that
there wasn’t any database for soil analysis, using of fertilizers etc. so we must work
together to get the good information.

Participants recommended that INES-Ruhengeri and College of Agriculture and Veterinary
Medecine should try to get a fund to do such research and build such database.

The representative from RAB said that a study was being conducted on soil analysis and
results were expected in the near future.
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7. The role of INES-RUHENGERI in adding value to local agriculture products (food
processing)
During this session, Ntwali Janvier, the presenter showed the potato value chain, the needs, input
supply (seed potatoes from RAB, multipliers, INES in process). He showed also how to optimize the
production with the different input like temperature, light, and carbon.
The postharvest handling is also shown with the separation of the grade of potatoes as sorting
grading and packaging.
The processed products are grading, sorting, washing, packaging, branding, starch, flours, peeled,
blanched etc.
The need for potatoes was storage and storage facilities for seed, for consumption.
Now, the potato processing is beginning in Farmers federation IMBARAGA with potatoes crisps,
potatoes flours, starch. He said that the implantation of potato industry will be soon.
The presenter said also the importance of potato chain value and importance of all stakeholders
involved in that value chain. On this, the role of INES was in seeds multiplication (seed cleaning)
through the laboratory of tissue culture. with this, there is a potential to contribute by increasing
the percentage of seeds from 2% produced formally.
The figure below showed the potato value chain in summary
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8. Cooperation between INES- RUHENGERI, district and Private sector INES VRAC
The presenter began his presentation with Rwanda economic policies strategies where EDPRS II is
shown. The presentation of Rwanda education (from secondary to university)
The very important thing was why INES could be institute of applied sciences. Now, INES became
institute of applied sciences after seeing the mismatch between university products (graduates)
and labor market needs in the region. On this, INES needed to solve the big gap between the needs
of market and skills/knowledge given.
How can this be done?
This involved the combination of all efforts in order to create a framework with different
stakeholders for solving rural community problems. To attain its mission, INES-Ruhengeri partners
with Universities and institutions from different parts of the globe: Holland, Germany, Switzerland;
regional partners as East African Land Administration for which INES chairs its Secretariate , local
public institutions as Rwanda Transport Development Agency, Rwanda Natural Resources
Authority, Rwanda Housing Authority, Rwanda Agriculture Board, Rwanda Biomedical Center,
Rwanda Bureau of Standard, Rwanda Governance Board, Rwanda Cooperative Agency , National
Institute of Statistics for Rwanda; local government as Musanze, Burera, Gakenke and Nyabihu
Districts; higher learning institutions like College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medecine,
Association Rwandaises des Institutions Privées d’Enseignement Supérieur, etc.
Special partnerships established together with INES in the optic of Applied sciences are between
Musanze urban planning and taxation units, Private Sector Federation, Farmers federationIMBARAGA, traditional healers (a botanic garden was established at INES-Ruhengeri to revive,
sustain and keep traditional medicinal plants), etc.
9. DISCUSSION: WHAT CAN BE DONE FOR EFFECTIVE AND SUCCESSFUL REGIONAL
AGRICULTURAL VALUE CHAIN DEVELOPMENT
On this topic moderated by Dr Katharina JENNY from the Swiss Agency for Development and
Cooperation in the Great Lakes Region,, the emphasis was on how to get more production in
potatoes. INES can play a big role in this because of available facilities such as laboratories of tissue
culture (for multiplication of seeds), soil analysis and mapping the land. INES-Ruhengeri can be a
solution.
a) Some questions raised concerned the problem of price of green house, how it can be
reduced in order to get more greenhouses and solve the problem of lack of cleaned seeds ,
the problem of soil acidity found in different parts of Burera District and strategies to
tackle this problem.
b) The answer showed that the soil acidity level of Burera was not the same and the
resolution was to do a soil analysis for each part. The presenter added that INES was able
to do that kind of soil analysis through its laboratories.
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c) Other interventions asked why the price of potato is almost the same in the European
countries but here in Rwanda keeps changing. The answer was that the price remains
almost the same because governments give some subsidies and only few depend on
agriculture compared to Rwanda. However, price volatility could be an opportunity to
actors in potato value chain. Some actors can build the store for a little conservation and
when the critical point of production is finished, those actors sell their store.
