Agriculture and Food Security - Rwanda
The Netherlands has been a key partner in supporting food security in Rwanda, with efforts focused on improving agriculture, rural development, and sustainable food systems. The Netherlands combines development cooperation with economic diplomacy in Rwanda’s food security sector. This strategy aligns the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) with long-term trade and investment priorities.
Our work
The approach enhances Rwanda’s agricultural productivity while creating a favorable environment for both domestic and foreign investment, particularly from Dutch enterprises. It exemplifies how development aid can serve as a catalyst for sustainable economic growth and mutually beneficial trade relations.
The embassy helps Dutch private sector companies to establish connections and identify collaboration opportunities to implement best farming practices and enhance value chains. Our efforts support the sustainable production and supply of both local and international agricultural products. Dutch expertise in precision farming, horticulture, irrigation, agro-processing, agricultural machinery, post-harvest storage solutions, and value chain development for crops like fruits, vegetables, dairy, and poultry can significantly transform the sector.
From improving food systems and enhancing value chains to creating inclusive business opportunities, the Netherlands supports Rwanda in achieving both its development and trade ambitions. The following thematic areas illustrate how this collaboration translates into tangible impact across different dimensions of food security and agribusiness development:
The Netherlands has prioritized food security in Rwanda by supporting initiatives that enhance agricultural productivity, improve nutrition, and increase resilience to climate change. These efforts not only address immediate food needs but also contribute to the development of commercially viable agricultural value chains. By focusing on sectors such as horticulture, dairy, and coffee, Dutch-funded programs help position Rwanda as a competitive agricultural exporter, thereby laying the groundwork for enhanced trade performance.
Examples: Rwanda | GAIN, Nutrition | UNICEF Rwanda, HortInvest Rwanda | SNV
The Dutch “Aid for Trade” policy is evident in Rwanda through programs that blend technical assistance with private sector development. By supporting farmers’ cooperatives, agribusiness incubation, academia, and market-oriented agricultural training, these interventions build capacity that attracts investment and supports integration into regional and international markets. This synergy helps bridge the gap between aid-based support and long-term trade relationships.
Examples: SEAD Project, PUM
Through food security initiatives, the Netherlands promotes Dutch agricultural expertise, technology, and investment in Rwanda. Dutch companies are engaged in areas such as climate-smart agriculture, irrigation systems, seed development, and post-harvest management. These partnerships not only benefit Rwanda’s agricultural transformation but also create market opportunities for Dutch agri-tech firms and service providers.
Examples: Holland Greentech; Potato Impact Alliance Rwanda by Traide
The Netherlands supports efforts to improve Rwanda’s trade-related infrastructure, including rural roads, storage facilities, and quality certification systems. These enhancements facilitate the flow of goods within Rwanda and to export markets. Technical support in regulatory alignment and food safety standards also enables Rwandan producers to meet international market requirements, particularly within the European Union.
Examples: Hortinvest (upgrading the NAEB packhouse), automation of coffee grading and sorting at NAEB, Port development with Invest International and Feeder Roads, Kigali Wholesale Market for fresh produce, Proof of concept for viability of avocado sea freight export
Dutch food security programs in Rwanda are grounded in principles of sustainability, inclusion, and social impact. Initiatives often include components targeting gender equality, youth employment, smallholder commercialization, and environmental protection. These dimensions align with the Netherlands’ commitment to responsible business conduct, making Rwandan agribusinesses more attractive for impact investors and ethical trade partnerships.
Examples: Agriterra , One Acre Fund
AIF, a social enterprise backed by DSM Netherlands, is dedicated to combating malnutrition and fostering socio-economic growth in Africa. Since its founding in 2016, AIF has been at the forefront of agricultural transformation, leveraging innovation and strategic partnerships to create lasting impact.
Through collaborations with DSM, the Government of Rwanda, Invest International, and the International Finance Corporation, AIF addresses malnutrition as a multifaceted challenge with wide-reaching consequences.
At the core of AIF’s mission is a commitment to local empowerment and sustainability. Working with a network of 90,000+ smallholder farmers—46% of whom are women—AIF champions localized sourcing of maize and soy, ensuring quality while empowering rural communities. This approach has significantly improved Rwanda’s agricultural sector.
To enhance efficiency and scale impact, AIF has invested $65 million in state-of-the-art technology, setting new industry benchmarks. The company processes 65,000 tons of maize and soy annually and has pioneered a maize cob sourcing model funded by the Netherlands Enterprise Agency’s (RVO) Sustainable Development Goal Partnership Facility. This initiative has dramatically reduced aflatoxin rejection rates from 90% to less than 2% in just three years, making AIF the largest grain buyer in Rwanda.
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