History of the CEFAD-RWANDA’s Founder

Mr. Christophe NTEZIRYAYO is the founder of the Community Engagement for Food and Agriculture Development in Rwanda (CEFAD-RWANDA), a Community Benefit Company (CBC) with a mission to fight hunger, ensure food security, protect the environment, and promote sustainable agriculture.

The idea of CEFAD-RWANDA emerged during his tenure at the Ministry of Local Government in Rwanda, where he served as a Food and Nutrition Specialist from 2017 to 2021. His role allowed him to develop expertise in policy-making and implementing food security and nutrition programs.

Mr. NTEZIRAYO played a crucial role in designing and monitoring programs such as DPEMs, School Feeding, One Cup of Milk per Child, Nutrition Sensitive Direct Support (NSDS), and One Cow per Family (GIRINKA), aimed at improving nutrition and agricultural productivity.

In 2020, he pursued a Master’s degree in Agriculture with a focus on Food Security and Agriculture Development at Kyungpook National University in South Korea. His research focused on plant pathological diseases affecting fruit and vegetable crops.

Driven by his passion for community participation and sustainable development, he founded CEFAD-RWANDA to empower smallholder farmers, women, and youth cooperatives, fostering long-term agricultural and environmental solutions.