Vision Media

Rwanda's season A harvest rises slightly as food prices remain high

Mugisha R. John — 2026-04-15T16:32:24Z

Rwanda recorded slight increases in the production of major food crops during the 2026 Season A harvest, according to a report released on Wednesday, by the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda (NISR).

The report shows potato production rose by 3.3% to 491,564 tons, while sweet potatoes increased by 3% to 675,768 tons. Banana production grew by 4.1%, exceeding 1.3 million tons.

Season A is the country's main agricultural season, producing about 70% of Rwanda's total food supply.

More than 1 million hectares were cultivated with seasonal crops, while 501,000 hectares were planted with long-cycle crops.

Maize was grown on 245,405 hectares, beans on 327,907 hectares and potatoes on 55,310 hectares. Sweet potatoes covered 96,217 hectares, cassava 236,357 hectares and bananas 267,676 hectares.

Maize production rose by 1.5% to 488,622 tons compared with Season A of 2025, while beans increased by 0.5% to 229,396 tons. Rice production reached 71,080 tons, up 2%.

Key staple crops on local markets, including potatoes and sweet potatoes, recorded steady gains, alongside bananas, which also posted an increase compared with the same period last year.

However, the increase in production comes amid rising prices. NISR reported that consumer prices increased by 9.2% in March 2026 compared with March 2025.

Food and nonalcoholic beverage prices rose by 4.1%, while prices for alcoholic beverages and tobacco increased by 17.8%. Housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels rose by 14.6%.

The report also highlights increased use of irrigation, especially among large-scale farmers. Overall, 14.4% of farmers used irrigation, including 12.6% of smallholder farmers and 60.3% of large-scale farmers.

Among those using irrigation, 66.4% adopted modern irrigation methods.

Use of agricultural inputs also remained notable, with 37% of farmers using improved seeds. Organic fertilizers were used by 90.2% of farmers, mineral fertilizers by 67.2% and pesticides by 46.9%.

Rwanda to host 20th Africa Food Systems Forum amid push for agricultural investment

Administrator — 2026-04-03T08:18:48Z

Rwanda will host the 20th edition of the Africa Food Systems Forum from Sept. 1 to 5, organizers announced Wednesday, marking two decades of efforts to transform agriculture and food systems across Africa.

The milestone event comes at a critical time, as countries begin a new decade under the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme and step up efforts to mobilize large-scale investment through initiatives such as the New African Financial Architecture.

This year's forum will be held under the theme “Investing in Agri-Food Systems: Growing Jobs, Nourishing Nations, Building Resilience,” with a focus on turning commitments into measurable results through increased investment, stronger partnerships and clearer accountability.

Over the past 20 years, the forum has brought together participants from more than 100 countries, hosted over 3,000 sessions and showcased investment opportunities worth more than $200 billion from governments and small and medium-sized enterprises.

More than 4,500 participants — including heads of state, ministers, business leaders, investors, development partners and innovators — are expected in Kigali for what is widely seen as a leading global platform on African agriculture and food systems.

Agriculture Minister Telesphore Ndabamenye said the theme reflects mounting pressure on African economies, pointing to declining development assistance, volatile commodity prices and rising debt levels.

“Africa cannot afford to continue treating investment in food systems as an afterthought,” he said, calling for it to become a central priority.

Since its inception, the forum has grown from an investment-focused conference into a broader platform shaping policy, partnerships and financing for food systems transformation.

Amath Pathe Sene, managing director of the forum, said the 20th edition marks both progress and a need for faster action.

“The scale of the challenge now requires a step change in how we act,” he said. “What is needed is better alignment between policy and investment, stronger collaboration across sectors and a shift from commitments to implementation at scale.”

Rwanda's selection as host reflects its expanding role in agricultural reform, with officials citing sustained policy efforts and innovation that have helped improve productivity and resilience while encouraging private-sector involvement.

Hailemariam Desalegn, board chair of AFSF Partners and a former Ethiopian prime minister, said the next phase will depend less on new ideas and more on follow-through.

“We have the frameworks and the knowledge,” he said. “What is required now is consistent implementation, stronger investment environments and deliberate efforts to attract both public and private capital.”

Also speaking at the launch, Alice Ruhweza, president of the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa, said the Kigali meeting must focus on delivery.

“We need clear plans, practical pathways and a readiness to deliver measurable results,” she said, adding that partners would work to ensure commitments made at the forum are tracked and implemented.

The event will include high-level plenaries, ministerial dialogues, investment deal rooms and innovation platforms. It will also create space for youth-led businesses and agri-food small and medium-sized enterprises to engage directly with investors and partners.

