YEAR 1

Course Description
This course introduces learners to the principles and practices of Agribusiness Management and Cooperative Management with a strong Rwanda-focused context. It equips students with managerial, financial, organizational, and policy-oriented skills required to effectively manage agribusiness enterprises and cooperative organizations in Rwanda’s socio-economic environment. Emphasis is placed on agribusiness value chains, cooperative principles (Rochdale principles), governance, financing, and the role of cooperatives in national development in line with Rwanda’s agricultural transformation and cooperative policies.
Course Summary
The course is organized into two units delivered through intensive weekend sessions. Unit 1 (Agribusiness Management) focuses on the planning, organization, marketing, financing, risk management, and sustainability of agribusiness enterprises, with examples drawn from Rwanda’s agricultural sector and value chains. Unit 2 (Cooperative Management) examines the origins and principles of cooperatives, types and organizational structures, cooperative business operations, financing and control, and the legal and policy framework governing cooperatives in Rwanda. Special attention is given to the contribution of cooperatives—particularly agricultural cooperatives and SACCOs—to rural development, financial inclusion, poverty reduction, and social cohesion in Rwanda. The course also addresses contemporary challenges facing cooperatives and agribusinesses, as well as cross-cutting issues such as youth and gender inclusion, persons with disabilities (PWDs), HIV/AIDS awareness, and sustainable environmental management. Through lectures, case studies, group work, and assessments, learners acquire practical competencies applicable to real-world agribusiness and cooperative settings in Rwanda.