From the Field Growing Nutrition: How Quality Beans Are Transforming School Meals in Rwanda
In Kigali, Rwanda, the SSFI project trains 300 teachers from 150 schools on nutrition, agronomy, and climate resilience. The initiative aims to enhance school meals with quality beans, improving student health and learning.
Since 2002, the Rwandan government, with support from partners like the World Food Program (WFP), has been providing school meals school going children through the national school feeding program. This initiative aims to improve nutrition, combat hunger, and enhance educational outcomes for children across the country. However, despite its success, challenges remain—particularly in ensuring that schools have the knowledge and resources to provide nutritious, sustainable meals.
The Challenge: A Gap in Knowledge and Resources
A recent study by the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT identified a critical gap: schools and neighboring communities lack sufficient knowledge innutrition, high-quality bean varieties, agronomic practices, crop production, and garden management. This knowledge gap limits their ability to provide nutritious meals and sustainably manage school gardens. Evidently many schools experience low yields due to poor soil health, inadequate pest management, and limited adoption of climate-resilient practices. Addressing these challenges is essential to unlocking the full potential of the school feeding program.
Group photo- Head teachers and teachers' training at APAER Rusororo
The Solution: Empowering Educators Through Training
To address these challenges, the Sustainable School Feeding Innovation (SSFI) project organized a series of training sessions for Head Teachers and Teachers (HTs & Ts). Organized in collaboration with Rwanda Ministry of Education (MINEDUC), the City of Kigali, Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Board (RAB), and Heads of Schools Organization (HOSO), focused on three key areas: enhancing nutrition through quality beans, adopting best agronomic practices, and building climate resilience. The objective was to equip educators with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively incorporate quality beans into school meals and garden initiatives. The training brought together 300 participants from 150 schools across Kigali’s three districts: Gasabo, Kicukiro, and Nyarugenge. Each school was represented by a Head Teacher and a Teacher ensuring effective transfer and application of knowledge at the school level.
Mr. Emmanuel Dusingizimana, Executive Secretary of HOSO, underscored the importance of the training, stating: "The nutrition of school children is in our hands. It’s up to us—head teachers and teachers—to ensure that students eat nutritious and healthy foods. This is essential for their brain development, overall health, and educational success."
Mr. Emmanuel Dusingizimana, Executive secretary of HOSO, addressing the Head teachers and teachers during the training
What Was Covered in the Training?
The training curriculum was designed to be both comprehensive and practical, covering key topics essential for improving school nutrition and agricultural sustainability:
- Nutrition through Quality Beans: Participants explored the nutritional benefits of beans and their role in providing a balanced diet for school children.
- Best Agronomic Practices: Educators received training on effective bean production techniques, including proper land preparation, planting methods, and fertilization.
- Pest and Disease Management: The sessions provided strategies for identifying and controlling common bean pests and diseases, helping to minimize crop losses.
- Post-Harvest Management: Participants learned best practices for handling and storing beans to reduce post-harvest losses and maintain quality.
- Climate Resilience: Educators were introduced to climate-smart agricultural practices, such as water conservation and soil health management, to enhance resilience to changing weather conditions.
To enhance engagement and comprehension, the Alliance adopted an interactive training model incorporating Scientific Animations Without Borders (SAWBO). These animated videos provided step-by-step guidance on key agricultural practices, including land preparation, planting, weeding, and post-harvest handling. By simplifying complex concepts, SAWBO animations ensured that participants could easily grasp and apply the techniques in their school gardens.
Learning improved bean production with SAWBO animations
Hands-On Learning: Bean Demonstration Plots
A key component of the training was hands-on learning through bean demonstration plots in school gardens. Participants learned to design and install these plots, covering essential practices such as selecting quality bean varieties, proper row planting, and fertilizer application. Teachers were trained in soil preparation, optimal plant spacing, and organic fertilization to improve yields. They also gained skills in weed control and pest management to maintain healthy crops.
Beyond schools, these plots serve as community learning hubs, where students, teachers, and local farmers can adopt improved bean production techniques. This approach ensures that the training’s impact extends beyond classrooms, fostering sustainable agricultural practices.
The Impact: A Brighter Future for Kigali’s Children
The SSFI project is transforming school nutrition by equipping educators with the knowledge and tools to grow and utilize quality beans. This enables schools to provide nutritious meals that enhance students’ health and learning. Beyond nutrition, the project strengthens the link between agriculture and education, empowering students with practical skills they can apply in their lives and communities. As Mr. Straton Barute shared, "This training has opened my eyes to the potential of school gardens. Not only can we grow food for our students, but we can also practically teach them about sustainable agriculture and the importance of nutrition."
Training HTs &Ts on how to design and set a bean demo plot in school gardens
Conclusion: Cultivating a healthier future
The SSFI project exemplifies the power of collaboration and innovation in transforming education and nutrition. By equipping teachers and students with the skills to grow and utilize quality beans, it is laying the foundation for a healthier, more food-secure future for children in Rwanda. This progress would not be possible without the steadfast support of partners like the Ministry of Education (MINEDUC), the City of Kigali, the Rwanda Agriculture Board (RAB), the Heads of Schools Organization (HOSO), and the Clifford Chance Foundation. Their dedication to sustainable school feeding is driving lasting change. As we celebrate these achievements, we look ahead with optimism—knowing that such efforts will continue to inspire and expand, ensuring every child has the nourishment they need to thrive.
Head Teachers and Teachers attending the training session