10. Resolutions of the day
Participants gathered at INES-RUHENGERI on the 20th January 2014 held discussions on the theme
of “Potatoes value chain promotion in Rwanda”,
The Rector welcomed and thanked participants and their respective institutions for their
association to the event
He mentioned that talking potatoes in the Northern Region of Rwanda is talking life. For that INESRuhengeri is committed to partnering with different actors to promote potatoes. The Rector
thanked the School of Agriculture, Forest and Food Sciences, Bern university of Applied Sciences,
Switzerland and The Swiss Development Cooperation, for their valuable commitment and support
to the event.
Based on presentations made and discussions held, participants resolved that:
1. There should be strong relationships and collaboration between INES-Ruhengeri and local
farmers in soil analysis for better farming and improvement of potatoes production
2. There should be establishment of a formal and regular partnership framework between
actors in potatoes value chain in Northern region.
3. There should be joint planning mechanisms between researchers, farmers and
businessmen for effective supply of market and avoidance of price fluctuations.
4. INES should invest in building a database of statistics related to land used, potatoes
production and consumption per region
5. There is a need of continuous discussions on finding out and improving better postharvest
technologies (Conservation of potatoes) and value addition mechanisms appropriate to
potato small farmers. This to tackle both family survival and market agriculture.
Closing the workshop
In his remarks, the Vice Rector Academics at INES-Ruhengeri, Fr.Dr. Fabien HAGENIMANA thanked
all participants especially the representative of The Minister of Agriculture, and he hoped-for a
good, continuous collaboration between all actors /stakeholders involved in potato value chain
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(from potato seed, storage and market). He also thanked the organizing committee from INESRuhengeri and HAFL.
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PART TWO: PROBLEM BASED LEARNING
2.1. Introduction to Problem based Learning ( PBL)
As introduced by Dr. Ingrid Fromm, PBL was one of kind of methodology used by some
universities of applied sciences. On this, she introduced what was a PBL and some definitions are
given. PBL is educational method and a pedagogical strategy of active learning where the student
takes into his hand the responsibility of learning. PBL is an instructional method that challenges
students to “learn to learn”.
The aim of PBL is to develop the skills of students and try to be active. On this methodology, the
teacher is a facilitator. This PBL, the student is centered method where the students decide what
to learn (group agreement), few contact hours but a lot of self-study and the teacher acts as coach,
facilitator and as an expert (tutor). The defining characteristics of PBL are presented in the
following figure.
In the PBL, students are confronted with a professionally relevant problem, which constitutes the
starting point of the learning process. The problem always comes first, not a theory. In small
groups, under the guidance of a teacher, students are expected to analyze the given problem
based on their knowledge.
2.1.1. How to organize PBL?
The small group is formed (<5) and work with PBL tutor or facilitator. The group usually meets
twice a week for around 1.5 hours. The students identify the main issue and formulate question to
work on.
A. PBL : development of skills
On this development of skills, the following aspect /concept are necessary:



Knowledge that is theoretical and link to reality
Skills (scientific reasoning, critical appraisal, information literacy, self-directed learning)
Attitudes (value of teamwork, interpersonal skills, moderation skills.
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
During this session of PBL, there were 7 important steps which are listed on the following
figure:
The teacher becomes a facilitator/ coach and help them to stay focused because the students can
go out of the subject.
During this type of learning (PBL), each student had a speech / role and need to be respected.
Some could be a block coordinator, moderator, scribe, tutor, participants.
2.1.2. Characteristic of a good PBL student
During this session the characteristic good PBL student are shown as present in all session,
knowledge of the PBL process, commitment to self-study/ student –directed learning, active
participant in discussion and critical thinking while contributing to a friendly, non-threatening
environment, able to moderate a group.
An exercise of PBL was done following the topic: “Addressing the gap between potatoes farmers
and market needs in the Northern region, Rwanda”.
On this, all seven step of PBL (1.clarification of unclear terms, 2.defining the problem, 3.problem
analysis, 4.discussion, 5.information formulating learning questions, 6. Self-study, 7. Synthesis,
application of new information) are followed and the participant found a good result and common
understanding of the objective.
Participants asked whether PBL can apply to all matters and how to avoid the confusion between
project based learning and problem based learning?. On whether PBL can be applied to all courses
The answer no, because for example in fundamental sciences, PBL was not working. On the
difference between Problem based learning and project based learning, Both are complementarily
methodologies one based on the projection (Project) and another on identified problem (Problem).
