Preface By Frederique de Man Ambassador for the Netherlands in Rwanda The promotion of inclusive and sustainable growth in the agricultural sector of Rwanda is one of the objectives of the support provided by the embassy of the Netherlands. The aim is to enhance Food Security and Nutrition in the country. A focus on good nutrition continues to be important given the persistently high prevalence of stunting and malnutrition. In the coming years we envisage the development of the horticulture value chain in which we would like to involve Dutch businesses, knowledge institutes and farmer organizations. Developing value chains will generate employment, income and added value, which is essential to make farming attractive as a business for young and old, women and men. Strong farmer organizations and cooperatives play an important role in this, like they have done in many value chains in the Netherlands. SPARK successfully implemented the Cooperative Support Program in the past years which has resulted in almost 100 cooperatives that are stronger and growing, provide better services to their members and are connected with markets and finance institutions. While working with this large number of cooperatives and farmers SPARK did not lose in the capacity building program the focus on the individual farmer. SPARK’s coaches delivered an excellent job! The Netherland’s embassy of the Netherlands would like to see in the coming years the agriculture sector subscribe to enhanced farmer cooperation and private-sector-led development. Thanks to the know-how, technology and access to markets, Dutch companies can make a major contribution to an inclusive agricultural growth in Rwanda. Working together in such a manner, a major achievement would be the eradication of stunting and malnutrition in Rwanda in the next 5 years. 9
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