News and Events
Rwanda achieves landmarks in the insect-based food and feed sector; with the support of icipe and partners
Against a grand vision of mainstreaming edible insects as a way of achieving food security and economic growth, Rwanda has marked two major milestones: the launch of national standards to guide the emergence of the edible insects sector; and the establishment of the country’s first commercial insect-based animal feed plant.
Launch of Emerging Insect Technology Hub (EIT-Hub) between Africa and Australia
Over the past decade, the narrative and reality surrounding insects has shifted dramatically. Far from the predominant image of crawly nuisances that ruin crops and cause diseases, insects are now increasingly becoming valued as green, more affordable and nutritious sources for people and as alternative proteins in animal feed.
Banana waste, potato’s gain
Destructive potato cyst nematodes meet their match in banana-fibre paper
With potato production in East Africa under increasing threat from the invasive and highly destructive potato cyst nematode (PCN) pest, an organic technology developed from banana plant waste material may well be the ultimate rescue. Known as ‘wrap and plant’, the solution involves enclosing potato seed before planting, in a thick absorbent paper that is made from the fibre of banana plants. This strategy provides a protective barrier for the plants against damage by PCN.
One step to 10,000
Rwandese scholar at Sokoine University, Tanzania, becomes first RSIF PhD. In October 2021, the Regional Scholarship and Innovation Fund (https://www.rsif-paset.org/) marked a major milestone with the completion of the initiative’s first ever PhD. Jean Nepomuscene Hakizimana, a Rwandese national registered at Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA), Tanzania, defended his doctoral thesis on the genetic variation and epidemiology of the African swine fever virus (ASFV), in eastern and southern Africa.