On Tuesday, 3rd March, 2009 the Government of Japan extended to the Government of the Republic of Rwanda a Grant assistance amounting to 300 million Japanese yen (approximately 1.5 billion Rwf) for the Food Security Project for Underprivileged Farmers.

The Exchange of Notes was signed on March 3, 2009 between Hon.Rosemary MUSEMINALI, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of the Republic of Rwanda and H.E Mr. Shigeo IWATANI, Ambassador of Japan accredited to Rwanda.

The Food Security Project for Underprivileged Farmers aims at supporting the farmers affected by the shortage of fertilizer and assisting the Government of Rwanda to achieve EDPRS which establishes many agricultural targets.

The Project is implemented along with the Japanese commitments made at the Fourth Tokyo International Conference for African Development (TICAD IV) held in Yokohama, Japan last May. The main areas of “Yokohama Action Plan” announced at the TICAD IV in order to assist African economic growth and development include areas of Agriculture.

It is the hope of both the Government and the people of Japan and the Government of the Republic of Rwanda that this Grant assistance of Japan will be utilized efficiently and effectively.