Catalyzing Economic Growth: Kilimo Trust’s Vision for Youth Employment in Rwanda’s Avocado and Chili Industry

Andrew GASHAYIJA, the Country Team Leader for Kilimo Trust Rwanda, on December 10, 2024, shared insights at the validation session for a study conducted under the Inclusive Agri-services Delivery for Employment Creation (ISEC) project. The research focused on identifying opportunities for youth employment in the avocado and chili value chains while addressing challenges faced by women and other marginalized groups.

He noted the underrepresentation of youth and women in these value chains. He emphasized, “Female participation remains low, and their involvement must be improved.” However, he highlighted untapped opportunities across various segments, including farm management, pest control, production logistics, refrigeration, and exports.

Agriculture is pivotal to Rwanda’s economy, contributing 25% to the GDP and employing over half the population. With nearly half of Rwandans under 20 years old, creating sustainable agricultural jobs is critical for economic transformation. Government initiatives, such as the Strategic Plan for Agriculture Transformation (PSTA4 and PSTA5), emphasize youth employment, gender inclusion, and high-value crops like avocados and chilies, aligning with the vision of modernized agriculture and export growth.

The Inclusive Agri-Services Delivery for Employment Creation (ISEC) project (2024–2027), funded by AGRA and led by Kilimo Trust, aims to transform avocado and chili value chains into economic growth drivers, targeting 4,000 jobs, enhanced market linkages, and reduced youth participation barriers. A study identified key districts—Rwamagana, Kayonza, and Huye—as high-potential areas for production due to favorable conditions, strong market access, and modern farming practices.

Challenges include low youth participation (17%) due to financial and cultural barriers and gender disparities, with women representing only 28% of participants, primarily in labor-intensive roles. Opportunities for growth lie in expanding market access, investing in processing, and adopting modern agricultural technologies like irrigation and mechanization.

The study also identified challenges such as mistrust between farmers and exporters and exploitation by middlemen. “Middlemen are often seen as a challenge but can become reliable partners if integrated professionally,” Gashayija remarked. Solutions proposed include fostering dialogue among stakeholders, promoting transparency, and tailoring solutions to specific needs.

The project’s focus on avocado and chili aligns with Rwanda’s national priorities and the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa’s (AGRA) goals. Kilimo Trust, a key implementing partner, brings its expertise to promote youth employment and develop innovations in the value chains.

Gashayija encouraged young people to engage in agribusiness, saying, “The youth should not fear these value chains—they are full of opportunities.” From offering spraying services to dealing in compost or logistics, numerous avenues exist for youth and women to contribute without owning land.

Building trust between farmers and exporters is also critical. Transparency regarding exporters’ operational costs is necessary to foster mutual understanding and partnerships, He stressed, emphasizing, “Awareness can bridge the gap and create confidence across the value chain.”

Kilimo Trust aims to drive inclusive growth in these value chains, unlocking their potential for employment and export-led growth.

Innocent SEMANA, Crop products supply chain and market specialist at the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources (MINAGRI), emphasized the significance of this research in highlighting opportunities and challenges in avocado and chili farming, particularly for youth.

“It will help connect various stakeholders in the value chains to collaborate on strategies to help young people and women create jobs and invest in avocado and chili production areas,” he said.

He expressed concern about the constraints of the produce market, stating that it is available to residents, local and international markets through export-based businesses and traders in these markets need more production, as they demand agricultural produce daily from both domestic and international markets.

He said, “We are encouraging the youth to be bold and invest in agriculture from what they have and to make use of the opportunities available both from partners and government projects.”

He stressed the country’s ongoing journey to use technology in agriculture, particularly in the MINGARI strategy, to increase production, maintain it, and add value. MINAGRI is focusing on teaching agriculture workers to effectively utilize existing infrastructure and increasing technological infrastructure in collaboration with the private sector.

Arcade NSHIMIYIMANA, Executive Secretary and Lead Agronomist at Youth Engagement in Agriculture Network (YEAN), emphasized the importance of the study in his sector, particularly in the areas of chili and avocado. He highlighted the recent developments in the regions representing these commodities, the partners they are involved with, and the ways in which these sectors create jobs for the youth. This event provided him with the latest information and insights.

“The study provides a clear overview of the current situation in the sector. Participating in an event like this helps us in decision-making. If we also have an intention to help young people become self-employed or find a job, where do we go? What information should we give them?” he said.

He highlighted the growing interest in chili and avocados among young people, citing their market value and versatility, as well as their potential for mixing with other crops, making them attractive options for consumption.

Nshimiyimana revealed that YEAN is focusing on training youth on growing avocado and chili, among other crops.

He stated that while the market exists, clients complain about low production and subpar quality. To address this issue, the company invests in youth, aiming to attract capital invested in land and create a market.

He concluded by advising the youth to stay updated on the latest agricultural information and collaborate effectively.