As Africa faces rising food demand, climate pressures and rapid population growth, the outcomes of the Kigali meeting are likely to shape how governments and investors respond to the continent's food system challenges in the coming years.

Rwanda Builds Drying Facilities to Cut Post-Harvest Losses of Onions and Chili Peppers

Administrator — 2026-02-20T07:44:05Z

Rwanda's National Agricultural Export Development Board said it is constructing five drying facilities to reduce post-harvest losses of onions and chili peppers, crops that frequently spoil before reaching markets.

The agency, known as NAEB, said the new infrastructure is part of a broader strategy to improve food preservation and strengthen agricultural value chains.

Farmers have long complained of heavy losses when bumper harvests outpace demand. In some seasons, onions rot in fields or homes after harvest because of limited storage and weak market access. Chili pepper growers face similar challenges when processors fail to absorb large volumes or when there are no rapid drying options.

Currently, about 15.4% of harvested onions spoil after harvest, while losses for chili peppers stand at 17.2%, mainly due to insufficient drying capacity, NAEB said.

Jerome Iradukunda, who grows onions and other vegetables through his company, LA FOI BENIE Ltd, said unpredictable markets remain a major obstacle.

“You can go to the market and fail to find a buyer,” he said, describing price swings that range from as low as 50 Rwandan francs (about 4 cents) per kilogram to as high as 1,000 francs, depending on supply and demand. “It's like gambling.”

NAEB said one national-level drying facility is under construction at its headquarters in Kigali, while four others are being built in the districts of Rubavu, Rulindo, Bugesera and Nyagatare. Together, the plants will be able to dry 199 tons of onions and chili peppers within 48 hours.

Construction began in December 2024. Once operational in 2026, the facilities are expected to cut post-harvest losses by half — reducing onion losses to 7.7% and chili pepper losses to 8.7%.

The project is estimated to cost more than 4.8 billion Rwandan francs ($3.8 million) and will be managed by farmers' cooperatives.

Iradukunda, who cultivates one hectare and harvests between 8 and 12 tons per season, said dried onions can be stored for up to six months, allowing farmers to wait for better prices.

From 2020 to 2025, Rwanda earned more than 26 billion francs from onion exports and over 42 billion francs from chili peppers, according to NAEB data.

Rwanda Tests New Potato Variety Resistant to Late Blight

Mugisha R. John — 2026-02-10T17:24:14Z

Farmers who grow potatoes often spray fungicides at least twice a week to control late blight, a disease caused by the fungus Phytophthora infestans. The disease, known locally as “indwara y'imvura,” can devastate crops and reduce yields.

Researchers are testing new potato seeds that are resistant to late blight, and early results are promising, according to Dr. Patrick Karangwa, director general in charge of modernizing agriculture at the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources.

“Research on potato seeds resistant to late blight is advanced,” Karangwa said. “This means that the seeds will not need fungicides to fight the disease.”

He said recent trials showed the new variety produced 34 to 36 tons per hectare without chemical treatment. In comparison, conventional potato seeds yielded 2 to 3 tons per hectare under the same conditions, he said. The trials were conducted in neighboring fields with similar soil and climate.

Karangwa said farmers have visited trial sites and asked why the seeds are not already available. He said the research must be completed in multiple regions and seasons to confirm the results.

“We need to know if these seeds perform well in the south, the north and other areas,” he said. “We must also evaluate different growing seasons. Only then will the seeds be released with confidence.”

Currently, potato seeds grown across Rwanda yield 8 to 9 tons per hectare. If the new variety is released, it could triple production.

Dr. Athanase Nduwumuremyi, a researcher at the Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Board, said the seed will be distributed through the existing system once research is complete. He said it will be sold at the same price as regular seeds and will mature in the same time frame.

“Farmers who plant these seeds will benefit greatly because they will invest less and harvest more,” Nduwumuremyi said.

On Feb. 6, 2026, a harvest event in Musanze District showcased trials of the Victoria and Kungahara varieties, which produced 35 tons per hectare without fungicide. The varieties were also tested in Rubavu, Nyamagabe and Burera districts, where they showed high yields.

Rwanda faces challenges in using agricultural cold storage facilities

Mugisha R. John — 2026-01-27T08:10:07Z

Rwanda has struggled to fully utilize agricultural cold storage facilities built to reduce post-harvest losses, with officials citing poor location, high operating costs and consumer attitudes toward stored food as key obstacles.

