RCID Circular Economy

Empowering SMEs through the Circular Food Systems Program (2023–Ongoing)

Since 2023 to date, the Regional Research Centre for Integrated Development (RCID Ltd), in collaboration with the Africa Circular Economy Network (ACEN) and funded by the World Resources Institute (WRI) through the IKEA Foundation, is actively implementing a range of initiatives under the Circular Food Systems Program in Rwanda. These projects are designed to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) engaged in agriculture and livestock sectors by equipping them with knowledge, skills, and practical tools to integrate regenerative agriculture and circular economy practices into their operations. The overarching goal is to build resilient, climate-smart, and sustainable food systems across the country.

RCID’s support spans multiple levels, including technical assistance, hands-on training, diagnostics, and strategic planning. The interventions are tailored to address specific needs within each SME, ensuring context-appropriate and impactful outcomes. Activities include classroom-based theoretical instruction, field-based demonstrations, stakeholder consultations, composting improvements, organic fertilizer production, integration of animal waste, and value chain development.

Next Farm Ltd, Rulindo District

Next Farm Ltd, located in Rulindo District, engages in crop rotation (maize, beans, and potatoes), fruit tree cultivation (banana, avocado, orange), pig farming, and compost production. RCID provided technical assistance focused on enhancing compost quantity and quality, introducing advanced composting technologies, and improving pig sausage processing. Support was also extended to facilitate product certification, market development, and the integration of regenerative practices into crop and livestock operations. The farm now benefits from improved soil fertility, increased biomass utilization, and strengthened circular value chains.

Glory Poultry Farm Ltd

Glory Poultry Farm Ltd, a diversified SME involved in crop and livestock production, faced inefficiencies in compost production and resource management. RCID supported the farm through a comprehensive pre-assessment, staff training (for over 40 personnel), and practical coaching on regenerative agriculture, livestock care, and composting. Emphasis was placed on gender and youth inclusion, sustainable land use, and integration of crop-livestock systems to boost farm productivity and resilience.

Rwanda Bio Solution Ltd, Bugesera District

Rwanda Bio Solution Ltd, located in Bugesera District, focuses on producing organic fertilizers from landfill waste and rabbit urine. However, the SME faced significant constraints related to raw material consistency, manual sorting inefficiencies, and low fertilizer output. RCID’s technical assistance included site diagnostics, waste stream optimization, rabbit urine integration, compost enrichment, and training in climate-smart agriculture for maize and cabbage demonstration plots. RCID also assisted in developing a marketing strategy, securing regulatory certification, and building fundraising capacity for waste management and agricultural financing.

NjordFrey (Tech-enabled Aquaponics SME)

NjordFrey, a tech-enabled aquaponics SME, designs and builds systems that integrate fish farming with vegetable production. RCID provided support to improve nutrient cycling, reduce energy costs, and strengthen system monitoring. The aim was to enhance productivity, minimize waste, and promote a fully circular, tech-driven farming model adaptable to rural contexts.