Resilient Seeds Pave the Way for Enhanced Agricultural Productivity in Rwanda
Rwanda is witnessing a significant agricultural transformation, driven by the identification and widespread adoption of climate-resilient and high-yielding seed varieties. These advancements, meticulously evaluated through farmer-led trials, are poised to bolster food security, increase farmer incomes, and contribute to the nation’s broader economic development goals.
The Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB) has pinpointed eight key seed varieties across six crucial crops that demonstrate exceptional performance under challenging climatic conditions. These findings are the culmination of extensive on-farm trials conducted between 2021 and 2025, directly involving the agricultural community in the evaluation process.
Florence Uwamahoro, Acting Director General of RAB, elaborated on the rigorous selection process. “In crop production, high-performing varieties with improved yields and resilience were identified through farmer-led evaluations,” she stated. This farmer-centric approach ensures that the selected varieties meet the practical needs and real-world conditions faced by Rwandan farmers.
Top Performing Varieties Across Key Crops
The identified varieties span a range of staple and high-value crops, each showcasing remarkable improvements in yield, pest resistance, and disease resilience.
- Potatoes: The potato variety Cyerekezo has emerged as a standout performer, earning the highest marks for its robust resistance to pests and diseases, coupled with superior productivity.
- Cassava: In the realm of cassava, varieties Nsizebashonje and Biseruka have demonstrated exceptional yields and a remarkable ability to withstand common diseases.
- Maize: Climate-resilient maize hybrids, specifically RHM1407 and RHM1409, have significantly outperformed traditional varieties. These hybrids are noted for their shorter maturity period, requiring only 85 days to mature, and their reduced need for rainfall, making them ideal for Rwanda’s evolving climate. In the Eastern Province, these varieties have achieved yields of 4.4 tonnes per hectare, substantially exceeding the national benchmark of approximately two tonnes per hectare.
- Rice: Among rice cultivation, climate-smart varieties TETA 10-04, TETA 10-03, and Kigoli 13-1 were put to the test. Farmers consistently ranked TETA 10-04 as the most productive and least susceptible to diseases.
- Vegetables: For vegetable production, the Baraka cabbage and Neptune onion varieties have been identified as the highest-yielding options, promising greater returns for farmers.
Quantifiable Gains in Yield and Productivity
The impact of these improved seed varieties is already being felt through significant increases in crop yields:
- Cassava: With the adoption of Nsizebashonje and Biseruka, cassava production has surged to an impressive 35 tonnes per hectare. This represents a substantial leap from the previous average yield of just 13 tonnes per hectare.
- Potatoes: Potato yields have seen a considerable boost, reaching up to 30 tonnes per hectare. Prior to the adoption of these new varieties, potato productivity typically ranged between 10 to 15 tonnes per hectare, falling short of the crop’s full potential.
- Rice: Rice production has risen to seven tonnes per hectare, a dramatic increase from the two to three tonnes per hectare typically harvested from older varieties.
Strategic Initiatives Driving Agricultural Advancement
The rollout of these climate-resilient, high-yielding seed varieties is part of a broader national strategy aimed at modernizing agriculture and ensuring food security. These efforts are being implemented under the project “Capacity Development for Innovation in Rwanda: Strengthening Innovation Partnerships in Six Districts,” a collaborative initiative with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). The project is actively engaged in six districts: Burera, Rutsiro, Gatsibo, Nyagatare, Bugesera, and Ruhango.
Rwanda’s National Strategy for Transformation Phase 2 (NST2) sets ambitious targets for the agricultural sector, aiming for a more than 50 percent increase in the productivity of priority food crops. These include maize, beans, potatoes, rice, cassava, wheat, and bananas. To achieve these goals, the government is committed to scaling up the use of modern agricultural inputs, such as fertilizers and improved seeds, with a strong emphasis on ensuring their timely supply and availability.
The Fifth Strategic Plan for the Transformation of Agriculture (PSTA5) further solidifies this commitment by prioritizing the adoption of climate-resilient and disease-resistant varieties for a wide array of crops. This includes not only the aforementioned staples but also sweet potatoes, bananas, and horticultural crops, alongside the integration of improved livestock breeds better adapted to climate stress.
Innovative Extension Approaches Empowering Farmers
To support the adoption of these advancements, Rwanda is actively promoting innovative extension approaches, most notably the Customised Agricultural Extension System (CAES). This system leverages a network of trained professionals, including:
- Farmer Field School (FFS) Master Trainers and Facilitators
- Farmer Promoters (FPs)
- Livestock FFS Master Trainers
- Community Animal Health Workers (CAHWs)
Approximately 1,000 FFS facilitators have received training to guide farmer groups and the broader community in adopting best agricultural practices. The project has specifically focused on demonstrating climate-smart agricultural techniques for priority value chains within the target districts, supporting the scaling up of crop varieties developed by RAB and promoting innovations in animal genetics, health, and feeds for cattle and piggery systems.
“Capacity development was delivered primarily through the Farmer Field School approach,” Uwamahoro explained. She highlighted the crucial role of active FFS facilitators in empowering local farmers and ensuring the long-term sustainability of these agricultural advancements.
Farmer Testimonials: Evidence of Success
The impact of these initiatives is clearly articulated through the voices of farmers themselves:
- Marie Josee Mukampiranya, a farmer and FFS facilitator from Burera District, shared her experience with potato yields. Before 2024, her harvests ranged from 70kg to 100kg per Are (100 square meters). With the new varieties, her production has soared to between 170kg and 237kg per Are. Her group of 26 members, trained in best practices, now possesses substantial seed stores totaling 2.3 tonnes.
- Ratifa Musabyimana, an onion farmer from Gatsibo District, reported significant success with the Neptune F1 variety. A single 100-square-meter plot now yields 209kg, a substantial increase from the 100kg produced by previous varieties.
- Jean Damascene Uwiduhaye, a maize farmer, noted the impressive performance of the new hybrids. He reported yields of six tonnes per hectare for RHM1407, five tonnes for RHM1409, and indicated that another variety, WH403, can produce seven to eight tonnes per hectare in favorable seasons.
- Speciose Mukashema, a cassava farmer from Bugesera District, emphasized the transformation brought about by modern techniques and improved varieties. “Farmers had little knowledge about modern techniques,” she stated. “With good agricultural practices and two varieties, Nsizebashonje and Buryohe, we achieved much higher yields after trying many options.”
Vision for the Future of Rwandan Agriculture
Solange Uwituze, State Minister for Agriculture, underscored the vital role of FFS facilitators in disseminating best practices. She noted that the 1,000 trained facilitators have reached 1,600 farmers, encouraging the adoption of high-yielding and climate-resilient seeds. The Minister outlined a bold vision for the future: by 2050, Rwanda aims to have a population of 22 million, with each citizen earning Rwf14 million annually. The agriculture sector is tasked with creating 1.25 million jobs for youth, ensuring 88% of households are food secure, and generating $1.5 billion in export revenue. The success of these resilient seed varieties is a critical step towards achieving these ambitious national objectives.
