AGRAH CARE (AC) started as an agricultural inputs dealer in 2011 in Muhanga and now with 32 employees has expanded across multiple districts in Rwanda’s Eastern Province. AC empowers smallholder farmers in Rwanda through agricultural input mechanisms by combining the supply of agricultural inputs, extension services, training, and market access. AC currently services a network of 60,000 farmers and 150 agricultural inputs dealers. 

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Contract Farming-based Vegetable Production for the Domestic Market

The project aimed to demonstrate that a structured, smallholder-driven supply model can reliably meet the growing urban demand for quality fresh vegetables while strengthening the commercial performance of AGRAH CARE Ltd (AC).

Through this 15-month project, between August 2024 and November 2025 with CASA, on a total budget of £196,649, including CASA’s contribution of £62,635 for technical assistance, CASA supported AGRAH CARE Ltd in developing a modern organisational, operational, and financial management system. This support strengthened internal structures, clarified roles, improved workflows, and introduced enhanced financial and administrative procedures. The new systems have laid the foundation for a more efficient and scalable business model. 

It also helped develop a clear and actionable strategic business plan and provided tailored advisory support during its early implementation, including establishment of a vegetable out-growers scheme formalised through a contract farming model and decentralised modern vegetable seedlings production and distribution. AGRAH CARE Ltd entered in formal partnership with YEAN (Youth Engagement in Agriculture Network) through which twenty-seven extension agents were trained in good agricultural practices, farm management, entrepreneurship, advisory skills, and farmer coaching, and were provided with appropriate tools and materials. 3,543 farmers have been contracted, and the first cohort of 300 farmers began production in mid-December 2025.

AC has established a modern, decentralised vegetable seedling production system, comprising a central production unit at its Gatsibo site and satellite units operated by private farmer-entrepreneurs. The central unit produces high-quality seedlings and introduces improved varieties, while the satellite units enhance local access and distribution. This model improves efficiency, ensures a consistent supply, and builds a commercially-viable network of farmer-entrepreneurs. AC selected five farmers for the trial phase, and the central unit has prepared seedlings for the first cohort of 300 farmers. Digitalisation of operations, including the company website, and production of tailored training materials, has significantly enhanced the company’s institutional capacity, market positioning, and professional credibility. AC also has an emerging collaboration with MoneyPhone to promote financial inclusion for smallholders.

AGRAH CARE plans to attract business partnerships with larger distribution companies. A significant opportunity to initiate this will be to invest retained earnings in appropriate equipment for vegetable aggregation, storage, and transportation for efficient supply. AC’s website is currently being used to engage potential large-scale vegetable buyers for formalised supply contracts.

UPDATED: March 2026