Insights from Jean Claude Niyomugabo’s Experience at the World Food Forum 2024 in Italy

Jean Claude Niyomugabo, a young agripreneur and social media content creator from Rwanda, recently had the opportunity to represent his country at the World Food Forum 2024 in Italy. His journey to this prestigious event was driven by his commitment to advocating for sustainable agricultural practices and addressing the challenges faced by farmers, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. The forum provided Niyomugabo with a global platform to connect with like-minded individuals who share a passion for transforming food systems and supporting farmers worldwide.

Reflecting on his experience, Niyomugabo expressed immense pride in representing Rwanda on the world stage. "It was empowering to engage with global leaders and youth who are as dedicated to agricultural transformation as I am," he said. The discussions he participated in, and the diverse perspectives he encountered, inspired him to return home with a renewed sense of purpose. "I felt a strong responsibility to amplify the voices of Rwandan farmers and advocate for their needs on an international stage," he noted, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in creating impactful change for farmers in Rwanda, Africa, and beyond.

Niyomugabo gained several key insights from the discussions and presentations at the forum, which he believes will guide his work in agriculture. One of the most significant lessons was the importance of sustainable agriculture practices in combating climate change. He highlighted that smallholder farmers, who are often the most vulnerable, are disproportionately affected by climate change. This realization reaffirmed his commitment to promoting climate-smart solutions, such as drought-resistant seeds and sustainable irrigation methods, to help farmers adapt to the changing environment.

Another critical takeaway for Niyomugabo was the role of digital integration in agriculture. He emphasized the need to bridge the digital divide for farmers in rural areas who still lack access to technology. "Social media and digital platforms can be powerful tools to connect farmers with markets, financial services, and educational resources," he explained. This insight is closely tied to his work at Agirite, where digital tools are used to empower farmers and improve their livelihoods. His vision now includes initiatives aimed at providing digital literacy training and affordable internet access to help farmers scale their businesses.

Nutrition and food security were also prominent themes at the forum, which resonated with Niyomugabo's efforts in Rwanda. He pointed out that malnutrition remains a significant issue, particularly in rural areas, and that interventions are needed to enhance both the quality and diversity of food produced. The knowledge gained from the forum will undoubtedly inform his strategies at Agirite, further aligning with Rwanda's vision of ensuring food security for all citizens.

The alignment between the topics discussed at the World Food Forum and Rwanda's agricultural development goals was striking. Niyomugabo acknowledged Rwanda's progress in promoting sustainable agriculture, particularly in empowering young farmers and agripreneurs. He noted that the forum's focus on climate action and digital integration mirrors Rwanda’s priorities, especially as the country strives to protect its agricultural sector from the effects of climate change.

Furthermore, the forum's emphasis on youth empowerment is critical for Rwanda, where a significant portion of the population is under 30. "By encouraging entrepreneurship among youth, we can harness their creativity and energy to drive agricultural transformation," Niyomugabo said. He believes that the insights from the forum will strengthen Rwanda's efforts to support young farmers and agripreneurs, particularly through innovative policies and initiatives that provide access to markets and financial services.

During the forum, Niyomugabo encountered several technologies and policies from other countries that could significantly improve Rwanda's food systems. One standout approach was the use of mobile applications that connect farmers directly with consumers, enabling them to bypass intermediaries and increase profit margins. He mentioned that such models, successfully implemented in countries like Kenya, could empower Rwandan farmers and create a more equitable market environment.

Niyomugabo was also impressed by precision agriculture technologies, such as drones and satellite imagery, which allow farmers to monitor crop health and optimize resource use. He believes that investing in these technologies could significantly enhance productivity and resilience in Rwanda’s agricultural sector. Additionally, the forum highlighted the need for supportive policies that encourage sustainable practices and digital literacy, which Niyomugabo hopes Rwanda will continue to prioritize.

Networking was another enriching aspect of Niyomugabo’s experience at the forum. He connected with a diverse group of participants, including policymakers, fellow agripreneurs, and innovators from various countries. These connections opened doors to potential partnerships and collaborations, particularly in the areas of digital literacy and sustainable agriculture. For example, he met representatives from organizations focused on youth empowerment who expressed interest in collaborating on digital literacy initiatives for young farmers in Rwanda. These partnerships, Niyomugabo believes, could lead to impactful workshops and training programs that equip youth with the skills they need to thrive in the agricultural sector.

As a member of the Rwanda Youth in Agribusiness Forum (RYAF), Niyomugabo is committed to sharing the knowledge and experiences he gained from the World Food Forum with his peers and the broader agricultural community. He plans to organize workshops and discussion forums to disseminate insights on sustainable practices, digital integration, and nutrition-focused agriculture. Additionally, he intends to use social media platforms to reach a wider audience and inspire a sense of community among young farmers in Rwanda.

Niyomugabo believes that young agripreneurs, particularly those in RYAF, play a crucial role in shaping the future of sustainable food systems in Rwanda and globally. "Young people bring fresh ideas, energy, and a willingness to adopt new technologies and practices," he said. Their engagement in policymaking processes and advocacy efforts ensures that youth perspectives are considered in shaping the future of agriculture. For Niyomugabo, empowering young agripreneurs is key to fostering innovation, enhancing productivity, and achieving food security for all.

Jean Bernard MUKUNDENTE /RYAF Communication Team