Rwandan Graduates Boost Agriculture with Practical Skills

Thierry Niyigena and Divine Chloe Mukamisha, recent graduates of the Rwanda Institute for Conservation Agriculture (RICA) in Kigali, are contributing to innovations in Rwanda’s agri-food sector. Niyigena, now a crop varieties researcher at One Acre Fund, shifted the organization toward hybrid seeds after identifying farmer preference during his internship. He also developed a zero-energy cooling chamber to reduce post-harvest losses for vegetable farmers.

Mukamisha, specializing in food processing, created fortified stew seasonings to address micronutrient deficiencies during her internship at Griffith Foods. RICA emphasizes hands-on learning and industry partnerships to prepare students for professional roles.

According to RICA data, 86 percent of its first three graduating cohorts are currently employed, self-employed, interning professionally, or pursuing master’s degrees. RICA is expanding its Bachelor of Science program to four years to further deepen students’ academic and practical preparation.