Rwanda champions agriculture research and innovation hubs for food security

By The Inspirer.

Prime Minister Edouard Ngirente emphasized that Rwanda’s agricultural transformation strategy will prioritize the establishment of Agriculture Research and Innovation Hubs (AgriHubs) to boost food security and sustainable agriculture.

Speaking at the conclusion of the Africa Food Systems Forum, held from September 2 to 6 in Kigali, Ngirente highlighted the importance of these hubs in driving innovation within the agricultural sector. The forum brought together policymakers, researchers, and stakeholders to discuss strategies for transforming food systems across Africa.

Agriculture Research and Innovation Hubs, he noted, will serve as collaboration platforms where farmers, innovators, and researchers can jointly develop modern agricultural practices. These hubs will be instrumental in applying innovative approaches to increase productivity, improve resilience to climate change, and enhance the livelihoods of smallholder farmers.

“Rwanda is fully committed to embracing technology, promoting climate-smart agricultural practices, and creating new opportunities for youth in the agriculture sector,” Ngirente said. “Central to our transformation agenda are AgriHubs, which concentrate resources into key production areas, fostering synergies among actors in the agri-food system to accelerate our progress.”

Rwanda has also focused on engaging the private sector to achieve these ambitious goals. Ngirente pointed out that private sector participation is essential for the long-term sustainability of the country’s food system transformation efforts.

“Private sector engagement is crucial,” Ngirente said. “Without their involvement, sustainable growth in our agriculture sector would be difficult to achieve. We have, therefore, created a supportive policy environment and developed critical infrastructures to enable the private sector to play an active role in reshaping our food systems.”

He stressed the importance of including private sector insights in shaping and executing the broader food systems agenda. In line with its Vision 2050, Rwanda remains committed to international development goals, including the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP).

“Our primary focus is on SDG2, which aims to eradicate hunger, ensure food security, and promote sustainable agriculture,” Ngirente remarked. “Our efforts to modernize the production of crops and animal resources, improve market linkages, enhance exports, and ensure food and nutrition security for all Rwandans remain central to our mission.”

Ngirente also highlighted the government’s efforts to de-risk the agriculture sector. These efforts include the implementation of crop and animal insurance schemes, improving access to agricultural finance, and promoting climate-resilient farming practices.

“I want to reiterate Rwanda’s unwavering commitment to engaging the private sector in driving our agri-food systems toward better food security and nutrition for all Rwandans,” he added.

Nelly Mukazayire, Deputy CEO of the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), echoed this sentiment, noting that addressing food insecurity requires looking at the entire value chain, starting with investment in land.

“If we are serious about addressing food insecurity and feeding ourselves, we must consider the entire chain, from the land to the market,” Mukazayire stated.

James Mwangi, CEO of Equity Group, also stressed the importance of commercializing agriculture to unlock its potential. “We need to shift agriculture from being seen as a social sector to a fully commercial sector,” Mwangi said, urging for more investment and market-oriented approaches.

The insights shared during the forum reinforce Rwanda’s strategic approach to achieving food security and position the country as a leader in agricultural innovation on the continent.

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