In Kigali, Rwanda, a training program on agricultural product processing and preservation technology recently concluded, bringing together 30 participants from Rwandan public institutions, research institutes, and enterprises. The program, sponsored by the Chinese Ministry of Commerce and organized by China National Research Institute of Food and Fermentation Industries Corporation Limited (CNRIFFI), aimed to share China's technologies and experiences with Rwandan practitioners. Participants gained insights into modern technologies that can improve food safety and quality.
Judith Niyonsaba, a food science and technology graduate working at Rwanda's Inyange Industries, was among the participants. She expressed her enthusiasm for the training, stating that she had learned a lot and wished to acquire more skills and knowledge. The training covered topics such as food preservation and processing technologies, fruit and milk processing, and cold-chain systems, which are relevant to her daily work. Niyonsaba highlighted the challenges facing Rwanda's agricultural sector, including milk and fruit availability during prolonged dry seasons.
Other participants, such as Roger Kayijuka Ndayishimiye, a monitoring and evaluation specialist at Rwanda Mountain Tea Ltd., found the training helpful in modernizing Rwanda's tea sector. The program introduced participants to technologies for monitoring pesticide residues and rapid testing for food safety. Ndayishimiye emphasized that the training was beneficial not only for him and his company but also for the entire country. The training provided a platform for participants to reflect on the challenges facing Rwanda's agricultural sector and explore solutions.
The training program demonstrated how modern technologies can improve food safety and quality as Rwanda moves from traditional to modern agricultural processing. Bernard Rwubatse, head of the Department of Food Science and Technology at the University of Rwanda, stated that the training had strengthened his knowledge and would support his research and knowledge-sharing activities. He emphasized the importance of reliable and sustainable technologies in maintaining the safety and quality of processed products.
Jean Modeste Uwitije, a specialist in crop harvesting and post-harvest handling technologies at the Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board, highlighted the importance of reducing waste while creating additional value from agricultural products. He noted that Rwanda's growing population requires increased food production and better use of available agricultural resources. The training program provided a valuable opportunity for participants to learn from Chinese experts and share experiences with peers.
Peng Hao, director of the Department of International Cooperation of CNRIFFI, emphasized that the program represented another in-depth collaboration between China and Rwanda. He mentioned that similar training courses had been held in Rwanda in 2019 and 2024, with Chinese experts providing targeted teaching and practical guidance based on Rwanda's agricultural development needs. The program aims to support Rwanda's agricultural transformation and development.
Olivier Kamana, permanent secretary at Rwanda's Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources, stated that the training came at a critical time for Rwanda's agricultural transformation. He emphasized that Rwanda has placed value addition, agro-processing, post-harvest management, and productivity growth at the center of its vision to build a resilient, competitive, and inclusive agri-food system. The training program provided a valuable opportunity for Rwandan professionals to gain insights from Chinese experts and contribute to the country's agricultural development.
Key points
- The training program was sponsored by the Chinese Ministry of Commerce and organized by China National Research Institute of Food and Fermentation Industries Corporation Limited (CNRIFFI).
- 30 participants from Rwandan public institutions, research institutes, and enterprises attended the program.
- The program aimed to share China's technologies and experiences in agricultural product processing and preservation with Rwandan practitioners.
