TOFU

I have discovered tofu in Rwanda! Well more importantly we were finally allowed to get into the community and work (on a very small scale). We were conducting a PACA activity – essentially assessing an organization in the community and giving them a small presentation. Today was just the assessment. To my surprise I assigned a cooperative in the area that processes tofu and soy milk. They were started back in 1997. Seven female farmers decided to start making tofu. There’s some great entrepreneurship! They have a partnership with three farming cooperative that harvest soy beans. They take the soy beans and process tofu and soy milk out of it. They sell to various markets as well as three cooperatives of individuals living with HIV/AIDS. They also teach these individuals how to make their own tofu so that they can sustain themselves. Tofu is less expensive than meat, plus more nutritious. Their main goal is better marketing that includes nutrition education. On a selfish note, I was excited to discover the store in my town that sells the tofu. I am also hoping that the cooperatives I work with at my job will be this organized, successful and interesting.