By Seif Shaggy Gracien Hasingizwimana
Kigali/ Rwanda, One Acre Fund Rwanda has announced that it will support 1.3 million farmers during the 2027A-B agricultural season, building on its performance from the previous year where its Tubura program reached over one million farmers.
This was announced during an event to launch preparations for the 2027A-B season, which brought together government institutions, development partners, the private sector, and farmers’ representatives to discuss strategies for increasing agricultural production and helping farmers access profitable markets.
The Country Director of One Acre Fund Rwanda, Belinda Bwiza, stated that in the previous season, they supported more than one million farmers, 60 percent of whom were women.
She said: “Transforming Rwanda’s agriculture requires more than increasing production. It also requires ensuring that farmers earn meaningful profits from what they grow.”
Bwiza noted that One Acre Fund distributed over 50,500 tons of agricultural inputs across 27 districts of the country and trained more than 430,000 farmers on modern farming techniques.
She added that the organization’s activities generated an estimated $168 million in increased income for farmers during the 2026A-B season.
In terms of seed development, the RICA Seed Center supplied 4,500 tons of certified seeds, including maize, beans, and soybeans, and trained 32 experts in seed technology and business management.
Meanwhile, the Extension Center of Excellence, established in partnership with RAB, awarded nationally recognized certificates to 49 agricultural advisors, while its activities have already reached 270 agricultural advisors across Rwanda.
In environmental protection efforts, One Acre Fund Rwanda stated that last year it distributed 30 million agroforestry trees and 800,000 fruit trees, which will benefit approximately one million farmers. Since 2016, One Acre Fund has distributed over 145 million trees in Rwanda.
The organization also exported 378 tons of produce, including avocados, chili, French beans, and coffee, enabling more than 15,000 farmers to access reliable markets.
Bwiza stated that One Acre Fund Rwanda now aims to reach 400,000 young farmers through programs designed to facilitate youth access to capital, training, and opportunities within the agricultural value chain.
The Minister of Agriculture and Animal Resources, Dr. Telesphore Ndabamenye, stated that the testimonies shared by the farmers demonstrate agriculture’s capacity to create jobs and boost the economy when managed as a business.
He said: “Agriculture, when done properly, generates income, creates jobs, improves household livelihoods, and contributes to national economic growth.”
Minister Ndabamenye further noted that the Government will continue to work with partners to increase the production of high-value commodities, including avocados, chili, fruits and vegetables, tea, soybeans, and processed maize products, and to assist farmers in accessing domestic and international markets.
Pierre Renzaho, an avocado farmer from Kamonyi District, shared that he earns more than 3 million Rwf per season, eight years after he started growing the crop.
He said: “People used to laugh at me when I started growing avocados. But once they saw the returns and the market opportunities, many of them started planting avocados too.”
Another farmer, Jeanne d’Arc Nyiransabimana from Gakenke District, stated that avocado farming has transformed her family’s livelihood.
She said: “My family and I have been able to progress. Our children are now able to study comfortably, and we can meet our household needs.”
Despite celebrating these achievements, farmers requested One Acre Fund to increase the variety of seeds provided under the Tubura program and to further support them in combating pests that hinder them from achieving their desired yields.
