Bean farmers across Rwanda are increasingly turning to weather and climate information to guide key agricultural decisions, helping them adapt to unpredictable rainfall and shifting growing seasons.
With support from the Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB) and Meteo Rwanda, working alongside partners such as the International Center for Tropical Agriculture, farmers are being trained under approaches like PICSA (Participatory Integrated Climate Services for Agriculture). These programs help farmers decide when to plant, which bean varieties to choose, and how best to prepare their fields ahead of changing weather patterns.
In Kicukiro District, farmer Nzeyimana Alexis says climate information has significantly improved their planting strategies.
“Using weather information has transformed how my fellow farmers and I farm,” he said. “We have avoided losses and improved productivity by planting at the right time.”
In Bugesera District, farmer Jean Pierre Hategekimana reported a major jump in productivity after adopting climate-based farming practices.
“My yield increased from 200 kg per hectare to 500 kg once I started using climate forecasts and early rainfall warnings,” he explained.
Rwanda’s agricultural experts say results like these are becoming more common as climate services expand into farming communities. According to national surveys, bean farmers who regularly use seasonal forecasts and advisory messages are better able to manage risks such as delayed rains and prolonged dry spells.
However, access to accurate information remains a challenge. A 2025 survey found that a significant number of farmers, especially women, still lack awareness of available climate services. Many also say that existing forecasts are not specific enough for decision-making at the village level, leaving crops vulnerable to sudden weather changes.
In several rural areas, farmers continue to report setbacks caused by late rains, drought, and unexpected downpours, which can lead to reduced yields and food insecurity.
Experts emphasize that extending climate services to more communities will be essential for national agricultural resilience. While progress has been made, stakeholders note that continued training, improved data access, and localized forecasts are key to ensuring every bean farmer benefits from climate-smart farming.
