An IFPRI-EPRN event- presentation, facilitation, and panel discussion June 9, 2023
Rwanda’s Vision 2050 articulates the bold development strategy of propelling the country from low to high-income status, by intensifying country’s ambitions towards self-reliance and competitiveness through a private sector led growth and transformation economic model. To achieve the Vision’s targets, there is a need of critical planning and policy strategy to guide the efforts of all players, including, Government, the private sector, civil society, development partners, academia, and other research institutions. It is in that regard that the Economic Policy Research Network (EPRN) and partners envisaged to contribute by organizing the 9th Economic Research Conference under the theme: Boosting economic resilience to economic shocks that included several relevant topics, most notably; regional integration and trade, agriculture development and food security, business innovations and technology development, greening the economy and environmental protection, inclusive growth and poverty reduction, and human capital development.
The conference brought together policymakers, researchers, academics, development partners, civil society, and the private sector to promote economic resilience in the face of various shocks. With an infectious sense of purpose and a shared commitment to sustainable development, participants delved into thought-provoking presentations and engaging discussions that shed light on policies, challenges, and opportunities for economic recovery, as a contribution towards boosting Rwanda’s economic resilience. The International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) contributed to both organizing and shaping this conference by sharing insights and research findings under the sub-theme of improving our understanding of pathways that effect resilience in Rwanda: including gender, global price shocks and food system thinking in Rwanda.
The conference started with a warm welcome from Charles Ruranga, President of EPRN Board, setting the stage for the event. His remarks emphasized the importance of economic resilience, particularly during turbulent times like the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Ukraine and Russian war, and the persistent challenges posed by climate change. These words ignited a sense of determination among attendees, as they recognized the urgent need to boost our ability to better combat climate change.
James Warner, Program Leader of IFPRI’s Rwanda Strategy Support Program, introduced some research projects undertaken by International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), Rwanda, demonstrating their dedication to contributing evidence for formulating policies that lay the foundation for a robust and sustainable food system. He also shed light on the significant shocks experienced by a majority of IFPRI-surveyed agricultural households in 2022, igniting a collective sense of responsibility to address these challenges head-on. Overall, he highlighted the critical importance of research-based evidence toward food systems and agricultural transformation.
James Warner, Program Leader of IFPRI’s Rwanda Strategy Support Program providing some opening remarks.
The conference continued with keynotes from distinguished speakers. Andrew Mold, EPRN board member and Chief of Cluster at the Subregional Office for East Africa from the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), Kigali, emphasized the pivotal role of research in shaping effective policies to navigate economic shocks. His insights resonated, highlighting the indispensable value of evidence-based decision-making in steering us toward a resilient future. He also presented insights on policies to boost economic recovery through regional integration and partnerships. Osten Chulu, Senior Economic Advisor at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), underscored economic resilience's importance, urging attendees to seize this opportunity to drive sustainable progress in our communities. He also underlined methodologies regarding the efficient management of natural resources and promoting a green economy for sustainable development and resilience.
The guest of honor, Patrick Hitayezu the Chief Economist at The Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning, shared the government's vision of Rwanda becoming a middle-income country by 2035 and a high-income country by 2050. Dr. Hitayezu commitment to supporting the public and private sectors, mitigating the impact of COVID-19, and preparing for future pandemics and shocks igniting a sense of optimism among the audience.
Following the panel discussion that brought more understanding on Climate change mitigation measures to enhance trade and development through the Agreement Establishing the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), Gilberthe Benimana, a research analyst from IFPRI, provided fascinating insights into Rwanda's Women's Empowerment in Agriculture Index (WEAI), a baseline assessment in the context of Rwanda’s gender and youth mainstreaming strategy PSTA4. Her captivating presentation shed light on the status of women in agricultural policy in Rwanda as women's empowerment across domains such as financial services, market and value chain representation, extension support, inputs, and technology, decision-making, and time allocation. Benimana's call to action inspired everyone to redouble their efforts in empowering women in agriculture, recognizing both their immense contributions and untapped potential.
Serge Mugabo, research analyst from IFPRI-Rwanda presenting research brief.
Serge Mugabo, another research analyst from IFPRI’s Rwanda Strategy Support Program, captivated the audience with his presentation on the economic effects of the war in Ukraine and global crises on poverty and food security in Rwanda. By delving into the ripple effects of increased food, fuel, and fertilizer prices, Mugabo highlighted the importance of understanding global dynamics and their local impact, igniting a renewed commitment to finding solutions to safeguard our economy.
Gilberthe Benimana, a research analyst from IFPRI providing panel discussion remarks.
The panel discussion featuring Gilberthe Benimana, a research analyst from IFPRI, Clement Twahirwa, CCOIAB’s(Conseil de concertation des Organization d’Apui aux Initiatives de Base) project coordinator, and Arnaud Ishimwe, an Animal Resources Supply Chain and Market Analyst from the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources (MINAGRI).
The conversation centered around improving the understanding of pathways that affect resilience in Rwanda, focusing on gender, global price shocks, and food systems. Concerning how Rwanda can enhance its food systems thinking, policies, and operations, Gilberte heightened the importance of a mindset change and transforming the system through scaling up innovations and technologies while including policies that were inclusive, especially women and the youth, to drive the economic growth agenda. On the role of research institutions and academia in scaling agriculture, she emphasized the importance of hands-on education to create applicable and transferable knowledge.
Mr. Ishimwe discussing the successes and challenges of the PSTA4 underlined the increase in the creation of jobs, crop production, and poverty reduction. He also stressed the need to improve and increase the use of technology in agriculture. On initiatives to attract more youth in agri-business, he spoke about different youth-led organizations working under MINAGRI, such as The Rwanda Youth in Agribusiness Forum (RYAF) and the Israel agro-internship in modern farming to recent Rwandan graduates. Mr. Twahirwa discussed a general reluctance to adopt agroecological practices in Rwanda, saying the biggest challenge is a lack of knowledge of how to use existing technologies. The speakers discussed the importance of partnership, monitoring, evaluation, accountability, and data availability as critical drivers for a resilient economy. After a stimulating and informative Q&A session, the coordinator of the Economic Policy Research Network, Seth Kwizera, closed the day emphasizing the need or active participation and constructive collaboration between all actors along the food system and economy in general, calling for continuous support and collaboration to better obtain sustainable economic resilience for Rwanda’s economic transformation.
Authors
Delice Isimbi- Professional Intern, IFPRI, Rwanda Strategy Support Program
Gilberthe Uwera Benimana- Research Analyst, IFPRI, Rwanda Strategy Support Program
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