A
new coffee policy that seeks to increase coffee production and
strengthen extension services in coffee farming is in the offing.
Gerardine Mukeshimana, the Minister for Agriculture, said the policy
would replace the coffee policy of 1998, paving way for new strategies
that will help streamline Rwanda’s coffee industry. It is, however,
awaiting Cabinet approval.
“Coffee
is an important cash crop and a source of income, which makes it
essential to have clear and strong policies, regulations and strategies
if we are to improve the livelihoods of over 400,000 farmers who depend
on coffee farming,” she said.
Mukeshimana
was speaking during the Rwanda coffee conference organised by the
National Agriculture Export Board (Naeb) and the International Growth
Centre (IGC) in Kigali.
She
noted that, often, the role of policies and regulations is overlooked,
which creates shaky systems. She added that without strong and
industry-supportive policies, there can never be confidence among
stakeholders, a situation that affects growth of the sector.
“It’s important to know that right policies create a fair ground for all sector players to compete,” the minister emphasised.
George
William Kayonga, the Naeb Chief Executive Officer, said the new policy
will guide the various activities in the coffee sector, and ensure
quality along the value chain.
He
said there is a need to improve extension services and put in place
effective mechanisms to boost research, as well as develop technologies
that can help increase coffee production,” he said.
According
to Dr Celestin Gatarayiha, the head of the coffee chain division at
NAEB, the policy is in line with the international coffee agreement
which was ratified in 2012.
Rwanda’s coffee strategy expired in 2012, he added.
“The
new policy also provides a framework on how to improve and respond to
demand for coffee on the international market through more enhanced
processing and marketing strategies by the private sector.”
It
also seeks to empower coffee washing stations to increase production in
their zones of operations but also ensuring that these stations are
fully operational and profitable, he added.
The
policy also seeks to put in place strong regulations and conducive
working environment that will help intensify farmers field schools,
knowledge and technical knowhow.
There
are currently 229 coffee washing stations across the country and the
number could be increased once the new policy is implemented.
According
to Gatarayiha, the new policy will promote the domestic consumption of
coffee throughestablishing locally developed roasting capacities.
Dr
Rocco Mac Chiavello, an economic expert and consultant based in Italy,
said undercapacity utilisation, market failures, especially in sourcing
and access to finance, still remain major challenges in the coffee
industry.
“There
is need for a policy not only to regulate, but also help deal with
market stability through more strengthened relationship between farmers
and coffee washing stations,” Chiavello added.
Jean
Jacques Mmbonigaba, the director general Rwanda Agriculture Board
(RAB), said the policy will be key to improve and expand the
fully-washed coffee market.
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