Claude Bizimana, Chief Executive Officer of the National Agricultural Export Development Board, told lawmakers that several cold rooms across the country both publicly and privately owned remain idle or underused despite significant investment.

His comments followed a 2024/2025 report by the Office of the Ombudsman, which found that cold storage facilities intended to preserve agricultural produce are not operating in many parts of the country.

Bizimana said some facilities were constructed far from production zones, making them impractical for farmers who can sell their produce quickly at nearby markets.

“In areas where production is low or buyers are readily available, farmers see no benefit in storing their crops,” Bizimana said.

High operating costs also limit use, particularly electricity expenses and the cost of replacing equipment. Although some cold rooms rely on solar power, Bizimana said the technology does not always provide adequate cooling.

He added that consumer perceptions remain a significant barrier. Many buyers prefer produce they believe is freshly harvested, leading sellers to fear that stored products will lose value.

“There is a mindset that stored food is not good,” Bizimana said, noting that shoppers often ask whether fruits and vegetables are from the same day.

Members of Parliament questioned whether proper feasibility studies were conducted before the facilities were built.

“It is concerning to see these facilities unused after public funds were spent to address post-harvest losses,” said MP Germaine Mukabalisa, calling for accountability and corrective action.

MP Etienne Nsabimana Mvano said some cold rooms were built in areas with insufficient agricultural output and urged authorities to ensure they are used for their intended purpose.

The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources, Dr. Olivier Kamana, said the government would assess each facility and connect them with producers who suffer frequent post-harvest losses.

“This is an issue we are taking seriously, and we will act quickly,” Kamana said.

The Africa Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Cooling and Cold-chain at the University of Rwanda is expected to help train users in effective cold storage practices.

ROAM Trains Journalists to Boost Organic Farming and Food Security

Mugisha R. John — 2026-01-23T12:07:12Z

A two-day workshop organized by the Rwanda Organic Agriculture Movement (ROAM) aimed to strengthen media coverage of agroecology and organic agriculture in Rwanda, highlighting the role of sustainable farming in improving food security and regional trade.

The workshop, held from Jan. 21 to 22, 2026, brought together journalists and media professionals to learn about organic farming practices and the broader benefits of agroecological production systems. The initiative was implemented in collaboration with the Alliance for Food Sovereignty in Africa (AFSA) under a project designed to amplify cross-border trade of agroecological products in Rwanda and the East African Community region.

On the first day, journalists visited Knowledge Centre for Organic Agriculture (KCOA) demonstration farm in Ngoma District, managed by Albert Nkunda, where they observed organic farming methods and learned about sustainable crop management.

Nkunda said organic agriculture relies on diversity and integration rather than specialization. He said his farm includes multiple crops and livestock including cows, pigs, chickens, fish, rabbits and bees and uses natural pest-repellent plants. “Our farming system is fully integrated,” he said, adding that the approach allows farmers to recycle inputs within the farm and reduce dependence on external supplies.

On another note, he explained that his system uses fish pond water to irrigate crops, while crop residues feed livestock and fish, and livestock manure returns to the fields. He said organic farming starts with restoring degraded soil and protecting biodiversity, using practices such as agroforestry, water-harvesting trenches and terraces. “Chemical fertilizers and pesticides may give high yields in a short time, but they ultimately degrade soils and weaken crops,” he said.

He also added his willingness to train other small-scale farmers through the demonstration farm as previously done and urged support from the government and other stakeholders to strengthen their activities.

“I have been able to train other small-scale farmers from my demonstration farm, and they have embraced the importance of organic farming,” Nkunda said. “We call upon the government and other stakeholders to help us in our farming activities so that we can enhance organic farming and also be able to take enough produce to the market.”

In an exclusive interview with a market trader from Kimironko market, Mutoni Joselyne who sells fruits and vegetables in Kigali said she has noticed growing demand for organic produce among her customers.

“Some clients come asking specifically for organic fruits and food,” the trader said. “They understand the importance of organic farm products for health, and they are willing to pay more for them. This shows that the market for organic food is growing though the supply is limited from the farmers.”

The second day featured a workshop at KIM Hotel, where Dieudonné Sindikubwabo, ROAM's head of programs, provided a comprehensive overview of the organization's mission, vision, and interventions.

ROAM, Rwanda's first group to achieve PGS certification was established in 2007 and legally registered as a local NGO in 2014, represents more than 5,000 members across Rwanda, including producers, processors, retailers, exporters, researchers, and service providers. The organization supports value chains such as coffee, tea, essential oils, dried pineapples, macadamia, and fruits and vegetables.

Sindikubwabo emphasized that agroecology and organic farming promote soil health, biodiversity, resilience, and food sovereignty through ecological farming principles.

