Agriculture and food production experts have called for stronger support for smallholder farmers, who contribute more than 80 percent of Rwanda’s food supply. They say empowering these farmers is vital to achieving national food security, promoting sustainable agriculture, and boosting economic growth.
The call was made on Tuesday, November 11, during a panel discussion on strengthening agriculture for economic development and self-sufficiency in food production. The meeting brought together farmers, processors, manufacturers, government representatives, and members of the Africa Food Fellowship to discuss collaborative approaches to improve Rwanda’s agricultural systems.
Participants emphasized the need for farmers to adopt coordinated land-use practices to enhance productivity and sustainability.
Richard Makuza, one of the participants, highlighted the importance of collaboration in addressing agricultural challenges.
“We need to discuss and share ideas openly to identify and solve existing problems in agriculture,” he said. “Farmers should be supported so they can access what they need. They produce about 80 percent of the food consumed in Rwanda, their work protects the environment, and they provide employment opportunities for many people in rural areas.”
Justine Umutoni, a researcher with the International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT), stressed the critical role of smallholder farmers in Rwanda’s economic system and urged greater investment in their capacity.
“When we look at the structure of agriculture, there’s a need to harmonize land use and modernize farming methods,” she said. “Some farmers are still attached to traditional practices, which slows progress. Working together and integrating ideas can help small farmers improve productivity and sustainability.”
She added that proper land management is key to maintaining soil fertility and achieving high-quality crop yields.
Anisie Ishimwe, Director of the Africa Food Fellowship, explained that the initiative seeks to connect all stakeholders in the food value chain to find practical solutions for advancing Rwanda’s agricultural sector.
“We want to create a platform where everyone in the food system can collaborate and understand how to work together,” she said. “Too often, actors operate in isolation, processors work separately from nutrition experts or policymakers, yet the challenges we face require collective solutions.”
She cited persistent challenges in Rwanda’s agricultural and food systems, including child malnutrition, climate change, and post-harvest losses, emphasizing the need for stronger public-private partnerships to address them effectively.
Former State Minister in the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources (MINAGRI), Eric Rwigamba, also underscored the importance of collaboration across the agricultural value chain.
“Discussions like these are essential to increase agricultural productivity,” he said. “We must continue working together to provide smallholder farmers with the necessary tools and resources. Land-use consolidation should go hand in hand with cross-sector cooperation.”
According to the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda (NISR), agriculture contributed 32 percent to Rwanda’s GDP in 2024, up from 25 percent in 2023, marking a 7 percent increase. The report also indicates that food crop production rose by 8 percent, with maize yields increasing by 30 percent and beans by 18 percent, demonstrating the sector’s growing impact on the national economy.
