Rwanda’s agricultural sector has shown a blend of positive trends and ongoing challenges, as highlighted in the 2024 Seasonal Agricultural Survey (SAS) released by the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda (NISR). The report underscores both advancements and persistent difficulties that shape the country’s agricultural landscape, with implications for long-term food security and economic growth.
A key highlight from the report is the increased adoption of anti-erosion practices, which have been pivotal in combating land degradation. By Season C 2024, 92.9% of farmers had implemented erosion control measures, up from 90.6% in Season A. These practices are crucial for preserving soil fertility, enhancing productivity, and ensuring the sustainability of farming in Rwanda’s hilly terrain. In line with these efforts, the use of irrigation methods has expanded dramatically, with 58.2% of farmers utilizing irrigation in Season C 2024, a significant improvement from just 7.5% in Season A. This rise in irrigation adoption reflects Rwanda’s strategic focus on improving water resource management, especially in the dry season, to boost crop yields and support farming communities.
Crop production figures also show promising growth in some areas. Maize production, for example, saw a remarkable 30% increase in Season A 2024, reaching 507,985 metric tons compared to the previous year. Similarly, paddy rice production rose by 4% in Season B 2024, totaling 72,834 metric tons. The growth of other crops such as bananas and soybeans further emphasizes the potential of high-value crops to drive agricultural transformation and economic development in Rwanda. The continued use of organic fertilizers, with 89.1% of farmers adopting this practice in Season A, also aligns with the country’s commitment to environmentally sustainable agriculture.
However, the report also reveals several critical challenges that hinder the full potential of Rwanda’s agricultural sector. One of the most pressing issues is the inconsistent use of improved agricultural inputs such as seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides. In Season A 2024, only 39.7% of farmers used improved seeds, with this figure dropping to just 18% in Season B. The high cost and limited availability of these inputs are significant barriers, particularly for small-scale farmers who form the backbone of Rwanda’s agricultural economy. This gap in input adoption is concerning, as it limits productivity and the ability to meet growing food demands.
Additionally, the report highlights a decline in yields for key crops. Irish potato yields fell from 8.0 tons per hectare in the previous year to 6.8 tons per hectare in Season B 2024. Similarly, cassava production decreased by 14.9%, dropping from 608,693 metric tons in 2023 to 518,044 metric tons in 2024. These declines raise concerns about the long-term sustainability of crop production and food security.
Land degradation remains a significant challenge, with severe erosion continuing to affect various districts. Rill and gully formation are reducing the amount of arable land, further exacerbating the issue of declining productivity. Although irrigation adoption has improved, it remains low at 7.5% in Season A 2024, highlighting the need for further investment in irrigation infrastructure and farmer support.
Despite these challenges, Rwanda’s agricultural sector holds considerable potential. The government’s efforts to commercialize farming, promote value addition, and equip small-scale farmers with the necessary resources and knowledge are crucial for achieving the country’s National Strategy for Transformation (NST 2). Addressing the structural inefficiencies in the agricultural sector, such as improving input accessibility, expanding irrigation infrastructure, and providing farmer training, will be key to sustaining growth and ensuring food security for Rwanda’s future.
