The Role of Irish Potato Collection Centers in the Development of Farmers in Musanze District

In the rolling highlands of Northern Rwanda, Musanze District continues to thrive as the country’s leading hub for Irish potato production. This success has not come by chance; rather, it is driven by structured systems, including the growing network of Irish potato collection centers that are transforming the livelihoods of local farmers.

For years, Musanze farmers faced fluctuating market prices, post-harvest losses, and a lack of reliable buyers. However, the establishment of collection centers has ushered in a new era of structured farming, giving farmers a stronger voice in the marketplace and improving their bargaining power.

Jean Damascène Niyonzima, a member of COOPIMU cooperative in Muhoza Sector, says the collection center has been a turning point. “Before, we sold our potatoes individually to brokers who offered very low prices. Now, we bring our harvest to the collection center, where prices are negotiated as a group. We earn more and lose less.”

How Collection Centers Work

“Standardized collection and grading help farmers command better prices,” explains Jean Claude Mugabo, a RAB official based in Musanze. “They also reduce post-harvest losses, which is crucial for smallholder farmers who depend on every kilogram for their livelihoods.”

A Model for Agricultural Transformation

With more than ten active collection centers across the district, Musanze is being hailed as a model for modern, market-oriented farming. The centers have helped over 7,000 farmers secure better market access, increase production efficiency, and improve household incomes.

MINAGRI’s local representative in Musanze, Clarisse Ingabire, notes that the government plans to replicate this model in other districts. “What we’re seeing in Musanze is the power of organizing farmers. It’s no longer subsistence farming. It’s agribusiness.”

Challenges and Way Forward

Despite the progress, challenges remain. Some centers lack sufficient storage capacity and cold chain infrastructure. Others still struggle with limited access to digital tools for price tracking and buyer coordination.
These centers, often managed by agricultural cooperatives in partnership with the Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB), allow farmers to store their harvests in bulk, sort and grade them, and sell collectively. This structure reduces the need for middlemen and encourages transparent transactions.

According to Félicité Uwimana, one of the few women leading a potato cooperative in Kinigi Sector, the centers have also helped promote gender inclusion in agricultural markets. “I now participate in price negotiations and attend training sessions on modern farming practices. This was not possible before the center was established.”

Boosting Market Access and Quality Control

With the support of the Ministry of Agriculture (MINAGRI), collection centers serve as focal points for farmers to access subsidized seeds, fertilizers, and expert advice. Through these centers, RAB also provides regular inspections to ensure that only high-quality produce reaches the market, which boosts the reputation of Musanze potatoes across Rwanda and even in export markets.

To address these, stakeholders are calling for more investment in infrastructure and digital platforms to link farmers directly with national and regional buyers. Training in agribusiness and cooperative management is also being scaled up.

The success of Irish potato collection centers in Musanze reflects the importance of organization, access to services, and market linkages in agricultural development. As more farmers embrace this system, the district not only secures food security and income for its residents but also sets an example for other regions striving to commercialize agriculture.

By Libos NDAYISHIMIYE