Rwanda

Rwanda: Agriculture

Key Facts

Rwanda is a small country with a population of just under 10 million, but one of the most densely populated in Africa at 355 inhabitants per sq Km. The country is one of hills and mountains, in theory not ideal for agriculture. In practice, however, this topography creates a variety of different microclimates making it possible to grow a vast array of crops. The sector has traditionally been the main productive activity for about 88% of Rwandans, and at 47% (2002) of the Gross Domestic Product, has dominated the country’s economy. The sector enjoys two rainy seasons per year. The average household own just one hectare or less of land for cultivation with 1.6 million hectares (2002) of land devoted to the cultivation of crops. Most farming has been at family subsistence level with low usage of modern inputs.

Staple crops, which do not attract particularly high prices, dominated crop production: plantain bananas, beans, sweet potatoes, sorghum and cassava.

Government Initiatives

The 1980s/90s saw a negative trend in agriculture production, partly due latterly to the 1994 genocide. This led to declining soil fertility and low use of inputs. In 2002 the Government of Rwanda adopted a Strategic Plan for the Transformation of Agriculture (SPAT) which included 10 strategic thrusts and 4 priority programmes (Intensification and development of sustainable production systems, Support for producer professionalization, Promotion of product chains and agro-industry development and Institutional development). Although there is emphasis on diversifying the economy away from agriculture, the development of agriculture and food crop production in particular continues as a priority.

Government is looking to step up the value added of activities that develop and promote agriculture and livestock production. They will intensify the use of inputs and modern techniques in crop production and animal husbandry, agricultural commercialisation, strengthening of research capacity and extension services.

The Government of Rwanda is also aware of the problems faced in physically exporting goods from Rwanda, and is seeking to address these through a variety of measures. These are aimed at changing the perception of Rwanda from ‘land-locked’, to ‘land-linked’. This involves, amongst other things, improving rail links between Kigali and the Indian Ocean port of Dar es Salaam and massive redevelopment of Kigali international airport to include cool chain distribution facilities.

Future Opportunities

  • Emphasis is being put on 5 major crops, to be competitive and maximize household incomes: rice, maize, round potatoes, soya beans and beans. In addition traditional crops such as tea, coffee and pyrethrum will be supported.
  • Investment in coffee/tea sectors such as washing stations and construction of new tea factories.
  • Fruits and green vegetables for export (mainly from Gitarama province) and the processing of fruit for juices, jams etc.
  • Fish farming in Lakes Kivu, Cyohoha and Mugesera.
  • Downstream processing of rice, tomatoes, tomato paste and castor oil.