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The conclusion was that, the PBL was not applicable to all matters and the importance of PBL for
student was” Learn to learn” where the teacher is a facilitator/coach. The best way to apply it was
to start it in upper levels, like level 3 and level 4.
2.2.
Introduction to value chain analysis
During this presentation by Dr. Ingrid Fromm, different point are shown: value chain analysis, value
chain complexity, and value chain governance. On the value chain analysis there are many
questions taken into consideration as what are the target markets. ; What are the pathways from
source to each market?; What are the VC’s comparative advantages, how does market value rise as
the product moves along, who are the most important actors and how do they behave? , Is trust
and cooperation evident at each step in the chain? , where are the apparent bottlenecks in the
VC?, how is the VC governed, and who holds power?, What factors in the enabling environment
hinder or support chain growth and prosperity?, what is the potential for improving or upgrading?
Input from participants showed that, for a god value chain analysis of potato, cooperatives and
research institutions have a big role to play. Here INES could participate in all phases of the chain
not only in seed cleaning.
2.3.
ALIGNING THE SUPPLY TO MATCH MARKET OPPORTUNITY (CASE STUDY:
RWANDA)
The case study for this session is was moderated by MARCEL MBONYINSHUTI, FROM IFDC
CATALYST 2. It is about “the value chain of Irish potato produced in Rubavu district –Rwanda
and exported to Bujumbura- Burundi”.
During this session, potatoes produced at Rubavu are sold to Bujumbura market with
differentlevels of participation of actors. The calculation of profitability, the weakness in utilization
of agri-inputs, handling weakness, human resource and management weakness, opportunities and
the challenges were also shown.
He explained that the actors involved in that potato value chain from Rubavu to Bujumbura
market got a benefit but not the same. He gave all necessary explanation in all steps in which
Catalist 2 project is involved. The development of good varieties needed by the Bujumbura market
was very important for getting more benefit.
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How can Rubavu farmers influence equitable profitability and avoid Bujumbura traders earn a lot
and Rubavu farmers earn very little? The answer was that the sharing profitability must be to all
(farmers and Bujumbura traders). But a capacity building of farmers is need to help them to be able
to defend their profitability.
Concerning the increasing and decreasing of price, This kind of problem is difficult to solve because
of market forces. However, IFDC catalyst project tried to help those farmers to get new technology
in postharvest (washing, sorting, grading, packaging) for better transport and avoid any
perishability of potatoes.
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2.4.
VISITING POTATO FARMERS AT KINIGI, MUSANZE DISTRICT, ON 21ST January
2014
Figure1. Picture taken during the field visit at HVSPC
The field visit at kinigi was done at HINGA volcanoes seed promotion company Ltd (HVSPC).
At this site, the company multiplies potato seeds. The varieties used were Kirundo, Mabondo and
Kinigi. They used the basic seed from RAB where the cost of one kilo was 500 Rwf, and the certified
seed produced by those farmers sold at 300 RWF per kg. The main problem in this seed
multiplication process is the long dormancy of seeds. But to solve this kind of problem where there
was a lack of seeds, they used the straw of wheat to increase the optimum condition of seeds
germination (to breakdown dormancy)
There was also a store under construction where their target is to conserve about 1.000 tons of
potato seeds per season. The creation of a block for each variety will help them in quality of seeds.
The store was under construction and the store conditions are not yet accomplished. Those
conditions are good aeration of store, easy access of light, and a good cemented floor.
The patners of those farmers are RAB, IFDC catalyst 2, MINAGRI, SPAT II.
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The market of seed was not a big problem because RAB helps to find the buyers and the farmers of
that area know now the importance of utilization of certified seed in increasing of production.
Some questions raised focused on:
 How they produce the certified seed? Does the company have own land?
 The representative of the company said that they put together their own land
/parcels in the process of land use consolidation. On this they got a big surface for
seed multiplication.
 Why to put seed on the floor?
 Because we needed a seed for planting in the first days of April. So, we didn’t need
any precipitation of seed because the planting date was not yet.
 How they can cover the cost of basic seed that was expensive, and when compared to the
time of storage+ period of dormancy?
 The answer was that the cost of certified seed production was arranged between 150
to 200 RWFs and they sold to 300 RWFS. Profit margin is about 100 RWFS per kg.
 Why they didn’t use greenhouse for multiplication?
 To get a seed production (minitubers) in greenhouse takes about 2 years. So, they
preferred to buy the basic seed from RAB in which took a little time than those
produced in greenhouse.
