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Joseph Nkurunziza Ryarasa

@JosephRyarasa • 19,402 subscribers

|ED @NARwanda|Public Health Practitioner|Governance & Social Development Policy Analyst |Peace &Health| I Write What I Like-Steve Biko| Alumni @Uni_Rwanda

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Dear Min of Trade |Rwanda ! Greetings from the community! I vividly remember that a few years ago the government introduced potato collection centres as part of a broader effort to address the long-standing imbalance between farm-gate prices and market prices in Kigali. The objective was straightforward; organize the value chain, reduce the influence of middlemen, improve farmers’ bargaining power and ensure that consumers accessed potatoes at fair and stable prices. Today, however, the situation raises important questions. We are witnessing what appears to be a bumper harvest, yet farmers are struggling to sell their produce at prices that reflect the effort and investment they have made. According to reports from Kigali Today, in Nyabihu District, a kilogram of the highest-quality Kinigi potatoes is selling for around Rwf 550, while the same potatoes can fetch as much as Rwf 1,300 per kilogram in Kigali. Traders are reportedly only purchasing in lots of 100 kilograms because there is an oversupply, and those with private vehicles are taking advantage of the price difference by transporting potatoes directly to urban markets. This is where modern technology, particularly artificial intelligence and data analytics, could play a transformative role. AI can help forecast production volumes, anticipate market demand, identify supply bottlenecks, optimize transport routes, and provide real-time pricing information to farmers, traders, and policymakers. Such insights would enable better planning before harvests, reducing the likelihood of oversupply in one area while shortages exist elsewhere. The bigger question is; what happened to the systems that were established to stabilize this market? Are the collection centres still functioning as intended? If they are, why are farmers still facing such significant price disparities? If they are not, what lessons have been learned? A high harvest should be a source of prosperity for farmers, not financial distress. As Rwanda continues embracing digital transformation, strengthening agricultural market intelligence should become a priority to ensure that both producers and consumers benefit from a more efficient, transparent, and equitable value chain. Ministry of Local Government | Rwanda Ministry of Agriculture & Animal Resources |Rwanda PSF Rwanda Ministry of Finance & Economic Planning Ministry of ICT and Innovation | Rwanda

Dear Min of Trade |Rwanda ! Greetings from the community! I vividly remember that a few years ago the government introduced potato collection centres as part of a broader effort to address the long-standing imbalance between farm-gate prices and market prices in Kigali. The objective was straightforward; organize the value chain, reduce the influence of middlemen, improve farmers’ bargaining power and ensure that consumers accessed potatoes at fair and stable prices. Today, however, the situation raises important questions. We are witnessing what appears to be a bumper harvest, yet farmers are struggling to sell their produce at prices that reflect the effort and investment they have made. According to reports from Kigali Today, in Nyabihu District, a kilogram of the highest-quality Kinigi potatoes is selling for around Rwf 550, while the same potatoes can fetch as much as Rwf 1,300 per kilogram in Kigali. Traders are reportedly only purchasing in lots of 100 kilograms because there is an oversupply, and those with private vehicles are taking advantage of the price difference by transporting potatoes directly to urban markets. This is where modern technology, particularly artificial intelligence and data analytics, could play a transformative role. AI can help forecast production volumes, anticipate market demand, identify supply bottlenecks, optimize transport routes, and provide real-time pricing information to farmers, traders, and policymakers. Such insights would enable better planning before harvests, reducing the likelihood of oversupply in one area while shortages exist elsewhere. The bigger question is; what happened to the systems that were established to stabilize this market? Are the collection centres still functioning as intended? If they are, why are farmers still facing such significant price disparities? If they are not, what lessons have been learned? A high harvest should be a source of prosperity for farmers, not financial distress. As Rwanda continues embracing digital transformation, strengthening agricultural market intelligence should become a priority to ensure that both producers and consumers benefit from a more efficient, transparent, and equitable value chain. Ministry of Local Government | Rwanda Ministry of Agriculture & Animal Resources |Rwanda PSF Rwanda Ministry of Finance & Economic Planning Ministry of ICT and Innovation | Rwanda

