HUYE – Horticulture farmers in the country are facing a myriad of challenges that have hampered the development of the horticulture industry, a report released by the Rwanda Horticulture Development Authority has revealed.

The report released recently, shows that most horticulture farmers especially in the western province, lack the necessary skills to develop their trade.

The report pointed out the lack of storage facilities and means to transport their produce due high transport costs as some of the constraints faced by farmers. 

The lack of knowledge and enough equipment to control pests and diseases is another big challenge mentioned.
"Lack of suitable land is a limitation to horticulture farmers. This is due to lack of adequate farm land in the country as well as high soil acidity,” the report says.

Other challenges according to the report include lack of access to the necessary farm inputs due to the low purchasing power of farmers. ‘Most farmers are not able to afford the prices of inputs at the market,’ the report reads in part.

The report recommends availing market information as key to developing horticulture production and agriculture in general.

It says farmers are not able to access bank loans and hence lack adequate capital to invest in their business.

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