Ruhango, 22 September 2026 — A delegation from the European Union (EU) Delegation to Rwanda visited Ruhango Cassava Cooperative (RCC) in Gikoma Cell, Ruhango Sector, Ruhango District, on Tuesday, 22 September 2026, to assess progress made under the Gwiza Muhinzi Project and witness the cooperative’s growing investment in cassava value addition.

RCC is among the cooperatives supported through the Gwiza Muhinzi Project to establish a small-scale cassava processing unit aimed at strengthening value addition, creating new market opportunities and improving farmers’ livelihoods. The project is supported by the European Union and implemented by the Ingabo Farmers’ Association, in partnership with the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA).

The visiting delegation comprised Ms. Odette Mutangiza, Programme Officer in the Rural Development Section at the European Union Delegation to Rwanda, and Mr. Turatsinze Juvenal, Technical Advisor.

RCC Advances Towards Cassava Value Addition

Welcoming the delegation, Bashimiki Emmanuel, President of Ruhango Cassava Cooperative, expressed appreciation to the European Union and its partners for supporting the cooperative’s development.

He noted that RCC currently has 59 members, including 44 men and 15 women, among them three young people, with membership continuing to grow.

Bashimiki highlighted the cooperative’s ambition to strengthen the cassava value chain by increasing production and expanding processing and value addition.

He further appealed for continued support as the cooperative seeks to expand cassava production by an additional 14 hectares, using the Zai Pit farming technique to improve productivity and resilience.

The newly established processing unit is designed to process up to five tonnes of raw cassava per day, producing approximately 1.5 tonnes of cassava flour, according to Bashimiki.

Ingabo Calls for Responsible Management of the Investment

François Xavier Mbabazi, Chief Executive Officer of the Ingabo Farmers’ Association, commended the Government of Rwanda for creating an enabling environment for employment, entrepreneurship and agricultural development.

He also thanked the European Union for its continued support through the Gwiza Muhinzi Project, noting that the cassava processing investment provides farmers with an opportunity to move beyond primary production and capture greater value from their produce.

Mbabazi urged RCC members to take full ownership of the processing facility, ensure its proper management and maintenance, and maximize its potential for the benefit of cooperative members and the wider community.

EU Encourages RCC to Become a Model Cassava Cooperative

Ms. Odette Mutangiza commended RCC for its clear organizational structure and encouraged the cooperative to maintain strong management systems as it moves towards full operation of the processing unit.

She underscored the importance of professional management, proper documentation and record keeping, as well as effective branding and promotion to strengthen the cooperative’s products and market presence.

She further encouraged RCC to pursue excellence and position itself as a model cassava cooperative that can inspire other farmer organizations.

“As long as cassava is concerned, we are together.”

— Ms. Odette Mutangiza

The message reflected the EU’s continued commitment to working with farmers and partners to strengthen cassava production, processing and value addition.

From Zai Pit Technology to Cassava Processing

Mr. Turatsinze Juvenal expressed satisfaction with the progress achieved under the project, noting that an initiative initially focused on promoting the Zai Pit technique for cassava production has evolved into a broader investment in processing and value addition.

He described the development as an important step towards building a more integrated and commercially viable cassava value chain.

Turatsinze also highlighted the recognition received by the Ingabo Farmers’ Association for its work in promoting innovative cassava production practices, noting the awards received in 2025 and 2026 as an indication of the growing recognition of such approaches.

He called for similar cassava processing facilities to be established in all districts where Ingabo Farmers’ Association operates, as well as in other suitable areas across Rwanda.

A New Chapter for Cassava Farmers in Ruhango

The EU delegation’s visit comes at a significant stage in the development of Ruhango Cassava Cooperative, as the cooperative transitions from a primary focus on cassava production towards processing, value addition and stronger market opportunities.

The establishment of the processing unit is expected to create new opportunities for farmers, strengthen the cooperative’s business operations, reduce post-harvest losses and increase the value generated from cassava production.

For the Ingabo Farmers’ Association, the investment demonstrates the importance of partnerships that connect farmers, technology, finance, processing and markets to build productive, resilient and sustainable agricultural value chains.

Through initiatives such as Gwiza Muhinzi, the Association continues to support farmers in becoming professional agricultural producers while promoting value addition and market-oriented agriculture that can contribute to improved incomes and sustainable livelihoods.