Govt to revitalize over 4000 hectares of coffee plantations by 2028

The Rwandan government has unveiled an ambitious plan to rejuvenate 4,132 hectares of aging coffee plantations by 2028, marking a significant step toward revitalizing the country’s coffee sector. Spearheaded by the National Agricultural Export Development Board (NAEB), the initiative aims to replace 3,050 hectares of coffee trees that are over 30 years old and rehabilitate an additional 1,082 hectares. The project, known as ‘Promoting Smallholder Agro-Export Competitiveness’ (PSAC), will focus on six key coffee-growing districts: Nyamasheke, Rusizi, Karongi, Huye, Nyamagabe, and Ruhango. ALSO READ: Govt to provide over 25 million seedlings for coffee rejuvenation Claude Bizimana, the Chief Executive Officer of NAEB, told The New Times that the PSAC project, which is set to run from 2024 to 2028, will rehabilitate 100 hectares and replace 543 hectares of aging coffee trees in its first year alone. NAEB is preparing approximately 1.56 million coffee seedlings for distribution, ensuring that each district receives a proportionate share to meet its rejuvenation targets. “These districts collectively house over 40% of Rwanda’s aging coffee trees, making them central to the rejuvenation efforts,” Bizimana explained. Nyamasheke leads the rejuvenation efforts Among the six districts, Nyamasheke stands out with the largest number of hectares set for rehabilitation and replacement. Joseph Désiré Muhayeyezu, Vice Mayor of Nyamasheke in charge of Economic Development, highlighted the district's commitment to sustainable farming practices and improving farmers' access to resources. ALSO READ: Replacing aging trees to boost Rwanda’s coffee exports Through the PSAC project, Nyamasheke will replace 1,107 hectares with high-yielding varieties such as RAB C15 and rehabilitate an additional 393 hectares. The goal is to increase yields significantly, reaching 7-8 kg per tree. “Our district has a long history of coffee farming, with generations of farmers honing their skills. However, many of our plantations are aging, which reduces their productivity and makes them more susceptible to diseases. The rejuvenation efforts will not only boost yields but also improve the livelihoods of our farmers,” Muhayeyezu added. Economic viability and sector challenges Despite the challenges posed by aging coffee trees, some still yield between 0.5 and 2 kg per tree. However, with production costs estimated at 250 Rwf per kg, trees producing less than 1 kg per tree are not profitable for farmers. ALSO READ: Rwanda moves to replace aging coffee trees, boost production Muhayeyezu emphasized the need for a new census to capture the latest developments in the coffee sector and provide a clearer picture of both challenges and opportunities. In neighboring Rusizi, Japhet Habimana, an officer at the Cooperative des Cafeiculteurs de Gishoma (COCAGI), echoed similar concerns. He noted that aging coffee trees have led to a production gap. “For instance, the Karenge cooperative supplies only 600 metric tons, while the local coffee washing station has capacity to process up to 1,000 metric tons,” Habimana explained. Nationwide coffee tree census To better understand the state of the coffee sector and guide future interventions, NAEB will launch a nationwide coffee tree census starting on February 27. The 60-day exercise will utilize advanced technology, including Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and drones, to map the number, age, and distribution of coffee trees, assess their production capacity, and evaluate farmers' conditions. ALSO READ: Why institutions should embrace GIS services in data collection “The census will involve field surveys, interviews with farmers, and the use of GIS and drone technology to map coffee plantations accurately. The data collected will be critical for making informed decisions and formulating policies aimed at improving coffee production and sustainability,” Bizimana explained. Economic impact of coffee on Rwanda’s economy Rwanda’s coffee sector is a crucial pillar of the economy, contributing significantly to export revenue. Over the past seven years, the country has exported 97,123 tonnes of processed coffee, generating $530 million in foreign exchange earnings. Under the current National Strategy for Transformation (NST2), Rwanda aims to export more than 140,000 metric tons of coffee, generating over $529.5 million. ALSO READ: How Rwanda's coffee exports generated over $450m in six years “With coffee cultivation spanning nearly every district in Rwanda, covering an area of up to 42,000 hectares, the rejuvenation plan is expected to have a far-reaching impact. The last enumeration in 2015 showed that approximately 350,000 farmers were engaged in coffee cultivation, and this number is expected to grow as the rejuvenation efforts take shape,” Bizimana concluded.

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Govt to revitalize over 4000 hectares of coffee plantations by 2028