Eric Ruzigamanzi Email & Phone Number

Kigali, Kigali City, Rwanda

The Circular Economy for Food Systems Transition in Rwanda, funded by the IKEA Foundation and implemented by a consortium led by the World Resources Institute (WRI), involves collaboration with partners such as the Platform for Accelerating the Circular Economy (PACE) Secretariat, Resonance, African Circular Economy Alliance (ACEA), African Circular Economy Network (ACEN), and Rwanda Cleaner Production and Climate Innovation Centre (CPCIC). This three-year initiative aims to establish a resilient, circular, and regenerative food system that enhances livelihoods and delivers positive social and environmental outcomes for communities in Rwanda and across Africa. The mission involves catalyzing cross-sectoral action to foster business growth in the circular economy for food, promoting an enabling environment through policy design, and distilling actionable insights to expedite food system transformations in Rwanda and globally.

Kigali City, Rwanda

HortInvest, a 5-year project from 2017 to 2022, focused on enhancing farmers' incomes and boosting the horticultural sector's contribution to national and regional economies in Rwanda. Key achievements include:- Played a leading role in developing business cases with Rwandan and international companies to promote inclusive fruit and vegetable value chain development in six target districts of HortInvest.- Identified and facilitated the introduction of various horticulture-related technologies and services, including hydroponics, online marketing platforms, cold transport,organic farming, etc- Facilitated private sector co-investment in HortInvest activities, promoting market-driven horticulture value chain development in Rwanda.- Developed a grant manual, including grant application forms, evaluation forms, and reporting templates.- Coordinated the evaluation and contracting process for grant applications.- Oversaw the grant management of 15 business cases and innovation projects supported by HortInvest, as well as 13 SMEs benefiting from COVID-19 mitigation funds.- Facilitated the scaling up of successful business cases and innovation projects.- Identified market opportunities for fruits and vegetables sourced from HortInvest districts and facilitated improved linkages between farmers, cooperatives, agribusinesses, and domestic and regional export markets.- Contributed to the identification of high-potential production areas, improved access to inputs, finance, and markets for SME farmers.- Advised and conducted market research, analyzed information, and disseminated findings to stakeholders.

Kigali City, Rwanda

Over its 34-month duration, the Solar Irrigation in Rwanda (SIR) project, overseen by Energy 4 Impact (E4I) and funded by OFID, aimed to improve the lives of Rwandan smallholder farmers and strengthen food security by promoting the widespread adoption of small-scale solar irrigation.In total, 1,450 farmers adopted solar irrigation systems through this project , demonstrating its effectiveness in showcasing the potential of solar-powered irrigation to boost agricultural productivity and profitability throughout sub-Saharan Africa. Farmers who adopted this new technology experienced significant improvements in yields, with an average increase of around one-third, and many were able to cultivate crops during the dry season for the first time.Key achievements:- Raised farmer awareness of the potential of solar irrigation.-Addressed system affordability through subsidies and third-party financing.-Built the capacity of farmers to use solar irrigation systems.-Worked with suppliers to identify best-performing systems.-Created new distribution channels and delivery models.-Strengthened links between farmers and offtakers.-Improved the accessibility of government subsidy schemes.-Created favorable policy and regulatory frameworks.-Ensured the participation of women agricultural workers.

Kigali City, Rwanda

Advise KOICA on Rwandan Agriculture Issues (10%) • Provided advice and assisted local partners to develop/design projects related to agricultural or rural development seeking for KOICA funds/ grants • Conducted research and developed thorough analysis of opportunities and constraints to improve KOICA’s agriculture and rural development-based interventions in Rwanda. • Closely followed political, social, and economic trends in Rwanda and provided analysis on agricultural trends and how those trends can affect the development and implementation of KOICA’s projects. B. Projects and grants management 70%) • Oversaw the implementation of 4 agricultural projects (Nyaruguru Integrated Rural Development Project, Rural Community Support Project, Saemaul Zero Hunger Communities Project as well as Saemaul Initiative Towards Inclusive and Sustainable New Communities) and ensured projects designs met KOICA’s strategic objectives, goals, and mission. •Ensured program implementation achieves planned results, documented developmental impacts, and resolved any implementation issues in an efficient and professional manner. •Performed Monitoring & Evaluation function: monitored and regularly evaluated KOICA-funded projects; review of quarterly and bi-annual and annual projects and financial reports from grant recipients/projects implementing partners.•Participated and contributed in technical working group meetings such as Agriculture Sector Working Group (ASWG) organized by the Ministry of Agriculture and others.

My responsibilities included organizing and leading training sessions for community groups and partners, conducting regular field visits to provide project progress updates to the Program Manager, performing assessments and baselines for projects, coordinating field requirements (logistics, supplies, facilitators), and contributing to the development of Terms of Reference (TORs) for consultants and service providers.

Master'S Degree, Sustainability And Circular Bioeconomy

Master'S Degree, Agricultural And Applied Economics

Bachelor'S Degree, Agribusiness Management

Postgraduate Degree, Public Policy And Leadership / Saemaul Undong