USADF Grantees Named Best Performing Cooperatives in Rwanda

WASHINGTON - September 26, 2008

WASHINGTON, D.C. – September 26, 2008 – Three grantees funded by the United States African Development Foundation have been recognized among the 30 best performing cooperatives in districts throughout Rwanda. Coopérative Production Agricole au Rwanda (COPAR- IMENA) in Kicukiro District, Impuzamashyirahamwe ya Kijyamere (IMPUYAKI) in Gicumbi District, and Coopérative Théicole de Ramba Gaseke et Giciye (COTRAGAGI) in Ngororero District are among the cooperatives named with this prestigious honor.

 USADF President Lloyd Pierson stated, “USADF funding is designed to directly fund African ideas. Our agency is proud to work with such fine cooperatives.” 

Cooperatives throughout the country were graded in the areas of governance, financial record keeping, organizational management, and profitability.  Each of the above-named cooperatives was ranked as the best in its district. 

The three grantees focus on different agricultural initiatives. COPAR-IMENA uses funding to pilot new greenhouse technology to increase the productivity and quality of salad tomatoes. IMPUYAKI focuses on seed potato multiplication for distribution of improved varieties to farmers, and is using funding to purchase inputs, increase acreage, construct a storage facility, and train members.

 The 1,200 member COTRAGAGI cooperative, which has recently been ranked the number one quality green leaf tea producer in Rwanda, has received funding to establish a seedling nursery, purchase agricultural tools, and provide training for increased yields to meet tea factory demand.

In describing the effect the cooperatives have on their communities, Regional Program Director Christine Fowles stated, "At least 3,000 participating families are direct beneficiaries of these three cooperative projects that intend to build capacity and improve livelihoods and bargaining power for the smallholder farmer." 

Other recipients of the award included agriculturalists and artisan and handicraft producers. As a result of being named one of the country’s best cooperatives, it is expected that demand for their products will increase, resulting in higher revenues for members.

The United States African Development Foundation (USADF) is a United States Government agency dedicated to expanding access to economic opportunity in Africa. Currently USADF operates in 18 African nations.  Over the past 25 years, USADF has directly funded nearly 1,100 African projects representing in excess of $150 million in support of African enterprises and local African communities.

For more information on USADF, its programs and application guidelines, visit www.usadf.gov.

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