Where collaboration takes root

Written by Michiel Bontenbal, Managing Director

Being back in Rwanda now feels familiar. The warmth upon arrival in Kigali, the hustle and bustle of the city and, above all, the people we work with. At the same time, you soon realise that every trip brings new insights.

During this trip, we headed out into the countryside again, towards the Eastern Province. There, you see what the project is really all about: collaboration with growers and the development of a strong, future-proof supply chain. What stands out is that a lot is happening. The Rwandan government is fully committed to the growth of agriculture and exports, with investments in certification, storage and drying facilities. We are also seeing more and more parties contributing ideas on solutions to challenges such as anthracnose, a disease that is currently affecting a large part of the harvest.

The potential is clearly there. At the same time, you realise that realising it requires more than just the right resources.

From theory to practice
In the field, you see just how great the difference can be between theory and practice. Cultivation techniques are applied differently than intended, fields become overgrown, and young plants do not always get the chance to grow properly. That shows where the real challenge lies. It is not just about providing knowledge, but above all about how that knowledge is received. How do you ensure that growers not only understand techniques, but also continue to apply them in daily practice?

That is the key to sustainable growth.

Working together for progress
This challenge keeps coming up in our discussions with growers, cooperatives and local partners. We talk about yields, expectations and everyone’s role within the supply chain. Sometimes these perspectives differ, but that is precisely where progress is made.

We see growers who want to take steps forward and build their future, but who are also seeking certainty. This calls for a partnership that goes beyond simply sharing knowledge. It requires commitment, clear agreements and a continued investment in relationships.

Moving forward step by step
What this journey reaffirms is that real progress takes time. By working together, sharing experiences and continuously improving, a stronger foundation is built step by step. Together with Spices Rwanda, we remain committed to making that development possible. Not by taking over, but by standing alongside the growers and working together to build a supply chain that can eventually grow independently.