Network for the Valorization of Plant Materials (VPMA)

Principal investigators: 
Dr. Ntezurubanza Léopold: Institut de recherche scientifique et technologique-CURPHAMETRA (Rwanda)
Prof. Guy Collin: Université du Québec à Chicoutimi, Chicoutimi, (Canada)
E-mail: [email protected]

For the past eight years, International Development Research Centre has funded an Essences végétales (Rwanda) Project at the Institut de recherche scientifique et technologique of Rwanda, whose aim was to enable researchers and the public concerned to initiate the production of essential oils in Rwanda, and in general, to set up appropriate conditions for the development of small scale industry for the valorization of local raw plant materials. A subsequent phase aimed at producing and commercializing some of the interesting essential oils was in process when the genocide broke out Rwanda in April 1994. A lot of emphasis was put on the valorization of local plant materials by interested public institutions and organisations, and activities in this area should be considered in the reconstruction plans of the country. The project will enable the preservation of scientific and technological knowledge and skills acquired during the first phase and the reconstitution of research teams and network contacts established during this phase, in order to facilitate, rapid resetting up of activities in this area within the national reconstruction framework.