Rwanda
Rwandan women entrepreneurs train in food processing

afrol.com, 9 October - A group of women entrepreneurs began a two-week training programme in food processing on this week as part of an initiative to increase rural household incomes. Rwanda has experienced a severe impoverished of its population, particularly women, due to the genocide, but lately has has made significant progress in stabilizing and rehabilitating its economy. 

The training programme for women entrepreneurs will equip them with skills to boost their businesses in improve their incomes. The trainees will return to their communities on completing the course to train other women in the skills they have acquired. The training programme is being organized by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry and UNESCO. 

Rwanda has a predominantly agricultural economy with about 90% of the population engaged in (mainly subsistence) agriculture. Apart from fertile soils, the country has few natural resources and minimal industry. Primary exports are coffee and tea. While 90% of the population is engaged in agriculture, it only contributes with some 44% to the GDP.

Food processing is one way the national government hopes to add value to cheap agricultural produce, thereby increasing household incomes. 

Source: Based on Rwandan Government and U.S. 

© afrol.com. Texts and graphics may be reproduced freely, under the condition that their origin is clearly referred to, see Conditions.    You can contact us at mail@afrol.com