23,957 views

I am heading out to unwind this year has been tough on my side. I am spending time with young people because we need to stay close to them and understand their realities. I am even using Spiro to experience firsthand why there are so many complaints around motorbikes. That said, let’s enjoy responsibly. Please don’t drink and drive. #FestiveFun #FestiveSeason

I am heading out to unwind this year has been tough on my side. I am spending time with young people because we need to stay close to them and understand their realities. I am even using Spiro to experience firsthand why there are so many complaints around motorbikes. That said, let’s enjoy responsibly. Please don’t drink and drive. #FestiveFun #FestiveSeason

58,074 views

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When the warning signs are in plain sight! There is an ongoing national conversation about youth delinquency. Government leaders have been meeting citizens across the country to discuss the issue and explore possible solutions. That is encouraging. But i sometimes wonder whether we are paying enough attention to what is happening right in front of us. Yesterday, one of Rwanda’s biggest artists performed at Kigali Arena. Looking around, i would estimate that nearly two-thirds of the audience were young people between the ages of 17 and 35. Many were students, while others were already working. One observation stood out to me. Those below 18 were mostly with friends and peers, not with their parents. That is understandable, as parents cannot be everywhere. What concerned me more was what happened after the concert. Many young people walked away carrying heniken and petite mizing bottles and cans of alcohol, while others had alcoholic syrups. It raised a simple question: should alcohol be sold inside venues that attract such a large number of young people? In many countries, alcohol is consumed in controlled environments like homes, bars, restaurants, hotels, or private events. Some even prohibit people from openly carrying alcohol in public spaces. Yet at large entertainment venues where thousands of young people gather, access can be remarkably easy. At the same time, we cannot ignore another reality. In many rural communities and urban suburbs, the bigger problem is not commercially sold alcohol, but illicit and unregulated brews. These products continue to harm lives and, in some cases, cause permanent damage to people’s health. Addressing youth substance abuse therefore requires looking at both ends of the problem: what happens in our cities and what happens in our villages. Youth behaviour also reflects changing social and economic realities. Many of us grew up in households where resources were scarce. Our parents, relatives, and neighbours expected us to study hard, work hard, and contribute to lifting our families out of poverty. That responsibility shaped our choices. Today’s young people face different circumstances. Some from middle- and upper-income families grow up without the same economic pressures, so social recognition can easily become a substitute for purpose. Others, especially those from disadvantaged communities, face unemployment, limited opportunities, and inadequate guidance, making them far more vulnerable to alcohol and drug abuse. These are different backgrounds, but they present equally critical challenges. This is why I believe we need a deeper societal conversation. During Umuganda, citizens’ assemblies, parents’ evenings at schools, youth forums, and even meetings of registered political parties, how much time do we actually spend discussing the issues quietly shaping the next generation? Rwanda does not lack spaces for dialogue. What we sometimes lack is the willingness to use those spaces to confront the real issues affecting our communities. Preventing youth delinquency is not only the responsibility of parents or the police. It requires families, local leaders, schools, religious institutions, businesses, and communities to work together. When warning signs are visible but go unaddressed, we should all pause and ask whether we are paying enough attention to the future we are shaping.

