croixshima/mccfp-maize-distribution-optimization-rwanda

Final year project on optimizing maize distribution using Minimum Cost Capacitated Flow Problem (MCCFP) # Optimizing maize distribution logistics in Rwanda using the Minimum Cost Capacitated Flow Problem (MCCFP) This project was completed as part of my final year undergraduate studies in Mathematics and Statistics at the University of Rwanda. ## Project Overview The objective of this project was to optimize maize distribution across different regions in Rwanda by minimizing transportation costs while satisfying supply, demand, and storage constraints. This is a case study of Eastern Province and Kigali City through East Africa Exchange (EAX) warehousing infrastructure. The model considers: - Supply districts: Nyagatare, Kirehe, Gatsibo, Kayonza, Rwamagana, Ngoma and Bugesera. - Warehouses: Kayonza, Bugesera, and Rwamagana - Demand districts: Nyarugenge, Gasabo, and Kicukiro ## Methodology The problem was formulated as a **Minimum Cost Capacitated Flow Problem (MCCFP)**. In this model: - Nodes represent supply points, warehouses, and demand points - Edges represent transport routes with associated costs and capacity limits - The objective is to determine how much maize should flow through each route in order to minimize total cost The model ensures that: - Supply from each production area is not exceeded - Demand at each destination is satisfied - Warehouse capacities are respected The model was implemented in Python. ## My Contribution This was a group project carried out by two students. My contributions included: - Formulating the mathematical model (decision variables, constraints, and objective function) - Implementing the model in Python - Running the optimization and analyzing the results - Interpreting how changes in parameters affect the solution ## Data Challenges One of the main challenges was the lack of a complete dataset. - Data on production, transport cost, and storage capacity were not available in one place - We used available national data and introduced assumptions where necessary - Care was taken to ensure the model still reflects rea …