Harnessing technology to reduce food waste: Key to Rwanda’s climate-resilient agriculture

By Elias Hakizimana.

At the 2nd Rwanda Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) Conference, industry leaders, researchers, and policymakers gathered to explore the transformative role of technology in agriculture.

The two-day event, which began on September 23, 2024, centered on reducing food waste and loss. Under the theme “Promoting Climate-Resilient Agriculture through Science, Technology, and Innovation for Improved Food Security and Nutrition,” the conference highlighted how emerging technologies can boost productivity while addressing environmental challenges.

Dr. Eugene Mutimura, Executive Secretary of the National Council for Science and Technology (NCST) emphasized the urgent need for innovative solutions to climate-induced agricultural challenges.

“As climate change continues to disrupt traditional farming practices, harnessing science, technology, and innovation is essential to ensure food systems remain resilient. A key part of this is reducing food waste and loss to maximize agricultural yields,” Dr. Mutimura stated.

During the event’s panel discussion on “Policy Integration and Effectiveness for Climate-Resilient Agriculture,” Dr. Telesphore Ndabamenye, Director General of the Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Board (RAB), pointed to the alarming rate of food waste.

Currently, an estimated 40% of agricultural production is lost before reaching the market, largely due to inefficient post-harvest handling and storage. He stressed the importance of policy-driven solutions that integrate climate resilience into agricultural practices to counteract food losses caused by droughts, pests, and soil erosion.

Technology at the forefront of food waste reduction

The application of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), biotechnology, and big data was highlighted as a transformative force in modernizing Rwanda’s agricultural systems.

Speaking on the potential of AI to reduce post-harvest losses, keynote speaker Dr. Hakizumwami Birali Runesham from the University of Chicago discussed how AI-driven predictive models can help farmers make real-time decisions to optimize harvest times, minimize waste, and improve storage practices.

Prof. Alfred Bizoza from the University of Rwanda underscored the critical role of climate-smart agriculture in reducing food waste. He argued that precise farming techniques, enabled by technology, can help minimize post-harvest losses by accurately assessing soil health, moisture levels, and pest risks, thus reducing overproduction and spoilage.

Enhancing collaboration and innovation

The conference emphasized collaboration between public and private sectors as well as academia. Dr. Canisius Kanangire, Executive Director of the African Agriculture Technology Foundation (AATF), advocated for the development of more efficient food processing and storage technologies to curtail losses across the supply chain.

“Innovative technologies in storage and preservation can reduce spoilage, ensuring more food reaches markets,” Dr. Kanangire explained.

Experts also called for stronger policies that promote the adoption of these technologies, particularly among small-scale farmers, who struggle with access and affordability.

Prof. Eugenie Kayitesi from the University of Pretoria noted the difficulties rural farmers face in integrating advanced technologies.

“We need to make these technologies more accessible to ensure inclusive growth,” she emphasized.

A future-oriented approach to agriculture

The conference also spotlighted the future of food security, with experts agreeing that reducing food loss is vital for Rwanda to achieve its agricultural goals.

Minister of Agriculture and Animal Resources, Dr. Ildephonse Musafiri, highlighted the importance of boosting yields while simultaneously minimizing waste.

“The key to food security is not just increasing production but also reducing losses. By employing cost-effective irrigation systems and advanced post-harvest handling techniques, we can ensure that Rwanda meets the growing demand for food,” he remarked.

Participants at the conference voiced optimism that the strategic use of technology in agriculture would propel Rwanda closer to achieving its goal of zero hunger, as outlined in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The discussions held at the 2nd Rwanda STI Conference reaffirmed the critical role that technology, innovation, and collaborative policies play in reducing food waste, ensuring a sustainable future for agriculture, and boosting food security for Rwanda and the world.

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