The Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources(MINAGRI), in partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations(FAO), has awarded certificates to 91 farmers and livestock keepers, along with nine agronomists and veterinarians, who completed four years of training under the Farmer Field Schools (FFS) programme.

The graduates were equipped with practical skills to support fellow farmers in improving crop and livestock production through the use of improved seeds and livestock breeds that are climate-resilient, high-yielding, and fast-maturing.

MINAGRI targets to double agricultural and livestock productivity by 2029. This is expected to enable the agriculture sector to contribute at least six percent to Rwanda’s annual economic growth, ensure national food security, and increase foreign exchange earnings through agricultural exports.

Training farmers to become community-based extension facilitators across the country was delivered under the DeSIRA Project, funded by the European Union (EU) and managed by FAO in collaboration with the Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB).

Experts from RAB, FAO, the University of Rwanda, and ‘Ecole Supérieure D’Agro-Développement International (ISTOM–France)’ are convinced that the farmers’ were enabled through the project entitled “Capacity Development for Innovation in Rwanda: Strengthening Innovation Partnerships in six districts: Burera, Rutsiro, Gatsibo, Nyagatare, Bugesera, and Ruhango.

Training focused on potatoes and pig farming in Rutsiro, potatoes and dairy cattle in Burera, cassava production in Ruhango and Bugesera, rice, maize, and dairy farming in Gatsibo, and dairy farming in Nyagatare.

Some of the farmers say the impact is already visible, as Dushime Aimé, a rice grower from Gatsibo District, says yields have increased from no more than 3.5 tonnes per hectare in 2023 to at least 6.2 tonnes per hectare today, with some fields producing even more.

FFS have also helped farmers to invest less while earning more by reducing rice seed use from 50 kilograms to 30 kilograms per hectare, but ensuring proper land preparation, efficient use of inputs, and daily crop monitoring.

In Burera District, potato farmer Niyimpaye Eugénie says that before joining the Farmer Field Schools in 2020, she harvested no more than 60 kilograms per are (one-hundredth of a hectare). Today, she produces up to 200 kilograms per are—equivalent to 20 tonnes per hectare.

RAB Director General, Dr Florence Uwamahoro, says that the most popular crop varieties distributed by the institution include Cyerekezo potatoes, Buryohe and Nsizebashonje cassava, Biseruka maize, Teta rice, and Baraka beans, all valued for their high yields and quick maturity.

Farmer Field Schools expected to accelerate national targets

FAO Rwanda senior official, Josepha Mukamana, says Farmer Field Schools across the country have demonstrated the potential to achieve yields of up to 30 tonnes of potatoes per hectare, 35 tonnes of cassava, and seven tonnes of rice, while also improving livestock feeding practices and promoting stable household livelihoods.

State Minister in MINAGRI, Dr Solange Uwituze, expressed confidence in the rapid impact of the programme, noting that 100 trained farmers, agronomists, and veterinarians were initially trained by five experts and are now transferring skills to more than 1,600 peers nationwide.

She emphasized that Rwanda’s Vision 2050 projects a population exceeding 20 million, with each citizen earning at least RWF 14 million annually.

“Those of us in agriculture and livestock have the responsibility to ensure food security using limited land resources,” she said.

Under MINAGRI’s Fifth Strategic Plan for Agriculture Transformation (PSTA5), the sector aims to create 1.25 million jobs—mainly for youth—ensure food security for 88 percent of households, reduce child stunting from 27 percent to below 15 percent, and generate at least USD 1.5 billion annually from agricultural exports.

Dr Uwituze added that PSTA5 seeks to deliver quality extension services to 70 percent of farmers, making agriculture a viable and attractive career choice rather than a fallback option.

She also noted that while farmers have access to fertilizers, improved seeds, and pesticides, productivity gains remain below expectations, underscoring the need for stronger extension services through Farmer Field Schools.

MINAGRI is calling on partners to support the establishment of agricultural training centers in every district—and where possible, every sector—and to ensure farmers receive timely information through the Agricultural Management Information System (AMIS).

The ministry further stresses the importance of early detection of crop and livestock diseases to enable rapid response, and urges that agricultural research be guided by farmers’ real challenges rather than donor-driven agenda.

MINAGRI has also advised farmers to sign production contracts with buyers before harvesting to prevent post-harvest losses and secure reliable, fair markets.