 How about the rate of production, when you use 1 kg of basic seeds?
 1 ton of basic seed produced about 10 tons of certified seeds (reason why 1 kg of
basic seed produce about 10kg).
 How the farmers lived, because of some varieties have a certified seeds ready to go to the
market, it took almost 8 months?
 When a farmer had a problem, it is up to him to come in the company to take a
credit and pay when he sells his produce. This helped the farmers to pay the
school fees, health insurance fees, etc. in addition for this, the farmers live by the
money from seed production and they do that as a business.
 How farmer’s members got a seed and how about the price?
 The company gave the credit of seed and fertilizers and the return is in the
production.
 The price is fixed according to the price of local market; on this, the addition of 30
Rwf on the kg of local market is done by the company.
 Why the farmers are involved in potatoes seeds production?
 The reason was before to go to those kinds of activities, they used the seed from
Uganda in which didn’t have any quality seed. On this, many seeds were coming
with the different diseases as virus, bacteria and fungi and some pests like
nematodes etc. Those were the reason why the farmers took the initiative to go in
seed multiplication where they work with the research institutional (RAB).
 How the company got the new varieties?
 Always, the new varieties were coming from RAB and it is the farmers company to
multiply them in their own land (land use consolidation).
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At the end, Mr MUSABYIMANA, one of the company leaders present, thanked all visitors, fellow
farmers and he stressed that farmers’ company needs to closely work together with INESRuhengeri as a key stakeholder in potato value chain. He said also that, for achieving the fixed
target, good behavior and mindset change of the farmers’ company in land use consolidation, the
crop rotation program (where was potato- maize- beans- potato) and use of good fertilizers with
the adequate dose (good mix with soil need (soil analysis already done for some farmers to
increase the production) resulted in shifting from former 4 tons per ha to 20 tons today).
A great thanks was extended to farmers as it was a good experience that could be shared to
different farmers including the Swiss farmers.
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PART 3: POTATOES STAKEHOLDERS ANALYSIS AND RAPID MARKET APPRAISAL
3.1. Discussions/ exchange on the Farmers cooperatives company – for stakeholders
analysis (interviews with pure farmers versus cooperatives representatives)
The starting point was the field visit done at Kinigi Farmers Company on the previous day where
different problems were identified in potato value chain.
The main discussion revolved around seed production, seed storage and commercialization. The
potatoes farmers are well organized than other crop and have a good potential. But, even if the
farmers have such potential, they have big problem in production and conservation. Mainly pest
(a kind of moth which can damage the crop at 100%) and diseases, soil analysis, crop rotation
issue on small land, problem of storage facilities and adequate technologies have been stressed.
3.2.
INTRODUCTION TO THE RAPID MARKET APPRAISAL (TOOLS AND APPROACHES)
During this session moderated by RAHEL WYSS, HAFL., participants learnt more about market
research and the specific tools. The term PCMA (Participatory Market Chain Approach) and RMA
(Rapid Market Appraisal) were explained.
The PCMA involves interested stakeholders, making them part of a process in which most decision
is taken democratically. The PCMA linkes different actors involved in a market chain, from
producers to consumers. The PCMA provides a methodological framework, the content of which
can be adapted.
On this PCMA, some innovations are possible especially in terms of commercial innovations where
new products or services are for specific market niches. The Technological innovations where is
related to changes in attitude, habits, or relationships among stakeholders.
The RMA (Rapid Market Appraisal) is an iterative and interactive research methodology, which is
used to better understand complex market systems in a short time. It was one of the most effective
market research methodologies used for agricultural product market. On this, there is a quick
assessment of specific market in order to determine the commercial potential of new product or
market opportunities.
The RMA can serve to analyse: market status, main players, market evolvement, supply and
demand regarding certain products, analyze competing products and the way they are sold,
channels, distribution coverage, uses, preferences and expectation for a specific product, to define
research or marketing strategies.
The RMA steps are: area of selection, product selection, design of market survey, implementation
of market survey, analysis of data and information, report writing, from analysis to action, sharing
results with stakeholders.
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The RMA methods and tools for rapid data collection are focus groups, product ranking and
prioritization, historical calendar, market mapping, market visit, learning journeys, semi structure
interviews and structure interviews.
The RMA methods and tools for analyzing market data are trend analysis ( price, production and
perception of sales growth), market volume analysis, profitability analysis, margin analysis(
efficiency of a market system, projection( change in demand for a certain product), SWOT,
problem tree, solution tree, scenario building( potential for specific types of clients).
