Rwanda: Clinton’s project ventures into Soy Processing

The Clinton Hunter Development Initiative (CHDI) which has been managing many projects in Rwanda is now involved in the soy processing project in partnership with the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA)

In November 2011, Regional farmers had a three days training on soybean processing, handling, and storage in the Eastern province of Rwanda. The training involved different topics on the methods of soybean processing assisted by the National Cooperative service.

This program has achieved positive results through strategic partnership with national government, community and other stake holders.

Dekuze Maria, Advising Member of farming cooperative, says that these new techniques have increased crop yields and significantly improved her life and the lives of those in her community.

The CHDI was founded by the former US president Bill Clinton, with the aim to sustain economic development in Rwanda and other African countries.

Clinton wants you to air your views about the program he is currently involved with in Rwanda.

“I want to keep you posted on the latest update of our work in Rwanda,” he said in an email to supporters of the Clinton Foundation.

“It took us three years of planning on how to set our project and keep it running together with local investors, we’ve just broken ground on a new soy processing plant in the Eastern Province.

According to Clinton, soy processing plant which is a large-scale, value-addictive business may seem uninteresting in the beginning, but this new business will benefit a lot of farmers and the community in Rwanda:

At least 30,000 soy farmers will now have a stable buyer for their harvest and will be able to increase their incomes; the processing plant itself will create hundreds of jobs for the local community; and produce the regions’ only cooking oil, saving money on import costs.

Bill Clinton says that “This kind of success is exactly what I had in mind when we began this work. It is sustainable, productive, and puts the community it serves in control of its own future.

“It’s fascinating how a small plant can make such a positive impact on local people, and I would love to give you specific details of the project.

The former US President has opened up to the public for any questions about the project and its benefits. “Send me your questions about this exciting new project that will touch the lives of more than 30,000 Rwandans, and I’ll answer some in an upcoming video.” Clinton says

The CHDI’s soy processing project is co-invested alongside the local Rwandan investors