Rwanda has unveiled its 5th Strategic Plan for Agriculture Transformation (PSTA5) in Kigali, marking a significant step toward building resilient and sustainable agri-food systems. The plan, titled Building Resilient and Sustainable Agri-Food Systems, is designed to transform the agriculture sector, achieving food security, sustainable land use, and economic development.
Speaking at the launch, the Minister of Agriculture and Animal Resources highlighted the innovative nature of PSTA5, which positions agri-food systems at its core. This approach, he explained, emphasizes the integration of technology, youth participation, and collaborative efforts to drive agricultural progress. By leveraging tools like the Internet of Things (IoT) and artificial intelligence (AI), the strategy aims to modernize the sector and enhance productivity.
“Young people are central to this vision,” the minister noted, urging the youth to take an active role in implementing the plan. He stressed the importance of translating the strategy into actionable steps, emphasizing that collective action is essential to achieving resilient, sustainable, and equitable outcomes.
PSTA5 is a five-year roadmap that prioritizes modernizing agricultural and animal resource production, fostering inclusive markets, and generating employment opportunities within agriculture and food systems. It seeks to address critical challenges, including low productivity, food insecurity, and limited commercialization, while building resilience against climate shocks like droughts and floods.
The strategy aligns with Rwanda’s national development goals and global frameworks, including the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It builds on the successes of its predecessor, PSTA4, which advanced initiatives in marshland development, agroforestry, and irrigation infrastructure. However, persistent challenges such as climate change and limited investment in agriculture underline the need for further innovation and funding.
PSTA5 has ambitious targets. It aims to achieve an average annual agricultural growth rate of 6.5 percent, boost export revenues to $1.54 billion, and create over 644,000 off-farm jobs in agri-food systems. The plan also seeks to empower women, with a goal of engaging 72 percent of women in agriculture, and improve food and nutrition security across the country.
Technology and innovation are central to PSTA5. By incorporating advanced tools such as IoT and AI, the plan envisions a transformation in how agricultural processes are managed and monitored. These technologies are expected to enhance efficiency, optimize resource use, and increase resilience to climate variability.
Youth engagement is another cornerstone of the strategy. Recognizing the pivotal role of young people in driving innovation, the government encourages their active participation in adopting and implementing technological advancements. The integration of youth into agri-food systems not only ensures sustainability but also addresses unemployment by creating new economic opportunities.
Moreover, PSTA5 emphasizes inclusivity and equity. It seeks to strengthen rural livelihoods, promote gender equity, and ensure that vulnerable groups benefit from agricultural development. This approach aligns with the broader goal of sustainable development, fostering an agriculture sector that contributes to social and economic progress.
Climate resilience is a critical focus area. The plan includes measures to mitigate the impacts of climate change, such as promoting climate-smart agriculture, improving water management systems, and enhancing soil health. These initiatives aim to safeguard the sector against climate-related disruptions, ensuring food security for the population.
The economic potential of the plan is significant. Agriculture remains a cornerstone of Rwanda’s economy, with around 69 percent of households engaged in farming and approximately 400,000 people employed in agri-food systems. By modernizing practices and enhancing market linkages, PSTA5 is expected to unlock new growth opportunities and drive economic transformation.
The launch of PSTA5 underscores Rwanda’s commitment to inclusive and sustainable agricultural development. By addressing the sector’s challenges and leveraging its opportunities, the strategy sets a clear path toward achieving a resilient and equitable agri-food system. The government’s emphasis on collective action, technological innovation, and youth engagement reflects a forward-thinking approach that positions agriculture as a catalyst for national progress.
As PSTA5 is implemented, its success will depend on effective collaboration among stakeholders, adequate funding, and the commitment of all involved. If fully realized, the strategy promises to transform Rwanda’s agriculture sector, fostering economic growth, improving livelihoods, and ensuring food security for future generations.
