On 27th August 2024, RP-Karongi College hosted a roundtable discussion for the Agri-Tourism Service Training Innovation Centre (STIC). This event brought together research institutions, agri-tourism stakeholders, and value chain support organizations to collaboratively develop essential components of the agri-tourism value chain and its sustainability plan.

This initiative is a result of the collaboration between Rwanda Polytechnic and Maastricht School of Management (MSM), aimed at strengthening agricultural value chain development through enhanced vocational and professional education and training in agriculture.

The discussion focused on identifying key actors in the agri-tourism value chain, recognizing the challenges currently faced by this sector in Rwanda, and prioritizing intervention areas to address these challenges. Participants defined and shared the roles of various stakeholders in order to create a dynamic and sustainable agri-tourism industry.

Rwanda Polytechnic and Maastricht School of Management (MSM) continue to strengthen the STIC concept and will follow up on enhancing capacity in market-led value chain approaches through collaboration between academia and the private sector.

To date, five STICs have been established nationwide in the horticulture, poultry, dairy, agri-tourism, and potato sectors.

The principal of RP Karongi College delivered opening remarks in STIC Round Table Discussion