“Organic agriculture is a production system that sustains the health of soils, ecosystems, and people,” he said, citing the definition by the International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movement (IFOAM). He added that agroecology integrates ecological principles to manage interactions between plants, animals, humans, and the environment.

The workshop also addressed major challenges facing the organic sector in Rwanda, including a lack of policy frameworks, limited scientific evidence, low consumer awareness, high certification costs, and restricted access to organic markets.

Sindikubwabo highlighted additional constraints in agroecology, including limited infrastructure, high transition costs, and weak institutional support. He noted that these challenges hinder the adoption of sustainable practices despite rising demand for organic products both locally and internationally.

Despite these obstacles, the workshop identified opportunities in the sector, such as premium market access, climate resilience, growing consumer demand, and the development of organic input businesses like biofertilizers and biopesticides.

The training stressed agroecological principles including recycling, biodiversity, resilience, social values, food traditions, and responsible governance. It also promoted a circular and solidarity economy that supports local trade systems, cooperative networks, and reduced dependence on global supply chains.

By equipping media professionals with knowledge of organic farming and agroecology, ROAM through it's partners aims to improve public awareness of sustainable agriculture and stimulate demand for healthy and safe products, supporting both local livelihoods and regional economic integration.

Rwanda's Coffee Revival Targets Millions of Seedlings

Mugisha R. John — 2026-01-20T17:32:06Z

Rwanda's National Agricultural Export Development Board (NAEB) has announced plans to plant 2.75 million coffee seedlings in the first planting season of 2026 as part of a nationwide effort to rejuvenate aging coffee plantations.

The initiative will replace trees over 30 years old and continue until 3,050 hectares of older coffee trees are renewed, NAEB said through X platform on January 20. The program is expected to boost both the quantity and quality of coffee produced for export.

Coffee remains one of Rwanda's most important cash crops. In 2025, the country exported 23,860 metric tons, generating more than 216 billion Rwandan francs in revenue.

Under the government's five-year Strategic Plan for the Transformation of Agriculture Phase 5 (PSTA 5), set to conclude in 2029, Rwanda aims to earn $160 million from high-quality coffee exports. NAEB said the seedling program is central to achieving that goal and strengthening the livelihoods of smallholder farmers.

Through the Smallholder Coffee Agronomy Project (PSAC), NAEB will implement two key measures: replacing trees older than 30 years and rejuvenating declining trees that are at least seven years old.

Over the next four years, the project will cover six districts—Karongi, Nyamasheke, Rusizi, Huye, Ruhango, and Nyamagabe—and will see more than nine million seedlings planted across 3,050 hectares.

NAEB projects that coffee export revenues could nearly double, from $3.5 billion to $7.3 billion by 2029, fueled by higher production and improved bean quality. Officials said the program will also provide economic benefits for farmers and contribute to Rwanda's broader agricultural growth strategy.

New livestock law planned as Rwanda targets higher farm output

Mugisha R. John — 2026-01-20T07:58:34Z

Rwanda plans to introduce a law regulating livestock farming as part of broader efforts to increase agricultural production and improve standards across the sector, Agriculture and Animal Resources Minister Dr. Telesphore Ndabamenye said.

Addressing the Senate on Jan. 19, 2026, Ndabamenye said the proposed legislation would provide a clear legal framework for livestock farming, covering production practices, input supply and quality control. He said the absence of a comprehensive law has limited enforcement and contributed to unregulated activities in some parts of the sector.

The government is focusing on expanding cattle farming, small livestock and aquaculture to raise output over the next five years. Fish production is projected to rise to 77,000 metric tons by 2029, up from 52,000 tons in 2025. Egg production is expected to increase from 17,000 tons in 2024 to 21,000 tons, while milk output is forecast to grow from about 1.09 billion liters in 2024 to 1.3 billion liters by 2029.

Ndabamenye said the law would regulate livestock support services, including animal feed and vaccines, and set quality standards to reduce risks linked to informal production and distribution. He said enforcement mechanisms would allow authorities to penalize violations and issue additional regulations where needed.

The minister said the law would also help address challenges such as the illegal transportation of livestock, which has been difficult to control in the absence of clear legal provisions.

Once adopted, the ministry plans to conduct outreach and training programs to help farmers understand and comply with the new requirements, Ndabamenye said.

He also confirmed that a separate law governing agriculture is being drafted, though both bills remain under review. Once approved, authorities will outline their objectives and expected impact on productivity.

