Farmers — Rwanda

Twelve years after the war and genocide of 1994, which claimed the lives of approximately 800,000 individuals, Rwanda continues to stabilize politically and economically. The country’s first legislative and presidential elections were held in 2003. Production of key economic exports such as coffee and tea are rising, and gross domestic product is rebounding after falling precipitously.

Despite progress, poverty remains higher than pre-1994 levels. In a country where more than 90% of the population is tied to the agricultural sector with a high dependency on subsistence farming, introducing profitable cash crops is critical to the continued development of Rwanda’s economy.

Rwanda at a Glance:

Population: 8.3 million
Life expectancy: 39(M), 40(F)
Infant mortality: 118 per 1,000 (live births)
HIV/AIDS prevalence: 5.1%
GNI per capita: $220
Pop living on < $1 per day: 52%
Pop living on < $2 per day: 84%
2005 UN Human Development Index rank: 159 of 177 countries

Sources: World Bank, USAID