When the warning signs are in plain sight! There is an ongoing national conversation about youth delinquency. Government leaders have been meeting citizens across the country to discuss the issue and explore possible solutions. That is encouraging. But i sometimes wonder whether we are paying enough attention to what is happening right in front of us. Yesterday, one of Rwanda’s biggest artists performed at Kigali Arena. Looking around, i would estimate that nearly two-thirds of the audience were young people between the ages of 17 and 35. Many were students, while others were already working. One observation stood out to me. Those below 18 were mostly with friends and peers, not with their parents. That is understandable, as parents cannot be everywhere. What concerned me more was what happened after the concert. Many young people walked away carrying heniken and petite mizing bottles and cans of alcohol, while others had alcoholic syrups. It raised a simple question: should alcohol be sold inside venues that attract such a large number of young people? In many countries, alcohol is consumed in controlled environments like homes, bars, restaurants, hotels, or private events. Some even prohibit people from openly carrying alcohol in public spaces. Yet at large entertainment venues where thousands of young people gather, access can be remarkably easy. At the same time, we cannot ignore another reality. In many rural communities and urban suburbs, the bigger problem is not commercially sold alcohol, but illicit and unregulated brews. These products continue to harm lives and, in some cases, cause permanent damage to people’s health. Addressing youth substance abuse therefore requires looking at both ends of the problem: what happens in our cities and what happens in our villages. Youth behaviour also reflects changing social and economic realities. Many of us grew up in households where resources were scarce. Our parents, relatives, and neighbours expected us to study hard, work hard, and contribute to lifting our families out of poverty. That responsibility shaped our choices. Today’s young people face different circumstances. Some from middle- and upper-income families grow up without the same economic pressures, so social recognition can easily become a substitute for purpose. Others, especially those from disadvantaged communities, face unemployment, limited opportunities, and inadequate guidance, making them far more vulnerable to alcohol and drug abuse. These are different backgrounds, but they present equally critical challenges. This is why I believe we need a deeper societal conversation. During Umuganda, citizens’ assemblies, parents’ evenings at schools, youth forums, and even meetings of registered political parties, how much time do we actually spend discussing the issues quietly shaping the next generation? Rwanda does not lack spaces for dialogue. What we sometimes lack is the willingness to use those spaces to confront the real issues affecting our communities. Preventing youth delinquency is not only the responsibility of parents or the police. It requires families, local leaders, schools, religious institutions, businesses, and communities to work together. When warning signs are visible but go unaddressed, we should all pause and ask whether we are paying enough attention to the future we are shaping.

Joseph Nkurunziza Ryarasa

18,968 views • 7 days ago

Congratulations! Some time ago, i shared this video with my daughter and told her, "When you grow up, strive to be like Michelle Umurungi." Your intelligence, humility, and strong team spirit have always stood out. I am confident that, together with the dedicated team at Rwanda Social Security Board, you will help move the institution from good to great. Wishing you every success in your new role as Deputy CEO. May this new chapter bring even greater impact and achievements to the Nation.

Congratulations! Some time ago, i shared this video with my daughter and told her, "When you grow up, strive to be like Michelle Umurungi." Your intelligence, humility, and strong team spirit have always stood out. I am confident that, together with the dedicated team at Rwanda Social Security Board, you will help move the institution from good to great. Wishing you every success in your new role as Deputy CEO. May this new chapter bring even greater impact and achievements to the Nation.

Joseph Nkurunziza Ryarasa

52,499 views • 2 months ago

I am heading out to unwind this year has been tough on my side. I am spending time with young people because we need to stay close to them and understand their realities. I am even using Spiro to experience firsthand why there are so many complaints around motorbikes. That said, let’s enjoy responsibly. Please don’t drink and drive. #FestiveFun #FestiveSeason

I am heading out to unwind this year has been tough on my side. I am spending time with young people because we need to stay close to them and understand their realities. I am even using Spiro to experience firsthand why there are so many complaints around motorbikes. That said, let’s enjoy responsibly. Please don’t drink and drive. #FestiveFun #FestiveSeason

Joseph Nkurunziza Ryarasa

58,074 views • 7 months ago

Have a great day! We need to invest in Mental Health. #MentalHealthMatters

Have a great day! We need to invest in Mental Health. #MentalHealthMatters

Nkurunziza Joseph Ryarasa

43,809 views • 8 months ago

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