SERVE – Rwanda

The situation

Although Rwanda’s economy has experienced fast, sustained growth and social development, it has not led to sufficient productive employment, particularly for the growing youth population. About 78 per cent of Rwandans are below the age of 35.  There exists untapped potential of young women in particular in the agricultural sector in Rwanda. However, there are several challenges that hinder young women’s participation and their contribution to the sector’s growth and economic equality.

One key challenge is that there are poor business practices, techniques, and technology in the agricultural sector, which limits productivity. Many youth and women have limited land, which makes it hard to grow crops in large quantities. As a result, they often end up with crops that don’t provide much income.  Also, the loans available for businesses in Rwanda don’t cater to the needs of small-scale agricultural businesses in rural areas. Few banks offer loans specifically for agriculture, and this is especially challenging for young women in rural areas. Banks require valuable items to be used as collateral, which many young people don’t have, making it difficult for them to get the loans they need to grow their businesses.

Additionally, many young people—especially young women—don’t have access to formal financial services. They rely on informal savings groups or other methods. While digital banking is growing in Rwanda, widespread digital financial inclusion remains untapped. Cultural and social norms further perpetuate gender inequality, limiting young women’s participation in agriculture. Unpaid care work and limited decision-making power prevent women and girls from having a say in household decision-making, including how income and assets are used.

What we are doing

In partnership with

SERVE aims to build a resilient, sustainable, gender equitable and inclusive entrepreneurial environment that increases dignified and fulfilling work opportunities for young people in agricultural value chains across Rwanda. The project harnesses the untapped potential of young women particular in the agricultural sector in Rwanda as a means of income, career, economic equality, and as a driving force for growth in the agriculture sector through:

1. Inclusive and sustainable growth for youth-led agricultural Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs). This will be accomplished by strengthening productivity, access to finance for MSEs, entrepreneurship, and connecting farmers and producers directly with markets in the green beans, chili peppers, tomatoes, and poultry value chains.
2. Creating an enhanced policy and social environment that encourages and enables key stakeholders to foster a more equitable and inclusive agricultural sector. By reducing policy and gender barriers, especially for young women, the project promotes young women’s participation and recognizes their contributions as economic and agricultural actors.

Project targets

• Engage 100,000 young women in particular aged 18 to 35 in or with potential in agricultural businesses and smallholder farming (Micro and Small Enterprises). This includes at least 3% youth living with disabilities and 3% refugee youth.
• Strengthen existing work opportunities for 20,000 young women.
• Generate new work opportunities for 60,000 young women in particular by growing target MSEs.
• In total, directly support dignified and fulfilling employment opportunities for 80,000 people, particularly young women.

Implementing partners