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Agricultural green research and innovation park initiative(AGRIPI)

Musanze district, Busogo sector

Overview

The Agricultural Green Research and Innovation Park Initiative (AGRIPI) is a research and innovation center, the first-of-its-kind in Rwanda, launched by AGRIRESEARCH UNGUKA Ltd to advance regenerative agriculture and eco-friendly post-harvest technologies through evidence-based research, technology innovation, and capacity building for farmers. AGRIPI has three primary programs: Research and Development, Farmer Training and Education, and Green Agribusiness Incubation Program.

With a strong focus on climate-smart solutions and enhancing food security, AGRIPI serves as a “living laboratory and a national food basket hub” where researchers, farmers, and innovators collaborate to develop and scale sustainable agricultural practices that align with Rwanda’s national strategy.

AGRIPI: Born from a Challenge, Driven by Innovation

AGRIPI was born from a deep understanding of Rwanda's agricultural sector's challenges – low productivity, high post-harvest losses, and climate change vulnerability. Driven by AGRIRESEARCH UNGUKA Ltd's vision of being the leading youth-led agricultural innovation hub in Africa, AGRIPI is committed to empowering farmers to be healthy and wealthy.

AGRIPI's dedication to tackling these challenges is fueled by AGRIRESEARCH UNGUKA Ltd's continuous recognition as a leader in youth-driven research and extension services. Back-to-back awards for best research and youth exhibitor at the prestigious Rwanda National Agriculture Show in 2022 and 2023 stand as a testament to their innovative, nature-based solutions. AGRIPI continues this legacy by developing locally adapted, climate-smart technologies that empower young minds and create sustainable solutions to improve the lives of farmers across the continent.

A Collaborative Effort for a Sustainable Future

AGRIPI's core lies in collaboration. It brings together researchers, farmers, academia, and entrepreneurs through a powerful public-private partnership as it is hosted at University of Rwanda, College of Agriculture, Animal Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Providing essential facilities, expertise, and academic collaboration. This unique approach envisions being a leading regional center for research, innovation, and entrepreneurship in regenerative agriculture, contributing to food security, environmental health, and farmer prosperity in Rwanda and beyond.

The initiative boasts a farmer training and education program, empowering Rwandan farmers with the knowledge and skills they need to thrive. Additionally, AGRIPI features a business incubator specifically designed to nurture youth-led green agribusinesses. With ambitious goals to train 1,000 farmers, incubate 5-10 green businesses, and empower over 1,000 farmers to connect with green value chains within its first year, AGRIPI is poised to make a significant impact.

Empowering Farmers, Cultivating a Greener Future

At AGRIPI, we are passionate about empowering farmers and nurturing a sustainable agricultural future. We achieve this through a multi-pronged approach, focusing on Research and Development, Farmer education and training, and green business support, AGRIPI empowers farmers and equips them with the tools they need to succeed.

Program Objectives

AGRIPI is a green innovation powerhouse with three core activities:

1.     Research and Development: Uncovering new green solutions and advancements in agriculture.

2.     Farmer Training and Education: Empowering farmers with the Climate-Smart knowledge and skills they need to succeed.

3.     Science-Based Green Agribusiness Incubation Program: Nurturing the next generation of Green-agribusiness entrepreneurs.

Timeline & Milestones

Target Timeline

20 June 2024 — First Cohort
In partnership with AEE, AGRIPI launched its Science-Based Green Agribusiness Incubation Program, selecting 7 young innovators with sustainable agribusiness ideas.

13 March 2026 — Second Cohort
In partnership with ROPAAS, AGRA and AFAAS, AGRIPI launched its second incubation cohort, supporting 20 young entrepreneurs as emerging sustainable last-mile agricultural service providers.


Key Accomplishments


  • 2022 & 2024: Best Research Exhibitor at National Rwanda Agriculture Show
  • 2023: Best Youth Exhibitor at National Rwanda Agriculture Show
  • 2025: Top Partner in EU Horticulture Project

Each award represents not just individual achievement, but our collective commitment to excellence in agricultural research, innovation, and implementation.

Progress Updates

1. Seed Production Project — Gicumbi District, Kaniga Sector

  • Scale: 15 hectares under cultivation, focused on Irish potatoes, beans, and wheat.
  • Farmer reach (previous season): 500 farmers accessed certified Irish potato seed to plant on their own farms — directly expanding local seed availability and quality.
  • Capacity building: 5,000+ farmers trained in conservation agriculture and good agricultural practices (GAP), building a broader base of climate-resilient farming skills across the district.

2. Zero Energy Cooling Chamber (ZECC) — Nyabuyogera Irrigation Scheme, Gisagara District

In partnership with the Rwanda Rural Rehabilitation Initiative (RWARRI), under the Joint Programme on Rural Women's Economic Empowerment (JP-RWEE)

  • Status: Fully designed, constructed, tested, commissioned, and handed over.
  • Specs: 2m × 4m charcoal-based chamber; 3–5 tons storage capacity; maintains internal temperatures 10–15°C below ambient using pure evaporative cooling — no electricity, refrigerants, or moving parts.
  • Impact: Directly benefited 255 farmers across two cooperatives (Inkingiziterambere and Tuzamurane Shyanda), who were trained in proper chamber handling and management, strengthening post-harvest practices and economic resilience.

3. Zero Energy Cooling Chamber (ZECC) — Nyakiliba Sector, Rubavu District

In partnership with Kilimo Trust, under the Good Food for Cities (GFC) project

  • Status: Installed and operational.
  • Beneficiary: KOTIBANYA Cooperative — 185 members, 90% women — a fresh vegetable-growing and -selling cooperative.
  • Impact: Reduces postharvest losses on fresh produce, supporting higher household income; offers an eco-friendly alternative to conventional cooling (no HCFCs, CFCs, or HFCs), and a low-cost, low-maintenance solution compared to vapor-compression systems.

Funding & Partners