Maize farmers in Rwanda call for urgent post-harvest investments to curb losses

RWANDA – Maize farmers in Nyagatare, Rwanda’s leading maize-producing district, warn that inadequate storage and drying facilities could lead to significant waste in the produce, calling on the government to invest in post-harvest infrastructure.

The issue was a focal point during the Nyagatare Investment Forum held on November 22. Mayor Stephen Gasana underscored the potential for investment in post-harvest infrastructure as a means to transform the district’s agricultural output into sustainable economic growth.

According to farmers, despite achieving a record maize production of 132,000 tonnes in 2024, post-harvest losses threaten the profits of its hardworking farmers.

The KABOKU Cooperative, representing over 1,000 farmers and managing nearly 800 hectares of irrigated maize and soybean farms, highlighted the severity of the issue.

With seasonal cereal production ranging between 4,000 to 5,000 tonnes, the cooperative’s 58 post-harvest facilities can only accommodate less than half of this output. This shortage leaves the remaining produce vulnerable to spoilage and pest infestations.

Assouman Muganga, a farmer in Matimba Sector who cultivates 2.5 hectares in the 900-hectare Gabiro Irrigation Scheme, voiced his concerns.

“In the past, I had to sell my produce at a lower price because it was hard to dry and store it. While RAB (Rwanda Agricultural Board) provided tarpaulins to help reduce waste, it wasn’t enough. We urgently need solutions like dryers and modern storage facilities,” Muganga explained.

The Gabiro Irrigation Scheme has boosted productivity for hundreds of farmers, but the accompanying post-harvest infrastructure has lagged behind.

Wilberforce Ngabirano, President of KABOKU, reported a 35% loss in produce last season due to the lack of proper storage.

“This shortage of infrastructure is impacting farmers. We urge investors to seize this opportunity to support farmers and secure their yields,” he said.

The government, through RAB, has made strides in addressing post-harvest losses. Illuminee Kamaraba, Division Manager for Crop Post-Harvest and Processing Management at RAB, emphasized the efforts made under the Post-Harvest and Agri-business Support Project (PASP).

“Programs like PASP have enabled cooperatives to acquire grain dryers, ensuring high-quality maize for the market,” she said.

As of March 2024, Nyagatare has 114 drying shelters and eight grain dryers supported by the government. However, Kamaraba acknowledged that many farmers still rely on facilities in better-equipped neighboring districts like Gatsibo and Kayonza.

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