Rwanda
In Rwanda, CHDI operates in the Eastern Province, a particularly dry and poor region of the country that is home to more than 1.5 million people.
Fertilizer Purchases
In 2006, CHDI assisted the Government's purchase and distribution of 14,000 tons of fertilizer, the single-largest purchase of fertilizer in Rwandan history at that time. In 2007, CHDI assisted the Government's purchase and distribution of 20,000 tons of fertilizer. By expanding farmers' access to fertilizer at reduced prices, CHDI is helping to significantly increase farmers’ productivity and to establish food security for thousands of families in eastern Rwanda.
Rural Health Care
Families in eastern Rwanda now have access to a local hospital that has been renovated by CHDI and Partners In Health, in collaboration with the Government of Rwanda and other partners. This project has transformed an abandoned facility into a fully-functioning District Hospital that serves 265,000 people and has been designated a Pediatric Center for Excellence in Rwanda. CHDI also is working with the Clinton HIV/AIDS Initiative (CHAI) to support four additional health facilities around Rwinkwavu hospital, serving 425,000 Rwandans.
Coffee Exports
Recognizing significant international demand for high-quality coffee, CHDI has helped thousands of coffee farmers in Rwanda to increase their production by 20% and to sell their coffee at prices 30% higher than in previous years. CHDI also provides technical, marketing, and management assistance to the farmers, and today their new brand of coffee - Rwandan Farmers coffee - is on shelves in supermarkets in the United Kingdom, with all profits returning to Rwanda. CHDI is working to facilitate additional international sales of Rwandan Farmers coffee, and to apply a similar approach to other crops from Rwanda and Malawi.
