In the heart of East Africa, Rwanda’s agricultural sector stands as a testament to the resilience and potential of smallholder farmers. With agriculture accounting for 31% of the country’s GDP and employing nearly 70% of the population (a majority being women!), the importance of this sector cannot be overstated. Smallholder farmers, operating on 1 hectare or less of land, contribute a staggering 75% of Rwanda’s overall agricultural production. This aligns with the broader African trend, where smallholders produce nearly 80% of the food consumed across sub-Saharan Africa. Yet, these small but mighty producers face countless barriers such a limited access to inputs, tools & modern day equipment, access to storage facilities, and more.

Cash crops are out, commodities are in!

Traditionally, many large organizations have favored cash crops due to their ease of cultivation and established market demand. These crops, such as cocoa, cotton, or tobacco, are selected primarily for their profitability rather than their contribution to food security, and because of their profitability more resources are dedicated to developing their supply chains . However, this approach can lead to a dangerous dependence on external markets and leave farmers vulnerable to price fluctuations.

In contrast, our focus is shifting towards commodities, like wheat, that contribute to long-term food security and independence. Unlike cash crops, which are often exported, commodities like wheat are essential food staples that can directly address local nutritional needs and preferences. By prioritizing these crops, we aim to build a more resilient and self-sufficient agricultural sector. This strategy not only helps to buffer against global market shocks but also ensures a more stable food supply for the local population. In essence, we’re moving away from the “cash crops are king” mentality towards a “commodities for food security” approach, recognizing that true agricultural sustainability lies in balancing profitability with food independence.

Don’t get us wrong though, we see a great opportunity for profitability in the wheat and grain sector.

Despite challenges, the wheat sector in Rwanda presents a significant opportunity. Wheat consumption in the region has been steadily rising, reaching over 200,000 metric tons annually. However, domestic production lags behind at around 20,000 metric tons per year. This gap, coupled with global wheat market volatility due to climate change and ongoing conflicts in the Northern Hemisphere, underscore the urgent need for local production enhancement.

Barriers to Growth

We’ve talked briefly above about why we’re focusing on commodities, the challenges and great opportunities present within the wheat sector, but Iet’s talk a little more specifically about what the actual barriers to success are currently and how we plan to overcome them.

1. Barriers to Inputs & Crop Processing

Smallholder farmers face high production costs and low productivity due to limited access to upfront investment for better tools and materials such as seeds and fertilizers. Post-harvest losses are significant, with inadequate storage facilities leading to crop damage from moisture, pests, and spoilage.

2. Midstream Blockages

Inconsistent local wheat supply quality, stemming from poor quality control measures and limited access to improved varieties, hinders market access. The absence of farmer-owned milling facilities further limits value addition opportunities, leaving farmers dependent on intermediaries.

3. The Connectivity Gap

Perhaps the most insidious challenge is the underdeveloped upstream value chain. Limited and inefficient input suppliers and service providers restrict farmers’ access to quality inputs. The lack of digital platforms for information sharing and market linkages further hampers progress.

Hope on the Horizon

At Walisha, we believe these challenges, while grand and complex, can be overcome through collaborative efforts across the supply chain. Our approach focuses on:

1. Improving access to financing and agricultural & financial education, enabling farmers to invest in proper tools and seeds for better production outcomes.

2. Working directly with farmers and cooperatives to enhance mill function and capacity while connecting them with eager buyers.

3. Leveraging digital technology to increase transparency and efficiency in post-harvest sales, benefiting both farmers and buyers.

4. Reinvesting in farmers by providing continuing training and education opportunities after their first harvest to ensure ongoing success. 

We recognize that this is a monumental task, but we’re committed to taking the time necessary to ensure it’s done right. Our goal is to invest in a better future for farmers for generations to come.

If you’re tired of supporting organizations focused on short-term solutions, we invite you to join us. Partner with Walisha to ensure your time, energy, and resources create lasting dividends for these communities long after we’re gone.

Together, we can sow hope and reap a bountiful future for Rwanda’s smallholder wheat farmers.