AGRICULTURE
Agriculture is a major economic sector for the people of Rwanda, employing about 70% of the total population. The industry contributes about 31% to GDP, and it stands out as one of the most strategic sectors in country’s development.
Dissemination of traceability tools in Rwanda Coffee Value Chain
SaferRwanda in collaboration with GIZ worked together to train five coffee cooperatives in the north, west, and southern part of Rwanda to disseminate the traceability tool in the Rwandan coffee value chain known as INATrace.
INATrace is a traceability tool for globally traded goods using blockchain technology which has proven to be the best tool to ensure transparency, traceability, and accountability making it the best system to allow efficient recording, and distribution of digital information with no possible chance to change, hack or cheat the system and fulfill due diligence obligation. The main objective of the project is to ensure that the farmers can better respond to international demands, improve market access, increase customer orientation through additional information, and have better control over data.
Over 1000 farmers both men and women from the cooperatives (MARABA, KOAKAKA, DEUKUNDE KAWA, COCAGI, and MUSASA) and RWASOCCO coffee company have benefited from using the INATRace system by tracing their coffee by digitally keeping cooperative records and the coffee value chain process from the farmer to end consumer. In addition, it has enabled end consumers to know the source of the coffee they consume and how they can positively impact and support coffee farmers.
To support the farmers, SaferRwanda in collaboration with GIZ has distributed 25 computers, 17 Printers, 17 PVC ID trays, and 14 USB sticks to facilitate their to use of the system.
