RICA University steps up fight against soil erosion as Rwanda loses 27 million tonnes of fertile soil annually

By The Inspirer.

The Rwanda Institute for Conservation Agriculture (RICA) says it is intensifying efforts to help Rwanda combat soil erosion and land degradation, amid growing concerns over the country’s declining soil fertility and agricultural productivity.

Located in Gashora Sector, Bugesera District, RICA is currently the only university in Africa specializing exclusively in conservation agriculture — a farming approach designed to protect soil, improve yields, and strengthen resilience to climate change.

Officials at the institution say the university was established in 2019 partly in response to the alarming rate at which Rwanda continues to lose fertile topsoil.

Jean Claude Kayisinga, Director of Development at RICA, says poor farming practices combined with erosion continue to threaten the country’s agricultural future.

“Every year, Rwanda loses nearly 27 million tonnes of topsoil due to erosion. This land degradation costs the country about Rwf810 billion annually,” he said.

He noted that conservation agriculture is increasingly becoming critical not only for protecting farmland, but also for ensuring long-term food security and environmental sustainability.

“Our objective is to help farmers adopt farming methods that preserve soil and protect future generations,” Kayisinga added.

As part of efforts to scale up sustainable agriculture, RICA has signed a four-year partnership agreement with the Ministry of Agriculture to promote conservation farming practices across different parts of the country.

The programme, which begins implementation this year, will focus on practical demonstrations, farmer engagement, and field-based learning to encourage adoption of soil conservation techniques.

Kayisinga says farmers are more likely to embrace the approach once they witness visible results from demonstration farms and research plots.

“We want farmers to first see the impact with their own eyes. That is how they gain confidence in these practices,” he said.

According to RICA, some farmers who have already adopted conservation agriculture are beginning to report reduced production costs and improved farm efficiency.

“One farmer told us he used to spend around Rwf10,000 per farming season on his field, but after adopting soil conservation practices, his costs dropped to nearly Rwf6,000,” Kayisinga explained.

Students at the university say the skills they are acquiring could play a major role in transforming Rwanda’s agricultural sector and reducing losses linked to erosion.

Jean Bosco Irahari, a second-year student at RICA, says he grew up witnessing severe soil erosion in Gicumbi District, where heavy rains frequently swept away crops and fertile soil from hillsides.

“In some cases, erosion destroyed entire harvests and left farmers with huge losses. Fertile soil would end up in valleys after every rainy season,” he said.

He believes conservation agriculture offers practical and long-term solutions to those challenges.

“Now we are learning techniques that can significantly reduce erosion and help farmers protect their land,” he added.

Another student, Christelle Micyomyiza, says graduates from RICA have a responsibility to help transform mindsets around sustainable agriculture.

“Many farmers still do not fully understand the benefits of conservation agriculture. Our role will be to work alongside communities and demonstrate how these practices can improve productivity while protecting the environment,” she said.

RICA has already launched farmer outreach and training programmes in Rweru and Gashora sectors in Bugesera District, as well as in parts of Kirehe and Gakenke districts.

The university says the initiative will gradually expand nationwide as Rwanda strengthens efforts to promote climate-smart agriculture and sustainable land management.

Built on nearly 1,400 hectares, RICA uses most of its land for experimental farming, research, and practical conservation agriculture activities, with only a small portion occupied by infrastructure.