Enhancing Food Security Through Innovation Platforms: Experiences from Research into Use Project in Rwanda

Maize is an important food security crop in Rwanda and the East African region, however the maize value chain is not well developed and the productivity is still low partly because of low technology uptake by the smallholder farmers. Since 2006, the Department for International Development (DFID) supported the “Research Into Use” (RIU) programme in Rwanda to  enhance the uptake of agricultural technologies using innovation platforms (IPs). Maize was one of the target crops for intensification particularly in Nyagatare District for which an IP was established. The purpose of the innovation platforms was to faciliate interaction of the key actors in the value chain including farmers, cooperatives, inputs suppliers, processors, traders, credits providers, local leaders, research and extension to establish mutual relationships for value chain development. This study assessed processes of establishing IPs and requirements for their effective operations and sustainability. Data were collected using focus group discussions, observations and interviews. SPSS and SNA softwares were used to analyze data. Through actor interactions in IPs, farmers` problems were prioritized by research; relationships were established between research institutions, NGOs, processors and finance institutions for value addition of maize thereby creating a pull effect for increased production and income.  Increased production, productivity and incomes are core to food security. The IP was a mechanism for developing value chains that provided incentives and means for access to and adoption of technologies for increasing productivity of maize. Hower, functional IPs requires facilitation and capacity building of the actors to interact in a mutually beneficial manner. JEL Classification Code: 031