MPs call for stronger focus on agricultural skills to boost productivity

By Elias HAKIZIMANA.

Members of Parliament have called for increased investment in agricultural skills development, saying that improving knowledge and training among farmers is key to boosting productivity and strengthening food security in Rwanda.

The call was made during deliberations on the 2026/2027 national budget, which was approved on Thursday, June 11, 2026.

While lawmakers welcomed increased government funding for the agriculture sector, they argued that greater attention should be placed on equipping farmers with practical skills and expanding agricultural education and research.

Deputy Munyangeyo Theogene said that despite ongoing government investment in agriculture, productivity levels in some areas remain low due to gaps in skills and knowledge transfer.

He pointed to dairy farming performance in Nyagatare District, where average milk production is estimated at about 1.6 litres per cow, compared to research-based potential levels of 30 to 40 litres under improved management practices.

“There is a need to strengthen awareness and expand technical and vocational training in agriculture so that farmers can improve productivity,” he said.

Lawmakers emphasized that beyond increasing input subsidies, long-term gains in agricultural output will depend on strengthening extension services, vocational training, and applied research to support modern farming practices.

They said improved skills development would help bridge the gap between existing farming practices and higher productivity potential, particularly in livestock and crop production.

The concerns come as government continues to prioritize agriculture in the national budget as a key driver of economic transformation and food security.