PFID/NP and ASNAPP Accomplishments 2007

Ikirezi and the Growth of Rwandan Essential Oils

(Above) Ikirezi weekly farmers group meeting

Ikirezi Natural Products, a long time ASNAPP-Rwanda partner, is a community-interest business that partners with small associations/cooperatives of farmers in Rwanda to produce high quality geranium oil for local and international markets. Ikirezi is working to become a leading supplier of essential oils and other natural plant products that maximizes profits to small farmers, holistically transforms communities, and strengthens agribusiness in Rwanda.

Benefiting from the country’s excellent growing conditions, Ikirezi mobilizes and trains farmers to grow healthy geranium plants in Rwanda’s central and northern highlands. Ikirezi then purchases the harvested plant materials, distills the essential oil, and markets the finished product. Ikirezi primarily works with widows and orphans in a holistic effort to restore their dignity, improve their livelihoods, and rebuild their communities.

Over this last year, essential oil buyers in the UK have experessed interest and commited to support and purchase the essential oils produced by Ikirezi Natural Products. The interest in the purchase is largerly due to the organic production and the commitment of Ikirezi Natural Product Company to support and provide economic value-added opportunities to the grower associations whose membership in Rwanda is comprised largely of widows and orphans. This represents a significant addition to the private sector companies now working with Ikirezi and provides a greater safety net and market options for expanded production.