Rwanda plans to enact two separate laws, one for agriculture and another for livestock. Jean Claude Ndorimana, director general for livestock development at the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources, said the livestock law would also pave the way for registering Inyambo cattle as Rwanda's natural heritage at the international level.

Senator urges boost in agricultural research as hunger persists

Mugisha R. John — 2026-01-19T14:38:55Z

Senator Charles Murigande on Monday urged the government to significantly increase investment in agricultural research, saying it is unacceptable that hunger continues to affect parts of the country despite generally favorable rainfall and long-standing efforts to modernize farming.

Sen. Murigande raised the concerns during a Senate session with the Minister of Agriculture and Animal Resources, as lawmakers questioned how Rwanda can achieve food security amid climate shocks, limited arable land and rapid population growth.

Murigande said research must become the foundation of Rwanda's agricultural strategy, arguing that scientific innovation not land expansion offers the most realistic path to higher productivity.
“Rwanda's land is limited and cannot be expanded,” Murigande told the Senate. “What will save us is heavy investment in research.”

He said research should guide decisions on crop selection, yield improvement, livestock feed and product quality, enabling farmers to adapt to changing weather patterns and regional conditions.
Murigande cited Israel as an example of a country that has overcome land and climate constraints through innovation, noting that much of its agricultural success is rooted in sustained research and technology.

“It does not make sense for people in Rwanda to die of hunger,” he said, adding that while rainfall may vary by region, it does not disappear across the entire country at once.

The senator also questioned why Rwanda's highly trained agricultural specialists are not being fully mobilized to develop improved seed varieties and farming methods tailored to different regions.

His remarks come as food shortages persist in parts of eastern Rwanda, particularly in Kayonza District, where prolonged dry conditions have affected sectors including Ndego, Mwiri, Kabare and Rwinkwavu. The crisis forced some residents to leave their homes in search of food and led to the dismissal of several district officials late last year.

Responding to lawmakers, Agriculture Minister Telesphore Ndabamenye said the government has prioritized research to guide investment and technology use in agriculture, especially as Rwanda's population is projected to reach 22 million by 2050.

Ndabamenye warned that continuing with current farming practices would make food self-sufficiency unattainable. He said traditional methods would require more than 10 million hectares of farmland—far beyond Rwanda's capacity.

However, he said modern farming techniques could reduce land needs to about 3.4 million hectares, while applying international agricultural standards would require roughly 1.4 million hectares—an achievable target given Rwanda's current cultivated area of just over 1.3 million hectares.

The minister said scaling up research and innovation will be critical to closing that gap and strengthening food security in the years ahead.

Rwanda Sets Ambitious Goal to Modernize Farming and Boost Yields

Mugisha John — 2025-10-17T16:48:45Z

Rwanda is embarking on a five-year plan to modernize agriculture and significantly increase crop yields, aiming to turn 600,000 hectares of farmland into high-yield, climate-resilient farms. The government hopes maize and other staple crops will see productivity rise from two tons per hectare to as much as six tons.

State Minister in the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources, Dr. Ndabamenye Telesphore, said Friday that the initiative combines land reform, farmer training, and technology adoption to strengthen productivity and market access.

“Expanding farmland alone is not enough. We need strong policies, infrastructure, and organized farmers,” Dr. Ndabamenye said. “In Ntende, Gatsibo District, cooperative farmers are already harvesting seven tons of rice per hectare, showing what is possible with proper support.”

The program targets seven key areas, addressing challenges such as limited access to quality seeds and fertilizers. Land registration is underway, covering 595,000 hectares of hills, valleys, terraces, and marshlands. An additional 92,000 hectares are set aside for slope management, ensuring sustainable farming practices.

Farmers will be connected to partners and trained in modern techniques, including organic fertilizer use and mulching. Crop insurance and bank partnerships will provide financial security, while “collection hubs” will help farmers consolidate produce, maintain quality, and reach both domestic and international markets. Technology will be applied during harvests to preserve yields.

A September 2025 report by the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda (NISR) showed agriculture contributed 8% to the country's gross domestic product in the second quarter. Crop exports rose 42%, led by a 121% jump in coffee production, following efforts to replace aging coffee trees and rehabilitate plantations.

Looking ahead, Rwanda aims to create a professionalized agricultural sector that includes men and women and links farming with industrial and commercial value chains. The government's strategy focuses on climate-resilient, market-oriented farming, optimized fertilizer use, modern technology, and better access to financing.

By 2050, Rwanda expects agriculture to contribute 16% of the nation's gross domestic product, supporting both food security and economic growth, while empowering farmers to thrive in a changing climate.