Rwanda trains over 100 farmer facilitators to boost crop and livestock productivity

By Boris Prince Cyubahiro.

Kigali, December 30, 2025 — Rwanda has intensified efforts to modernize agriculture and strengthen food security after more than 100 farmer facilitators graduated from a national training program aimed at increasing crop and livestock productivity through climate-smart and innovative practices.

The facilitators completed training under the Farmer Field School program, implemented by the Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB) in partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the University of Rwanda.

Speaking at the graduation ceremony, the Minister of State in the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources, Dr. Uwituze Solange, called on the graduates to act as change agents in their communities and translate the knowledge gained into tangible results.

“These facilitators are expected to ensure that we no longer see diseased crops, stunted plants or poorly managed livestock in the districts where they operate. This is a responsibility you carry on behalf of the Government of Rwanda,” Dr. Uwituze said.

The training was conducted under the Capacity for Innovation in Rwanda project, which focuses on building technical capacity, fostering innovation and promoting climate-resilient agriculture. The project was implemented in Bugesera, Ruhango, Burera, Rutsiro, Gatsibo and Nyagatare districts.

Participants were trained in improved crop production, sustainable livestock management and climate-smart practices designed to mitigate the effects of climate change across selected agricultural value chains.

The Acting Director General of RAB, Dr. Florence Uwamahoro, said early results from the project indicate significant gains, particularly in dairy and pig farming.

She noted that livestock keepers were trained in forage conservation techniques such as silage, efficient use of crop residues to produce mineral feed blocks, and disease prevention measures, including vaccination against foot-and-mouth disease.

“These interventions have improved animal nutrition and health, leading to increased milk production and overall livestock productivity,” Dr. Uwamahoro said.

In pig farming, she added, farmers were trained in artificial insemination and the production of nutrient-rich alternative feeds, including insect-based protein, which have helped boost productivity in both pig and poultry farming.

Graduates of the program say the training has already had a measurable impact on their farming outcomes.

Mukambiranya Marie Jose, one of the facilitators, said her crop yields have nearly quadrupled since adopting the techniques taught during the training.

“Before the training, I harvested about 70 kilograms per are using traditional methods. Today, I harvest up to 270 kilograms per are after applying professional farming practices,” she said.

The government says the trained facilitators will continue working closely with farmers in their communities to scale up best practices, improve productivity and contribute to national food security and agricultural transformation goals.