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Climate change remains an issue for Rwanda; it is no longer easy to forecast or project, with some areas even drying up. In response, irrigation options being considered, alongside addressing how to advise farmers on the best ways to invest in their own farms. We hope our regenerative land projects in Kilimbi and Dahwe will inspire producers to apply these same methods on their own land.
Issues
Climate change
It will be of no surprise to read that climate change is one of the largest issues facing producers in Rwanda. It is no longer easy to forecast or project the harvest season and its yields, with some areas experiencing severe flooding, landslides, and even areas that have begun to dry up. Irrigation is an enormous area of interest to help support farmers preserve their land to mitigate against losing land and crops during times of heavy rains.
Cost of production
Previously, the National Agricultural Export Development Board (NAEB) had provided free fertilisers to Rwandan coffee producers, supplied through funds acquired through the export of Rwandan coffee globally.
The One Acre Fund now supplies these inputs, at a subsidised 50% rate as opposed to for free. Farmers are required to buy these inputs directly, which requires access to funds that were not needed previously.
It will be of no surprise to read that climate change is one of the largest issues facing producers in Rwanda. It is no longer easy to forecast or project the harvest season and its yields, with some areas experiencing severe flooding, landslides, and even areas that have begun to dry up. Irrigation is an enormous area of interest to help support farmers preserve their land to mitigate against losing land and crops during times of heavy rains.
Cost of production
Previously, the National Agricultural Export Development Board (NAEB) had provided free fertilisers to Rwandan coffee producers, supplied through funds acquired through the export of Rwandan coffee globally.
The One Acre Fund now supplies these inputs, at a subsidised 50% rate as opposed to for free. Farmers are required to buy these inputs directly, which requires access to funds that were not needed previously.
Solutions
This partnership helps affiliate co-operatives increase their quality of production, fetch a higher price for their coffee, and introduces them to new markets.
This will be a continuous work in progress in the coming years, as we gain a greater understanding of the particular challenges Rwandan coffee producers face. Through this process, we can develop a model that creates incentives which generate producer buy-in, all the while maximising impact. We purchase coffee from across Muraho’s washing stations, which are located in the Nyamasheke, Gakenke, Gisagara, and Nyabihu regions of Rwanda.
This will be a continuous work in progress in the coming years, as we gain a greater understanding of the particular challenges Rwandan coffee producers face. Through this process, we can develop a model that creates incentives which generate producer buy-in, all the while maximising impact. We purchase coffee from across Muraho’s washing stations, which are located in the Nyamasheke, Gakenke, Gisagara, and Nyabihu regions of Rwanda.
Demonstrative farms
In light of the rapidly changing geography of Rwanda due to climate change, Muraho now operate demonstrative farms, using regenerative agricultural methods. This is presently happening in Kilimbi in Nyamasheke, and Dahwe in Gisaraga. The goal is to inspire visiting producers to apply the same methods on their own land, and reinforce their resilience to the changing climate.
Irrigation methods are being tested and considered, as well as ways in which farmers can be advised how to invest in their own farms.
A look back to the Nyabihu landslides reiterates the importance of applying these methods to the land where it is possible.
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