Scaling a thousand hills
It’s been 30 years since those tragic events that took place across this nation of a 1000 hills, valleys and lakes that is Rwanda. A lot can happen in a generation, and it has. Rwanda and her people have risen from the ashes of tragedy, despair, and brokenness and reconstructed herself. The spirit that makes this country always seem to reach for its better version of itself, is evident in the work PFS has been doing in this country. The companies we visited, Masaka Farm Dairies, Farm Fresh Food Company Ltd, and Avocado Oil Industries reflect the resilience and power of rebirth that has characterized this nation.
Our work as PFS is about supporting companies solve important problems in order to make great products, connect better with smallholder producers who supply them and ensure consumers enjoy safe, nutritions and healthy food. Masaka’s 10,000 plus milk producers, their majority hearing impaired workforce, and the quality turnaround in their yoghurt line - all bear testament that the companies we support can be a force for good. Looking at the projects list shows this team has indeed scaled many a hill and continue to approach more. The guiding hand of volunteers like Phil Connor gives the team confidence that they can and will continue to grow.
Imagine the possibility of every Rwandan school kid getting a daily serving of precooked nutritious beans, at 10c or less per serving, imagine the school where these beans are served reducing their reliance on scarce firewood for food preparation, and saving time! Well Farm Fresh Food Company Ltd seemingly has cracked the code. At the helm of the production process is Claire, who was a PFS apprentice in 2018 and is now the Production and Operations Manager. She speaks highly of her mentor and supporter Christine Dosch who has guided her expertly across a number of technical and professional challenges. This is the essence of PFS work, impacting the next generation of food processing professionals on the continent.
The young food processing talent was also in full display at the One Acre Fund: Impact Africa owned Avocado Oil Industries - Rwanda’s first avocado oil processor. CEO, Prosper is overseeing an interesting set of “nice life problems”, trucks waiting outside the factory laden with smallholder avocados , a receiving area full of avocados awaiting their turn on the process line , two production shifts squeezing out the olive green liquid , that already has his 60mT storage pretty much full. All this, when the season has just started. PFS supported the factory design, equipment storage, laboratory specification, and already we have a pipeline of interventions requiring support.
Rwanda teaches one many things, and for me it’s sheer potential our work has to contribute to this country’s reconstruction. The Rwandese look ready, I fear we might not keep up with the need and opportunity. I had to go to Rwanda to know what those painted lines on the road are for- allowing pedestrians to cross. I also learnt that it’s possible to drive at 60km per hour and get to your destination on time and stress free
Everyone marvels about Kigali, its orderly traffic, disciplined boda bodas, well-kept gardens and clean streets. It always reminds one of what is possible when you make up your mind to do something, and work at it. Looking forward to seeing how our team continues to grow this work!
Mandla
From Lusaka 22 July 2024