E&E Green Farms is a new woman-owned seeds company engaged in seed production, distribution, marketing, and export. The company is registered under the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) and licensed by the Rwanda Inspectorate Competition and Consumer Protection Authority (RICA). They operate two farms located in Gatsibo District (about 65km from Kigali) and Nyagatare District (120km from Kigali).
As a seed producer, they specialize in the production of hybrid maize seeds, soybean, and biofortified seeds such as “High Iron Beans,” which are sold to both local markets (Farmers, Agro-dealers, NGOs, and farmer cooperatives) and export markets (Tanzania and other African countries).
As a youth-development-focused company, E&E Green Farms collaborates with various partners, including the Rwanda Ministry of Agriculture, Rwanda Agriculture Board, National Agriculture Export Board, Clinton Development Initiative, CIAT, Western Seeds, African Improved Food, and Agro-processing Industry.
The SMART Challenge:
E&E Green Farms has in-house product development expertise but lacks marketing skills needed to grow their business. The founder’s husband and technical advisor is a seasoned agronomist who has worked on various international agriculture development projects funded by USAID. The founder is experienced in relationship-building and customer engagement.
There is a need for a strategy to increase youth and women’s participation in seed production and fruit tree grafting activities. Recognizing the potential of social media, the company seeks assistance in developing a website and a robust social media marketing plan.
Marketing Campaign Goals:
- Create company awareness and develop a business profile to inform the website and social media strategies.
- Promote job creation opportunities by engaging the youth and promoting entrepreneurship in agriculture.
Required Team Skills:
- Background in Agricultural Development, International Development, Applied Economics, Marketing, Communication, or Arts.
- Strong research, data analysis, writing, and communication skills.
- Strong time management and teamwork abilities, with cultural humility, resilience, and flexibility.
- Knowledge of website development, social media tracking, and communication measurement strategies is a plus.
Fieldwork Dates: January 12 – 20, 2023
Field Location: Gatisibo & Nyagatare, Rwanda
Faculty & Project Lead
- Martina Occelli | Postdoctoral Associate, Agricultural Economics & Global Development, College of Agriculture & Life Sciences
- Fridah Mubichi-Kut | Professor of Practice, Applied Economics and Policy, Dyson School of Applied Economics & Management
- Ed Mabaya | Research Professor & Director, Humphrey Fellowship Program, Department of Global Development