About IKIREZI
Ikirezi was founded in September, 2005 with the vision of addressing poverty in rural Rwanda, a small country, with a population of approximately 12-13 million in east-central Africa. Ikirezi describes its work and mission as “a community-interest business with the vision to be a leading producer of high quality essential oils and other natural plant products that maximizes profits to small farmers, holistically transforms communities and strengthens agri-business in Rwanda.” Their essential oils include: Eucalyptus, Geranium, Lemongrass and Patchouli with three different production sites in Rwanda (see map below—excluding Ruhango).
When Ikirezi first started, they were exporting 85% of their products. With time, they realized there was great demand for essential oils in Rwanda and Africa in general. Now, they are very interested in expanding their local and regional markets. For this SMART Project, the focus would be on market analysis for the local Rwandan market.
Learn more about Ikirezi
When Ikirezi first started, they were exporting 85% of their products. With time, they realized there was great demand for essential oils in Rwanda and Africa in general. Now, they are very interested in expanding their local and regional markets. For this SMART Project, the focus would be on market analysis for the local Rwandan market.
Learn more about Ikirezi
About SMART
The Student Multidisciplinary Applied Research Teams (SMART) Program is a unique service learning program of the Cornell International Institute for Food, Agriculture and Development (CIIFAD). SMART brings together teams of graduate and undergraduate students, faculty, and staff from across the entire university and pairs them with entrepreneurs, small companies, nonprofit organizations, and community groups located in emerging markets and economically disadvantaged communities. SMART teams of 3- 10 students work on well-defined assignments identified by their international partner and are challenged to apply classroom knowledge and skills in real-world international development settings.
Learn more about the SMART program
Learn more about the SMART program