Faculty: Land and Food Systems
Program: Master of Food and Resource Economics
Year: 2017
Country: Rwanda
Olivier comes from a small family farm in the Gatsibo district in Rwanda. Olivier has always been passionate about community development and making positive changes in his society. During his studies at university, Olivier co-founded the National University of Rwanda Agribusiness Association (NURAAS) and as President, created the “After University Program” linking students of agriculture with organizations and government institutions for internships opportunities and career development. In 2013, through joining the Rwanda Organization for Agribusiness Promotion (ROAP), Olivier mentored 25 agricultural cooperatives on farmer entrepreneurship, effective farming practices, and environmental education. In 2015, Olivier came to the realization that rural areas were filled with untapped opportunities and as a result, equipped youth with the tools to help them unlock their opportunities.
Olivier is excited about the opportunity to come to UBC to get a chance to interact with students from diverse professional and cultural backgrounds. He has experienced firsthand that effort does not always equal return in subsistence farming. Olivier plans to pursue a degree in Master of Food Resource Economics in order to establish an entrepreneurship hub in Rwanda where he will empower and equip local and youth entrepreneurs with business skills and link them to potential investors and financial institutions.