By Seif Shaggy Gracien Hasingizwimana/Kigali,Rwanda,
At a time when pumpkin yields used to spoil due to a lack of market, Iwacu Bakery Solution Ltd chose to add value by processing them into various products. The company states that this initiative has not only reduced crop loss and food waste, but has also contributed to environmental protection and created jobs for young people.
The company was founded in July 2020 by Valens Ruhorimbere, 31, a graduate in Food Science and Technology from the University of Rwanda. It operates in Gatsibo District, Kabarore Sector, Kabarore Cell, Kabarore II Village, on a plot measuring 1,226 square meters.
Ruhorimbere said the idea to establish the factory stemmed from research he conducted as a student, after observing that large quantities of pumpkins harvested in Gatsibo District lacked a market and went to waste.
He said: “When we were required to undertake a research project before graduating, I chose to research how pumpkins could be converted into highly nutritious food products while reducing the reliance on industrial sugar. The research demonstrated that it is possible to make bread, cakes, and other pumpkin-based products that benefit health.”
He noted that after completing his studies, he returned to his home region in Gatsibo District to implement the findings of his research.
He said: “That is where the name ‘Iwacu Bakery Solution’ came from, reflecting our intention to offer a locally rooted solution that addresses the challenges faced by pumpkin farmers, adds value to their produce, and supplies high-value nutritious food to the public.”
Currently, the factory processes pumpkins into bread, cakes, and a specialized flour. In partnership with UPHLS, it has trained 120 young people from Gatsibo District, including 70 girls and women, as well as 30 persons with disabilities (22 men and 8 women). Furthermore, in collaboration with UPHLS and RTB/SDF, the factory trained youth with disabilities in Pastry and Bakery. Some were hired by the factory, while others started their own businesses using the skills acquired.
Among those trained is Eliezer Manirareba, a young man with a disability who joined the factory seeking vocational training. He shares that before joining, finding employment was difficult due to societal perceptions of persons with disabilities. After receiving training and employment, he became one of the top-performing employees. Reflecting on this example, Ruhorimbere noted: “It showed me that disability is not inability; when people are given equal opportunities, they can deliver exceptional results.”
He added that providing training and employment to persons with disabilities demonstrated that no one should be left behind.
He said: “In partnership with the Menya Ukurane Ubutumwa Bwiza project (UPHLS) and RTB/SDF, we played a role in training youth with disabilities in food processing (Pastry and Bakery). This showed us that indeed ‘Disability is not inability.’ Among those we trained, some were employed at Iwacu Bakery Solution, while others went on to become self-employed and use the knowledge they received to develop themselves. Those we hired are among our most outstanding employees; they work with dedication, fulfill their duties well, and deliver results just like anyone else. Getting the opportunity to learn and work helped them build self-confidence, improve their livelihoods, and contribute to the well-being of their families. This proved to us that when everyone is given equal opportunities, no one is left behind, and everyone can contribute to development.”
Initially, the factory faced challenges including limited capital, insufficient equipment, securing market access, and changing consumer mindsets regarding pumpkin-derived products. Ruhorimbere stated that they overcame these obstacles through innovation, adhering to quality standards, and collaborating with partners.
He said: “We overcame them through innovation, maintaining quality standards, and working with partners such as Gatsibo District, SAIP/RAB, Imbuto Foundation, RYAF, and PSF.”
Later, the factory received a Matching Grant through the Sustainable Agricultural Intensification and Food Security Project (SAIP), enabling it to construct a modern processing facility and acquire equipment and machinery that expanded its processing capacity. Currently, the factory employs 17 permanent staff and over 20 casual workers. It holds a Food Operation License issued by Rwanda FDA and is in the final stages of obtaining the RSB S-Mark quality certification.
Ruhorimbere stated that adding value to pumpkins played a major role in reducing crop loss and protecting the environment.
He said: “Adding value to pumpkins helped reduce produce that previously went to waste (food waste), increased the value of farmers’ crops, and reduced waste. Furthermore, in our factory, we use gas-powered ovens instead of firewood, thereby helping to reduce deforestation and greenhouse gas emissions. We also utilize nearly the whole pumpkin in processing our products.”
He further noted that they have firm strategies to continue protecting the environment.
He said: “We use gas ovens instead of firewood, which reduces deforestation and greenhouse gas emissions. We also make efficient use of pumpkins to minimize food waste, and we maintain sanitation and proper management of waste generated at the factory. Our goal is to process food in a sustainable manner that protects the environment.”
Regarding women in the factory, Ruhorimbere stated that they play a crucial role in its operations.
He said: “Women play a vital role in our factory. They demonstrate dedication, hygiene, attention to quality standards, and diligence at work. We offer equal opportunities to both women and men, and we have seen that when given equal opportunities, everyone delivers great results.”
In conclusion, Ruhorimbere encouraged young people to view agriculture as a business opportunity and a means of adding value to produce.
He said: “I would advise youth to view agriculture as a business opportunity, add value to produce, start with whatever they have, engage in environmentally friendly practices, and solve problems within the community while utilizing all opportunities designated for the youth.” He added: “Sustainable agriculture is a source of employment and development.”
This factory was completed at a cost of more than 138,746,500 Rwandan francs.
