The Rwandan government has launched an ambitious five-year program to reform agriculture, aiming to increase crop yields on 600,000 hectares from two tons per hectare to six tons per hectare.
State Minister in the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources, Dr. Ndabamenye Telesphore, said Friday that the initiative will harmonize land use and strengthen agricultural productivity across the country.
“While programs to expand cultivation already exist, they must be supported by strong policies to promote agriculture,” Dr. Ndabamenye said. “We are increasing the area under cultivation and investing in the necessary infrastructure. Some farmers, like those in Ntende, Gatsibo District, have organized into cooperatives and achieved rice yields of seven tons per hectare.”
The reform plan focuses on seven key areas, addressing challenges such as limited access to high-quality seeds and fertilizers, which have historically constrained production.
Dr. Ndabamenye said the program will roll out in phases, aligned with Rwanda’s Second National Strategy for Transformation (NST2). “The first step is coordinating farmers. Land registration is underway, covering about 595,000 hectares across hills, valleys, terraces, and marshlands,” he said. “An additional 92,000 hectares are designated for proper slope management. Overall, maize yields could rise from two tons to five or six tons per hectare.”
The Ministry plans to link farmers with partners and train them in the use of quality fertilizers, including organic options, and modern farming techniques such as mulching. Farmers will also have access to crop insurance and bank partnerships to facilitate contractual farming.
The government will establish “collection hubs” to consolidate harvests, help farmers access local and international markets, and maintain product quality. Technology will also be used during harvests to preserve yields.
A report by the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda (NISR) published in September 2025 showed that agriculture contributed 8% to the country’s gross domestic product in the second quarter. Crop exports rose 42%, driven by a 121% increase in coffee production, due to initiatives replacing aging trees and rehabilitating plantations.
Looking toward 2050, Rwanda aims to professionalize its agricultural sector, involving both men and women in market-oriented farming integrated with industrial and commercial value chains. The government plans to promote modern, climate-resilient farming techniques, optimize fertilizer use, adopt advanced technology, and improve access to financing and insurance.
By 2050, agriculture is expected to contribute 16% of Rwanda’s gross domestic product.