The importance of RMA are to orient the production to the market demand, identify niche
products for which an area has comparative advantages, reorient production to respond to
changing demand, to facilitate a change in thinking from “production minded to market minded”,
to facilitate a mental change from “middle men are the blood suckers of the poor” to a different
perception in which each stakeholders has a role in the market chain. “The Market- oriented
production is the opposite of the first producing a good and the only looking for clients”.
3.3.
Field visit at Markets: RUGARAMA and KU RUKIKO in BURERA District, on
22.01.2014
After see all those concept, the participants were dividing into three groups for RMA food market
analysis (as example of potatoes). Those groups are Farmers, retailers, traders.
The results are found according to each group and the different questions formulated according
with the potato value chain. The location of market visited was RUGARAMA and Ku RUKIKO in
BURERA district.
3.3.1. For Farmers:
The information concerning the farmers, potato price on the market, varieties produced,
production are highlighted below:
1. Concerning the production of potato in the field:
 in the open field, the production volume is 8 to 10 t/ ha
 Production season: 3 times per year and there was equal participation of males and
females.
 The kinds of varieties produced were PEKO and KURUSEKE sold at 110 Rwf/kg; KINIGI sold
at 130 Rwf /Kg.
2. Concerning the Post-harvest and marketing, the farmers did a sorting where the big
potatoes are sold at the market and the small are conserved as seed.
 The price was variable according to the months of production: August, September and
October at 200 RWF per kg sometimes reaching even 300 RWF and November, December,
and January, the price decreased and arrived at 100 RWFS per kg.
 The buyers for those potatoes were the collectors and the location was on farm-gate.
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B.P. 155, Ruhengeri, Rwanda
T : +250 788 90 30 30, +250 788 90 30 32, W : www.ines.ac.rw, E : [email protected]
 The price of PEKO was 90rwf, 100rwf, 110rwf per kg respectively on the farm-gate,
collection center, and the market. The factors on the determination of the price were the
type of variety, season.
 The advantages of this are direct cash for farmers and less laboring
 The disadvantage is that farmers are exploited( and they didn’t known the price on the
market)
3. Concerning the production demand trend, in the past 3 years, the price was very high and
nowadays the price is moderate.
 the PEKO is sold at the restaurant and hotels
 KURUSEKE is sold for home consumption
 Kinigi is more preferred, delicious, rare, and expensive and have a low production.
4. Concerning the transactions.
 The selling was arrangements and bargaining the price (the collectors have more
information about the market and have power). The requirement for that
transaction was a variety and size of the potato produced.
3.3.2. For Retailers
1. The different varieties sold by those retailers were Kinigi, Peko and Kuruseke ( also Petero)
2. The quantities sold were 2.400 kg per months and 28.000 kg per year.
3. The retailers sold without any consideration of the variety. The quantity is not known for
different varieties.
4. Concerning the price, five years ago, the price varied between 150 and 200 RWF.
5. Concerning the suppliers, the retailers go to the field to buy the production and they are
informed by the farmers about the availability of produce.
6. Sales trends, during the harvesting season, there was a decrease of sales and the increased
sales were during lean season (June, July and August- dry season) and sometimes the
potatoes are coming from Uganda.
7. concerning the supply, was variable according to the period of the year;
8. there was no complain to the consumers about potatoes
9. Concerning the quality, the Kinigi variety is very appreciated and sold in the restaurant and
urban areas (niche markets) and Kuruseke for local market.
3.3.3. For Traders
The group of traders found that:
1. Different varieties sold were: KURUSEKE, PEKO, KINIGI, KIRUNDO, GIKUNGU, KURUZA AND
MABONDO.
2. The consumer liked Kinigi variety but are not available in sufficient quantities at the
market. The other varieties available now are PEKO, KIRUNDO and KURUSEKE.
3. The quantities sold were variable according to the season. In this moment the climate was
a big constraint in potato production, reason why, a little quantity of potato was available
Accredited by Ministerial Order N° 005/2010/Mineduc of 16 June 2010
Scientia et Lux
INSTITUT D’ENSEIGNEMENT SUPÉRIEUR DE RUHENGERI
B.P. 155, Ruhengeri, Rwanda
T : +250 788 90 30 30, +250 788 90 30 32, W : www.ines.ac.rw, E : [email protected]
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
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4.
in the visited market of RUKIKO, but Kirundo was most available. It is said Kirundo a good
resistance to the pest and diseases.
