Value chain
Training the next generation of scientist for Africa’s Transformation
RUFORUM has been a helping hand in rebuilding the University of Rwanda on agricultural developments and promoting Masters and PhD programs after the outbreak of the genocide. Leonidas Dusengemungu a Rwandan national was funded by RUFORUM for his Master’s studies at Makerere University. RUFORUM has also supported his Livestock IP innovation platform projects in Rwanda, hence transforming African communities.
Small grants, significant impact: A RUFORUM graduate research grant story
RUFORUM and universities working closely with small farmers along the entire banana value chain to improve income and strengthen farmer institutions.
Lucy Aciro-MasterCard@RUFORUM scholar
Lucy has had to over come many difficulties, from having to hide from the LRA as a child to not having the fees to finish her studies.
With courage and a strong determination Lucy has managed to over come these adversities to find herself part of the TAGDEV programme with the 30 selected MasterCard@RUFORUM scholars from 9 African countries.
Kenneth Kidega-MasterCard@RUFORUM scholar
Along with 30 extraordinary others from all over Africa, Kenneth received the Mastercard@RUFORUM scholarship and reported to Egerton University in Kenya to begin a truly trans-formative journey.
Kenneth will study a Master of Science in Food Security and Community Nutrition at Gulu University in Uganda.
Gabriel Mahindu-MasterCard@RUFORUM scholar
Gabriel Mahindu is one 30 extraordinary young MasterCard@RUFORUM scholars chosen by RUFORUM, a network of over 60 universities across Africa with the support of the MasterCard Foundation.
It was early experiences with hunger and poverty that catalysed Gabriel’s ability to innovate improved farming techniques in his village. He fought his way through his schooling and applied for the RUFORUM MasterCard Foundation scholarship in the hopes of pursuing his love for science and agriculture.
Engaging Universities to Strengthen Agricultural Value Chain
The Project has enabled Farmer Associations to develop their business plans, initiate contract farming, produce striga tolerant seed maize, increased sorghum and soya production, improved management and built the capacity of the Farming Associations to undertake value addition
Beans for Africa: University research linking Private Sector with farmers
Addressing the challenge of short day length and disease, this RUFORUM grantee worked closely with farmers to develop export quality runner bean lines suitable for cultivation under tropical conditions. These efforts were then extended in projects to add value and market the beans.