The cob model: aggregating maize on the cob

Despite substantial local maize production in Rwanda, premium agro-processors continue to import maize at a higher cost due to the inability of local supply to meet their demand.

This is largely due to poor post-harvest handling and weak aggregation networks amongst smallholder producers which prevents buyers from accessing the local produce. Rwanda is also particularly susceptible to aflatoxin contamination of grains.

IMSAR supported a Rwandan start-up, Kumwe Karvest, to improve its Cob Model which had been introduced to manage the post-harvest process that smallholder famers are unequipped to handle. It aims to address aflatoxin contamination and improve the quality of maize produced by smallholder farmers.

This brief describes the Cob Model and how IMSAR helped to strengthen and scale it up.

Intervention description

The Cob Model involved aggregating maize on the cob, which was then transported to an industrial facility for professional shelling, cleaning, and drying within 24 hours. This process significantly reduced aflatoxin contamination and ensured higher quality maize.

The intervention included increasing grain handling capacity, mobilising more farmers, improving quality controls and enhancing payment modalities.

The partners, including Kumwe Harvest, demonstrated strong ownership by adopting the Cob Model and showing intent to sustain it beyond project support.