Baking Prosperity: Iwacu Bakery and SAIP’s Role in Strengthening Gatsibo’s Pumpkin Value Chain

Iwacu Bakery Solution, a pioneering bakery specializing in fortified baked goods made with pumpkin, has expressed deep gratitude to the Sustainable Agricultural Intensification and Food Security Project (SAIP) for its invaluable support. Through a SAIP Matching Grant, the young entrepreneurs from Gatsibo District in Rwanda’s Eastern Province behind this initiative have successfully established a thriving business that not only creates employment opportunities but also strengthens the local pumpkin value chain and promotes nutrition in the community.

SAIP is funded by the Global Agriculture and Food Security Program (GAFSP) through the World Bank and is implemented under the Single Project Implementation Unit (SPIU) of the Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB). The project aims to enhance agricultural productivity, improve market access, and strengthen food security for targeted communities.

Valens RUHORIMBERE, the CEO and Founder of Iwacu Bakery Solution, started his entrepreneurial path in 2020 after earning his degree in Food Science. He observed that while farmers in Gatsibo grew abundant amounts of pumpkin, they struggled with a steady market and low local demand. Seeing the nutritional benefits of the crop, he came up with the idea of incorporating pumpkin into bakery items like bread, doughnuts, and cakes to boost its popularity and availability.

“My goal was to add value to pumpkins, create stable market systems, and promote their nutritional benefits, as many people consume baked products but few eat pumpkins,” Ruhorimbere explained.

As a fresh graduate with limited financial resources, Ruhorimbere initially operated on a small scale, facing challenges related to quality control, production capacity, and nutritional assessment. However, in 2021, Iwacu Bakery Solution received a SAIP matching grant exceeding 100 million RWF, with SAIP contributing 70% and the beneficiaries covering the remaining 30%. This funding enabled the construction of a modern processing facility and the acquisition of essential bakery equipment, including ovens, mixers, and display trays.

Currently, Iwacu Bakery Solution produces approximately 30,000 units of bread, doughnuts, and cakes daily, utilizing 250 kilograms of pumpkin. The company has established strong market linkages in Gatsibo and Nyagatare districts, where its products are well received. Looking ahead, the bakery is exploring additional ways to utilize pumpkins, such as extracting cooking oil from their seeds, further optimizing the value chain.

“We buy one pumpkin for 120 RWF, and a single pumpkin can yield up to 13 kilograms, which translates to over 2,000 RWF. This helps farmers generate more income,” Ruhorimbere noted.

Iwacu Bakery Solution has significantly transformed the local pumpkin value chain by empowering farmers and cooperatives. The company provides training on good agricultural practices to improve professionalism and enhance the quality of harvests while ensuring a stable market for pumpkin producers. By sourcing raw materials locally, the bakery keeps its products affordable while maintaining high nutritional standards.

“Pumpkins are naturally rich in carotene (Vitamin A) and sugars, reducing the need for artificial colorants and sugar additives—often linked to non-communicable diseases like cancer. Their high fiber content also aids digestion, contributing to efforts to combat stunting and malnutrition in the region,” Ruhorimbere explained.

Beyond its impact on local farmers, Iwacu Bakery Solution has contributed to job creation in Gatsibo. The bakery employs eight permanent staff members and hires an additional 15 workers during peak demand periods. Employees have shared how the bakery has positively impacted their lives.

“This bakery helps me pay my children’s school fees. I also gained knowledge and skills that will help me start my own business in the future,” said Solange DUSABIMANA, an employee at the bakery.

Elissa NIYONKURU, another worker, added, “This factory has changed my life. Since I started working here, I’ve been able to save money and even purchase 20 iron sheets to build my home.”

Despite its success, Iwacu Bakery Solution faces logistical challenges, particularly in distributing its products efficiently. A lack of reliable transportation sometimes leads to delays and missed market opportunities. However, the company remains committed to expanding its market reach and enhancing production capacity with continued support and investment.

Richard GASANA, Mayor of Gatsibo District, emphasized the broader impact of initiatives like SAIP in supporting local enterprises.

“These matching grants, where farmers contribute a small percentage and SAIP covers the rest, are invaluable. They reduce production costs, making agriculture more profitable. This strategy also fosters job creation, particularly among the youth,” he said.

Through its matching grants, SAIP has empowered farmers to increase production, diversify income sources, and add value to their agricultural products. More than 45,000 farmers benefited from the program’s first phase, and the second phase aims to reach 20,000 more by the end of 2024. As of now, nearly 51% of the allocated funding has been distributed, with 31% already invested in various initiatives.

By leveraging SAIP’s support, young entrepreneurs like Ruhorimbere are not only transforming agricultural value chains but also fostering sustainable economic development in Rwanda’s rural communities. With the right backing, enterprises like Iwacu Bakery Solution can continue to thrive, providing innovative solutions for food security and livelihood improvement.