In a move to promote agriculture and livestock development while improving access to markets, ten cooperatives operating in Rutsiro and Nyabihu districts have received motorcycles designed to transport agricultural produce. The support is expected to enhance efficiency across farming and livestock value chains in these rural areas.
Support Through RTDA’s Feeder Roads Project
The motorcycles were provided by the Rwanda Transport Development Agency (RTDA) under the Feeder Roads and Trade Facilitation Project. The initiative focuses on strengthening the economic capacity of women and youth, particularly those engaged in agriculture and livestock farming in rural communities.
Addressing Transport and Post-Harvest Challenges
The project aims to tackle long-standing challenges faced by farmers and livestock keepers, notably limited access to reliable transport. Poor connectivity to markets has often resulted in post-harvest losses, produce damage, and forced sales at low prices due to long distances and high transportation costs.
District Leaders Applaud the Initiative
Speaking on behalf of the district leadership, the Mayor of Rutsiro District expressed gratitude to the Government and its development partners. He emphasized that the motorcycles will be especially beneficial for farmers in mountainous areas, where transporting produce to markets has been particularly difficult.
Positive Impact on Cooperative Beneficiaries
Beneficiaries from the cooperatives welcomed the support, noting that it will significantly improve their daily operations. They highlighted that transporting perishable products such as vegetables, Irish potatoes, milk, and other farm produce had been a major challenge, often leading to losses before reaching the market. The motorcycles are expected to reduce these losses and improve incomes.
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