The project is based on a corporate model of rice production which utilises a sound mix of global technology and manual labour for crop establishment and management, followed by mechanical harvesting, handling and processing to maximize yield and quality.
ICM was invited by the Government of Rwanda to investigate how it might assist the people of Rwanda to upgrade and expand their domestic rice industry. Following detailed investigations, ICM provided a proposal for a staged investment in long-term, sustainable, and profitable rice production in Rwanda.
The model is based around private equity investment, coupled with philanthropic support, married into partnerships and co-ownership arrangements. It is aimed at producing a positive result for the investor and creating lasting and significant benefits for Rwanda, its people and the vital industry of rice production.
Rice has been grown in Africa for some 3,500 years but was only introduced to Rwanda in the 1950's. Rice is the staple diet for more than half the world's population, and offers numerous advantages to the Rwandan people over the existing staple foods which currently include bananas, sorghum, cassava and maize.