UK injects 5 million pounds into Rwanda's agriculture

Rwanda and the UK's Department for International Development (DFID) Thursday signed a financing deal worth 5 million pounds toward agriculture transformation.

Laure Beaufils, the outgoing head of DFID in Rwanda, called on the government to ensure efficient, productive transformation incorporating element of climate change mitigation.

"Agriculture is key to both economic growth and poverty reduction, so we will continue to support government to ensure that the country's growth is more inclusive," Beaufils said.

She expressed hope that the funds will help enhance agriculture production to benefit the poor.

She also reaffirmed her country's support toward environment and financial sector development to accelerate economic transformation in Rwanda.

Agriculture contributed about 30 percent of the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) last year.

Claver Gatete, Rwanda's minister of finance and economic planning said the funding will ensure sustainable increase in agricultural productivity.

Agricultural transformation will involve crop intensification as well as training farmers in proper farming practice and post-harvest handling and storages, according to officials.

In 2014, the Rwandan Government and DFID signed a financing agreement worth 34 million pounds.

The grant was to be disbursed over a period of four years. Endit