For over a 10 , mathematical product developer , François Nsenga of Ninaf Ltd , has been on a charge to establish a unequalled floral recession that will direct Rwanda on the global floriculture mathematical function . His work focuses on harnessing the potential of indigenous flora , turn them into sustainable products for both local and external markets . In a recentprogress / update report , Mr. Nsenga outlined his ongoing effort to uprise Rwanda ’s floriculture sector . His approach blends practical experiment — such as cultivate fresh flower varieties , experimenting with crucial oil extraction , and promote the use of flowers for local medallion and for innovational other utilization — with the cultural challenge of integrating flowers into Ruandan lifespan . The report reflects a personal geographic expedition , detail the hurdles , successes , and next ambitions in creating a thriving floriculture industry in Rwanda .
François Nsenga
How it all startedNsenga ’s journey began in 2013 when he meet wild Zantedeschia aethiopica thriving in Kigali ’s marsh . " I had been away from Rwanda since 1970 . And in Montréal , Canada , where I had settle in 1972 , I had unfold a Product Development shop that I ran for around 15 years , experimenting with develop dissimilar product out of Phragmites australis ( water vibrating reed ) halt . This species grows mainly in marshlands . But along the St. Lawrence riverbanks in Canada , I had never interpret Zantedeschia around . And here in Rwanda , I was surprised not to see Phragmites in the fenland along the Nile River tributaries , where abundant Zantedeschia , Papyrus , and Typha rise So , I commence exploring what else could be done with these ubiquitous Zantedeschia , in increase to their natural capacity in purifying marked-up piss from surrounding Alfred Hawthorne . "
paper rush
So , inspired by their untapped potential drop , he envisioned transform these blooms into products for both local consumption and export . In 2014 , with support from the Rwanda National Agricultural Export Board ( NAEB ) , Nsenga facilitated the country ’s first - ever prime shipment to the Netherlands , via Brussels . He managed to gather almost a ton of stems , as a trial ready to be shipped to Aalsmeer Flower Auction , in the Netherlands . In this shipment , he also include papyrus , a plant that also grow hazardous and abundant in the Nile Valley . So , half of the shipment was made of wild white Zantedeschia , from surround marshlands ; the other half was made of fresh young head of wild Papyrus , prune from one of the closest pond . Although logistical challenges rendered the initial tribulation unsuccessful , as the blossom had to be thrown away , it proved that export of flower and plants from the land - operate Rwanda was potential .
Zantedeschia
Even though the initial trial flush it , Mr. Nsenga remain convinced that there is a likely market place for these ware . " Here in Rwanda , and in sub - Saharan Africa in general , we do n’t have a custom of using flower . Our ancestors mostly used plants leave as green veg , sometimes as medicine together with bow and root . But not flowers . So , why not explore this market too ? Export will follow once the Charles Frederick Worth of products and services will have been fully evidence in exercise , here at home . " He therefore started explore how he could meliorate the quality of the local wild Zantedeschia from the surrounding fenland .
Valorization projectsSo , Mr. Nsenga set forth different valorization projects . The first was to attempt develop multicolored Zantedeschia . ' I ’m neither a agriculturalist nor a floricultural expert , but a Cartesian product developer . So , I do not have expertness in grow heyday , but I have brainwave in what new production to introduce to a corresponding market . " So , he start experiment with rude pigmentation , avoiding synthetic sprays , using mineral pigment draw through the stem alternatively . He also import colorful Zantedeschia bulbs varieties , first from New Zealand , and later on from The Netherlands . He successfully cultivated them in Rwanda , both in potentiometer and in open fields . Trials , supported by NAEB , confirmed the flowers ' adaptability to Rwandan condition . Nsenga advocated for local use , first , alongside eventual possible exports ; propose initiatives to encourage Rwandans to apprise and use flowers for events and decor . drive include distributing flowers to trafficker in Kigali and proposing a central flower securities industry , though the latter was not sustained . He also project present a Rwandan - specific flower ornament style pep up by Japanese Ikebana and hoped to install a floral design school in Kigali , though partnerships yet to materialize .
Still , also for both the domestic and export stage business , he think and experimented that in Rwanda , a market niche of dehydrated flowers and plants could be developed , for internal ribbon both at home and in work spaces . He also did some trial which he exemplify in hisreport .
He keeps acquire a local flower ornamental product line , like these Tuberose florescence below that he also colored in different hues by soaking them into pigmented watering , out of this and few other local species . moreover , he also guess that indispensable oils could be extracted , to finally supply various start - ups in various manufacturing industry , both in Rwanda and afield .
Further , Nsenga explore the culinary uses of flowers like some Tagetes species , which contain bioactive compounds that are beneficial for human and animal health . By cultivating these flowers for consumption , he highlighted their electric potential as both a natural dietary supplement and a vendable advanced intersection .
And last but not least , he is aiming to integrate floriculture into Rwanda ’s booming touristry offerings . Beside volcanous mountain gorillas and other exotic tropical wildlife across the " Thousand Hills " , Nsenga propose another project , URUGO Lodge . This is presently being project as a resting land site at the end or beginning of a planned indigenous ' Flower Road ' . Both Rwandans and visitors , exclusively those of 60 year old and above , could grow and devour local edible flower . Passionate and dedicated business partners are welcome .
ConclusionAfter a decade of exploration and experimentation in Rwanda ’s floriculture sector , Mr. Nsenga concludes that while Western bloom decoration will remain a personal preference , Rwanda should arise its unparalleled uses for flowers , with indigenous flower varieties . " These could be used for decoration , landscaping , culinary diligence , cosmetic , therapeutic purposes , and many other potential uses . export these topically developed flowered product , like edible blossom , can help Rwanda join these emerge global niche securities industry . "
" However , this vision requires a cultural shift , particularly among the youth , to move away from unrealistic breathing in of instant wealth , and rather focus on sustainable growth through love , talent , and carefully contrive undertaking . "
Click here to show the utter report and see all the motion-picture show .
For more informationNinaf Ltd. François NsengaEmail:[email protected]www.ninafconsult.rw
© FloralDaily.com/Elita Vellekoop
