Charles Sekazuba, a resident of Kinigi in Northwest of Rwanda, has benefitted from Farm Concern International, FCI’s market linkages under the Rwanda Multi-Value Chain & Enterprise Development Programme implemented by Farm Concern International with support from World Vision Rwanda.

His profits have had a 733% increase to between 2,300,000 to 2,500,000 Rwf from 300,000 Rwf per season.  Charles cultivates Irish potatoes on his farm. Previously, brokers (middlemen) and transporters gave him wrong market information on markets prices and benefitted more than him. Yields from his farm were sold without grading, in most cases as a mixture of good medium and bad quality which was affecting the prices and his revenues. He says that, prior to the intervention by Farm Concern International, Irish potato farming in Musanze was commercial but not aligned to market needs. “I could not deliver my farm products to the markets and deal with traders. I remember in some agricultural seasons, I could harvest from 1 tons to 5 tons and still be not able to sell it because of lack of market information”, he said. He noted that he lost potatoes which got rotten due to lack of market information in two consecutive seasons. A trader would come from Kigali and negotiate prices at the farm gate, price at which he could give the produce on credit. Later in the day, the trader would inform him that the market price had slumped and therefore he would lose a lot of money. However, things changed from the time Charles started working with FCI; through Village Business Forums and market exposure, he was able to familiarize himself with the market dynamics.

Through the linkage, he was able to get his produce’s worth by being in touch with traders; and access information on the market prices, and know what and when they needed. Charles is able to decide which market to supply depending on the quality and amount of his yields. “I am grateful and appreciate FCI’s market linkage. I harvest my produce knowing that Seburo (trader linked by FCI) is ready to come and collect it moreover paying in cash; no more debts. I can monitor my crops; decide the best period to harvest, get market information and double check the market prices in collaboration with traders from Kigali,” he says.  

Sekazuba also noted that, transportation of commodities is now very easy as the trader goes with his own transport and pays the agreed price after communicating with other traders in Kigali and takes the agreed amount of produce and price at the farm gate. “Ever since I started working with FCI, my revenue has increased which allowed me to buy 30 acres of land. I am able to cater for my family needs, carry out my responsibilities and pay for the school fees and medical insurance for my family,” he says barely concealing his pride. He concludes, “I am planning to purchase more land for increased production of Irish potato but I will need continued support from FCI particularly more training on agronomy and market linkages. Thank you FCI”.

Farmers from Mae Village had never considered growing Zucchini for food consumption or commercial purposes until Farm Concern International conducted Zucchini commercialization training under the Market- Led Agriculture Programme funded by Canadian International Development Agency and World Vision.

After 32 small-holder farmers participated in the training sessions, they formed Jitume Commercial Producer Group(CPG) and immediately put their knowledge into practice. They planted Zucchini on a quarter acre in October 2013 and used cow dung manure and organic pesticides to ensure that none of the fruits would be infested. They harvested 0.5 tons and sold a kilogram of Zucchini at TZS. 3000. The farmers were very encouraged by the break through hence planned to continue with the same during the next planting season.

Mr. Boniface Musiba from Shamiri Commercial Producer Group in Kawaya village, Arusha was one of the beneficiaries who visited the exhibition in Arusha and adopted the drip irrigation technology. Boniface purchased the drip irrigation kit worth USD 375 and installed on his 0.5 acre plot of tomatoes. He also purchased 2,500 improved variety tomato seeds valued at USD 28.125.

He harvested 2.96 tons of tomatoes worth USD 1,387.5 as a result of adoption of good agricultural practices. From the proceeds, he spent USD 500 to pay fees for his two children, USD 500 to renovate his house and saved the remaining balance of USD 387.5 as capital for the next farming season.

The farm inputs industry is dynamic and therefore farmers have to keep researching on new entrants and improved items in the market.  Consequently, FCI introduced ASA onion seeds to Ngage Commercial Village in Tanzania under the Northern Tanzania Rice Commercialization Programme implemented by Farm Concern International with support from World Vision Australia.

Victoria Mwanga and her neighbour, Asnath Jasper were among the beneficiaries of these improved seeds. Previously, Victoria would plant up to 7 Kgs onion seeds in one acre and get yields of about 50 bags. 

FCI encouraged members of Ngage Commercial Village to try the ASA seeds during the subsequent planting season. Victoria and Asnath each bought 6 Kg of Bombay red from ASA and planted 2 acres (3kg/acre) as was recommended by the suppliers. During harvest season, their yield had doubled; Victoria harvested 131 bags while Asnath harvested 180 bags of onion which she sold at a price of Tzs .70,000  (USD. 44) per bag, earning Tzs.12, 600,000 (USD. 7875). This enabled Asnath to build a house and install a solar panel for lighting the house as well as other domestic uses such as radio and mobile phone charging.

Women in Africa play a key role in trade and are imperative to Africa’s success in exploiting its trade potential. Women make major contributions to trade in most African countries through their involvement in production of trade goods, as cross-border traders, managers and owners of agri-business firms. Women are deeply involved in production of agricultural products such as maize, cassava, cotton and rice, which have enormous potential for increased trade between African countries and global markets. 

According to ILO, 2012, about 62.5% of women were employed in agriculture compared to 61.8 % men. However, potential for women farmers to contribute to expansion of traditional agricultural export produce appears to have been undermined by limited access to key production inputs compared to male farmers (World Bank 2011).

Women are also involved in providing services across borders, such as education, health and professional services, including accountancy and legal services. Many women cross borders in Africa every day to deliver goods from areas where they are relatively cheap to areas with limited supply.

In Tanzania, women provide 56% of agricultural labour input. However, their role leans strongly towards food crops where they provide 75% of the labour input.  While women provide 73% of labour input, gender roles in marketing of agricultural crops, vary significantly by crop or social convention in different regions (Ellis, et al 2007).