AIIR and its partners are implementing an agricultural program in which farmers are guided for two years to develop a market oriented sustainable farm. The program starts with training innovative farmers (who will be trained to become farm promotors) to shape their vision for their business and apply climate-resistant cultivation techniques. These farmers then train the farmers in their immediate environment, creating a repetitive improvement process in the community.
One of the products we focus on is chili peppers. These peppers are grown by farmers in Rwanda. After drying, they are purchased by our partner Spices Rwanda Limited (hereinafter “Spices Rwanda”), and exported to Europe and/or Asia. Our program provides input and output support to farmers to offer a quality product on the world market. Over the past year, we have identified specific production areas and have further strengthened and optimized this model to transform farmers to market-oriented production.
The model has the following elements:
1. Providing support
Providing agronomic support through dedicated agronomists who are assigned to specific production areas. Our agronomists work together with farm promoters (FP) who are model farmers and are recognized for their early adoption of sustainable agricultural techniques and are successful in cultivation within the community. Farmers who register receive training on sustainable agriculture and chili cultivation. During cultivation, the FPs guide the local farmers in collaboration with the local agronomists.
2. Collaborations with our partners
In collaboration with our partners we provide financial support by enabling farmers to obtain inputs such as seeds and fertilizers on credit. Inputs are only supplied when farmers show commitment during the cultivation process, such as during seedbed preparation or before transplanting. At harvest, input costs are deducted from payments. We ensure immediate payment on delivery via transfers to their mobile phones.
3. Providing market support
Providing market support by setting up solar drying sheds and warehouses. Farmers can bring their produce to our drying sheds and get paid immediately. Spices Rwanda takes over here to manage the drying, storage and logistics. This initiative aims to secure the harvest immediately and reduce losses. The farmers get their income immediately for the product delivered at a premium price.