Production of Irish potato is on the rise in the highlands of Rwanda and is considered a priority crop in the North and West regions of the country. Potato average yield in Rwanda is relatively low even though Rwanda is among top 5 producing countries in Africa. But there is high potential to close the gaps if improved pre and post harvest practices are introduced. Average consumption of Irish potato for one household member is 150 kg per year and up to 250 kg /year in some areas such as Gishwati, where potato production is very intensive.
In Kadahenda, potato farmers face many challenges including low quality seed, pests and diseases which lead to low productivity and limited expansion of the crop. It was identified that a training course to improve practices would benefit the potato value chain in this part of the country.
The International Potato Center (CIP) is working in Kadahenda, in the Western region, to strengthen awareness on potato production through Humidtropics’ Innovation Platform. The team is working in collaboration with other partners like Rwanda Agriculture Board (RAB) and Imbaraga (a local NGO) to provide farmers with support to improve potato productivity, storage and marketing in the area.
Interested in reading more? Read the photo story.
Photo story by Dieudonne Harahagazwe, Felix Nzeyimana, and Theophile Ndacyayisenga; compiled by Sara Quinn, CIP.
Humidtropics would like to acknowledge the CGIAR Fund Donors, and other donors and investors for their provision of core and project-specific funding without which the Program could not deliver results that eventually positively impact the lives of millions of smallholder farmers in tropical Americas, Asia and Africa.