As agriculture continues to be the backbone of Rwanda’s economy and a key source of livelihood for many citizens, the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources (MINAGRI) has emphasized the importance of land consolidation and cooperative farming in promoting sustainable and productive agriculture.
This was highlighted by the Minister of Agriculture and Animal Resources, Dr. Mark Cyubahiro Bagabe, during a three-day international conference that began in Kigali on September 30, 2025. The event brought together members of the Eastern Africa Farmers Federation (EAFF).
Dr. Bagabe explained that the agriculture that sustains Rwandans is not based on small, individual household gardens, but rather on consolidated land, which produces surplus yields capable of supplying both local and international markets. He stated, “The agriculture that sustains us as Rwandans and allows us to access markets is that which is practiced on consolidated land.”
MINAGRI points out that land consolidation allows farmers to work collectively through cooperatives and unions, reducing production costs, increasing yields through the use of modern machinery and technologies, and improving irrigation systems and post-harvest storage.
On the issue of market access, EAFF President Elizabeth Nsimadala noted that one of the main challenges farmers face is not having reliable markets for their produce. EAFF is addressing this by promoting digital tools to connect farmers to markets, with over 250,000 farmers in the region currently using such technologies.
Nsimadala also emphasized the importance of youth and women in agriculture, highlighting that Rwanda has led the way in providing opportunities for young people through partnerships with the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). She added that Rwanda is also ahead in empowering women in agriculture by enhancing their skills and knowledge.
From the farmers’ perspective, Césarie Kantarama, a farmer and leader of the ‘Ingabo’ farmers’ union, affirmed that while national policies support agricultural development, there is still a need to strengthen farmers’ knowledge and capacity. She commended the government’s efforts to tackle the impacts of climate change through initiatives such as promoting irrigation, afforestation, and training farmers on sustainable land use and improved seeds.
Kantarama stressed that farmer collaboration through cooperatives and farmer-based organizations is central to agricultural progress, and noted that Rwanda has made significant strides in this area. “The fact that we’ve been able to organize ourselves from the grassroots level up to the regional level gives us confidence that the remaining challenges in agriculture can be solved collectively,” she said.
As agriculture remains vital to the country’s development and the well-being of its people, stakeholders across the sector agree that land consolidation, cooperative action, and the adoption of technology are essential pillars for building resilient, market-oriented, and climate-smart agriculture in Rwanda.
