How Rwanda can make horticulture industry more competitive
The Rwanda Horticulture Working Group sought to attract more private investments into the industry, and stimulate dialogue among stakeholders. The group was also expected to provide a platform to promote public-private sector partnerships to help expand the country's horticulture sector.
To support such initiatives, the government put in place a horticulture development policy and strategy.
With almost a year in existence, has the Rwanda Horticulture Working Group had any contribution to the sector? Many industry players say though the platform is "a step in the right direction", more needs to be done to achieve growth targets.
The government seeks to increase horticulture exports tenfold, from $11 million in 2013 to $120 million in the next two years. The sector fetched $5.8 million during the last fiscal year, a decline from $6.6 million the previous year.
The horticulture sector, especially flower growing, is considered as a "quick win" by government, providing the country huge opportunities to enhance export volumes and revenues, as well as help diversify the export base.
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