DeSIRA project actors convene to formulate a research methodology for analyzing Rwandan farming systems
Under the auspices of the EU-funded project entitled "Development Smart Innovation through Research in Agriculture (DeSIRA)," several national and international experts discussed research methodologies to guide the diagnosis of farming systems of target value chains in six districts of Rwanda. At the same time, the research team trained on field data collection methods used to facilitate the diagnosis and analysis of farming systems. Participants discussed and agreed on a field plan for the data collection exercise expected to be undertaken in the next fortnight.
The expert meeting was held from the 24th to the 27th of May 2022 at La Palisse Hotel in Bugesera. It brought together representatives from four partner organizations, including the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the Rwanda Agricultural Board (RAB). Also in attendance at the workshop were four master's students from the Ecole Supérieure D'agro-Développement International (ISTOM) and the University of Rwanda.
The desired project leader, Mr. Placide Kanyabujinja, underscored the importance of the workshop in enabling all key actors to be on the same page concerning the implementation of the project.
"I must say that this workshop has been a success. We made sure it was as participatory as possible to allow participants to have an equal opportunity to share their insights and knowledge. We gathered here to deliberate and agree on the methodology and data collection tools for a comprehensive and sound diagnosis of farming systems of target value chains, and this objective has been realized. I can say that we now have the methodology and tools ready. A field plan has been prepared, and our next activity is moving to the field for the data collection exercise.", Placide noted.
Two students from ISTOM who attended the event are in Rwanda under the DeSIRA exchange program to undertake end-of-master course research in the Districts of Burera and Nyagatare.
Speaking about the workshop's outcome, Augustine Remy had this to say: "This workshop was fascinating; it has given me more knowledge about the Rwandan agriculture sector. Working with actors from different professional backgrounds, especially researchers, has been enriching. It brought a different dimension to my learning experience."
DeSIRA is a four-year project funded by the European Union. The project's main objective is to reduce poverty and ensure food and nutrition security through improved capacities for climate-smart innovations among actors engaged in local innovation partnerships in Burera, Rutsiro, Gatsibo, Nyagatare Bugesera, and Ruhango.
The project applies a multi-sector and interdisciplinary approach to improve capacities for climate-smart innovation both at the local and the national level. Thematically, the project focuses on three areas of intervention: diversification of livestock and crop systems; effective management of irrigated areas; and crop intensification and diversification in drought-prone regions.
The DeSIRA Project is aligned with Rwanda's National Strategy for Transformation (NST-1).
Throughout its implementation, DeSIRA will contribute to promoting research and development as a critical element in fast-tracking Rwanda's economic transformation.