Concerning the potato quality, there was no washing, no grading, no sorting
Concerning the price, Kinigi was very expensive than other varieties available. But on the
market we found PEKO sold at 110 RWFs to the trader and the later sold it at 130 RWFs
There wasn’t any other substitute of potatoes found in that market.
Concerning the products on the shelves and packaging, the farmers prefer to use sacs
Concerning the potato promotion and advertising, there was no need because the product
is rapidly sold.
The quality of packaging was very poor (somehow are broken/used).
There was no labeling on the sacs and we don’t know what variety is inside the sacs.
The farmers have where they can sell but there were no facilities like commerce housing/
housing market. The staffs were interactive.
The impression of the group that visited traders:
no value addition at all levels,
No target of a specific market segment.
and the type of market visited is producer driven
Conclusion of the workshop how to incorporate PBL in teaching and training
approaches at INES)
During this session, Jean Pierre Mujyarugamba, Lecturer at INES reminded participants that PBL
is an education method for active learning and it fits with learning in real-world problems and
makes students responsible for their learning. He explained also the characteristics of PBL where it
is characterized by a challenging problems from professionally relevant context, role changing,
small group and self-study. The PBL principles are constructive, crucial to learn, contextual facilities
and self-directed.
How to insert the PBL in teaching program of INES? This pyramid showed very well the importance
of PBL in learning program of INES.
Accredited by Ministerial Order N° 005/2010/Mineduc of 16 June 2010
Scientia et Lux
INSTITUT D’ENSEIGNEMENT SUPÉRIEUR DE RUHENGERI
B.P. 155, Ruhengeri, Rwanda
T : +250 788 90 30 30, +250 788 90 30 32, W : www.ines.ac.rw, E : [email protected]
This approach will help not only students but also lecturers to use available reality problems so that
theories are discussed with regard to a commonly known problems for all participants. Problem
based learning will facilitate to closely keep in touch with community issues with relevant
challenges, potential solutions and different views from other sides. This method is good for any
applied sciences university and INES-Ruhengeri will try to apply it.
5.
CONCLUSION AND CLOSING WORKSHOP
5.2. CONCLUSION
As conclusion, the workshop on potatoes value chain promotion in Rwanda was and will always be
a memorable event that broadened the scope of understanding, analysis and interaction with
different stakeholders in the chain. It was an important moment to get in touch with decision
makers, professionals and farmers to discuss reality of the daily life of the local community in order
to see how what many Rwandans depend on can be improved and promoted to bring high value
and greater profitability.
Participants from IFDC CATALYST 2, SPARK Rwanda, CAVM, and Swiss Agency for Development and
Cooperation in the Great Lakes Region contributed a lot to the success of the event. Their expertise
from the field helped participants (Lecturers) in understanding better challenges, opportunities and
the role of every actor in finding out solutions to community problems.
Visited farmers showed a very big interest and need to becoming partners of INES-RUHENGERI
because the see the future in it and believe INES-Ruhengeri will help them to solve some problems.
Accredited by Ministerial Order N° 005/2010/Mineduc of 16 June 2010
Scientia et Lux
INSTITUT D’ENSEIGNEMENT SUPÉRIEUR DE RUHENGERI
B.P. 155, Ruhengeri, Rwanda
T : +250 788 90 30 30, +250 788 90 30 32, W : www.ines.ac.rw, E : [email protected]
5.2. CLOSING REMARKS
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The closing remarks by the Vice Rector Academics of INES-RUHENGERI, Fr. Dr. Fabien
HAGENIMANA stressed the importance and role INES has to play in knowing the farmers
priorities and try to come with the solution. INES-Ruhengeri, with her mission, is committed to
participate actively in rural community development because the farmers who are struggling
every day to try to have a durable solution for their problem are appealing for support. So,
INES needs to work together with the rural community to get the right solution. This involves
everything from research, investment, to sending students and graduates for being part of the
solution to the society instead of becoming a burden.
He thanked the organizers through ICCRD, the trainers from Bern University of Applied
Sciences especially the School of Agricultural, Forest and Food Sciences in Switzerland and all
participants.
Done at INES-RUHENGERI, February 2014
Accredited by Ministerial Order N° 005/2010/Mineduc of 16 June 2010
Scientia et Lux