Sugar: Make it work

The goal of the project is to develop and implement an intervention strategy in the sugar value chain in Rwanda, that should enable a business driven approach to significantly increase the (economic and social) output of sugarcane agriculture. The local production of sugar cane has decreased over the years, where increased consumption has resulted into higher imports, rising to 60-80% of local consumed sugar being imported in 2012. The approach combines organizing small holder farmers and empowering local agri-businesses, including support in water management, precision agriculture and capacity development. Important element of the intervention is to revive 1,500 hectare marshland for sugarcane, through the introduction of improved water management systems, focused on drainage of the excess water. Another important technological element is the introduction of a combined sensor system, indicating the right harvest time of sugar cane, and early warning on incidence of diseases and pests. The applicant is TechForce Innovations B.V. (a Dutch company), providing support in setting up and managing business development projects.

The main private partner is KSW (the sole sugar producer of Rwanda) who has developed, together with the Rwandan government, a plan to revive the sugar sector. The public private partnership (PPP) includes eight parties, of which five from the Netherlands, each with a clear role in the project.