EALA lawmakers commends Rwanda’s Agriculture programs

A team of Members of Parliament of the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA), who are in Rwanda on Agriculture, Tourism, and Natural Resources, commended the country’s Agriculture programs.

The remarks were made by Hon. Dan Kidega who led the team, while visiting the Ministry of Agriculture & Animal Resources (MINAGRI) on October 4, 2013.

Hon. Kidega thanked MINAGRI and expressed appreciation for the Rwanda’s steps taken in implementing poverty reduction programs.

“I am greatly impressed by what I have seen and heard because this shows that different efforts in the agriculture sector have had a positive impact on poverty reduction,” said Hon. Dan Kidega.

The team was met and received by the Permanent Secretary Ernest Ruzindaza, Director General of Planning Raphael Rurangwa, and Director General of Livestock Theogene Rutagwenda, who made a presentation about livestock regulations and laws, strategies, and briefed them on different programs.

This was followed by a discussion on Girinka Program, livestock trade and products, the general agriculture sector.

Rwanda’s Prime Minister Pierre Damien Habumuremyi said that agriculture is the backbone of the Rwandan economy, and the capacity of tertiary education in agriculture is critical for Rwanda as it is also the case for many African countries.

He made this remarks while officiating the 9th forum of the Regional University for Capacity Building in Agriculture (RUFORUM) on September 20, 2013 at Serena Hotel.

To improve the agriculture sector, Rwanda launched the Second Economic Development and Poverty Reduction Strategy (EDPRS 2) during which the agriculture sector will focus on increasing productivity and adding value to agriculture production along the value chain, according to the Prime Minister.

EALA lawmakers commends Rwanda’s Agriculture programs