The Rwanda Institute for Conservation Agriculture (RICA) on March 28, hosted Rwanda’s first-ever Conservation Agriculture Symposium, bringing together key stakeholders to assess the impact of soil conservation, discuss Rwanda’s progress in adopting conservation agriculture from small to large-scale farming, and disseminate lessons to sustain food security for future generations. ALSO READ: Key to preserving Rwanda’s food security lies in the soil Organised in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources (MINAGRI), Mennonite Central Committee (MCC), and the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), the symposium aimed to transition from dialogue to actionable strategies that can drive conservation agriculture forward. Selected for their experience and dedication to Rwanda’s food security, participants explored effective methods to encourage national-scale adoption of conservation agriculture. The symposium in particular displayed a Rwanda-specific approach to conservation agriculture, with strategies tailored to the country’s unique agro-ecological zones. Participants also drew insights from regional experiences, such as the “Centre for No-Till Agriculture” in Ghana, to enhance and refine Rwanda’s efforts in conservation farming. Discussions under the theme “Enhancing Stakeholder Collaboration to Drive Conservation Agriculture Adoption” also focused on field experiences, practitioner perspectives, institutionalising and scaling conservation agriculture through extension systems, policy and advocacy, and the use of conservation agriculture tools. Platforms for effective coordination among stakeholders were also a key agenda item. ALSO READ: Rwanda banks on conservation farming, more terraces to control erosion Magnifique Ndambe Nzaramba, the Deputy Vice Chancellor of Extension and Applied Research at RICA, explained key principles of conservation while emphasising the importance of scientific approaches to conservation farming, particularly in soil health and climate resilience. “One of the key principles is minimising soil disturbance. This includes using no-till or minimum-till methods to plant and control weeds without plowing the soil. Keeping the soil undisturbed helps increase soil organic matter, preserves soil structure, improves water retention, and reduces soil erosion,” he explained. “Maintaining soil cover at all times is another principle that includes planting cover crops to cover the soil between seasons, leaving leftover residues like leaves and stalks in the field after harvesting, and putting down mulch where available. Covering the soil increases soil organic matter, limits erosion and nutrient run-off, and helps the soil retain moisture, which enables farmers to be more resilient in times of drought,” he said. “Similarly, planting a diverse range of crops may include using crop rotation, or planting different crops in alternating seasons, or intercropping, which involves planting multiple crops in an orderly manner in the same field during the same season. Crop diversification benefits soil fertility and soil structure and is linked to higher yields. It can also help stop the spread of pests and diseases,” he added. However, Ndambe mentioned other important practices farmers can take to integrate conservation agriculture into every aspect of their operations, including “applying soil nutrients conscientiously, using precision with crop protection products especially through Integrated Pest Management (IPM) techniques, managing water resources, integrating crops and livestock, and minimising environmental impacts.” Rwanda on right path, but not yet there The government has already laid a solid foundation by integrating conservation agriculture as a strategic pillar into the Strategic Plan for Agriculture Transformation (PSTA 5). Building on this framework, a national-level adoption will require a coordinated approach involving government agencies, the private sector, international partners, and civil society. “We consider conservation a key pillar in our agricultural efforts. Currently, only 1,100 hectares are under conservation. However, during the PSTA5 period, we aim to expand this to 100,000 hectares. Given the country’s hilly terrain and the resulting susceptibility to erosion, conservation is an urgent priority,” said Patrick Karangwa, the Director General of Agriculture Modernisation at MINAGRI. “We encourage farmers to start conservation by retaining the remains of harvested crops and incorporating them into the soil. The more these residues are left on the farm, the richer the soil becomes in nutrients and eventually eliminating the need for fertilisers, whether chemical or organic. This process doesn’t happen overnight but develops gradually,” he explained. As part of efforts to educate farmers, Karangwa said that MINAGRI, through RAB, has introduced ‘Demonstration Plots’ as models for farmers. This campaign is being implemented nationwide to promote conservation practices. Richard Makuza, the Climate-Smart Agriculture Expert and Programme Policy Officer at WFP Rwanda, said that “in addition to intervening during disasters, droughts, and floods”, they have been “supporting over 127,000 smallholder farmers in more than 425 cooperatives across the country to be able to access premium markets and proper post-harvest handling”. Recognising the impact of climate change, WFP has also been working with the government to build farmers’ resilience, enbaling them to continue producing even in challenging conditions. Given these efforts, conservation agriculture is a promising solution. “That’s why we have mobilised funds to support conservation agriculture plus projects. We started with pilot initiatives in five districts and are now entering a new phase of supporting programmes aligned with the targets of PSTA5,” he added. ALSO READ: Conservation agriculture: Farmers advised on ‘smart’ way to boost crop production Thomas Habanabakize, the Food and Security Coordinator at Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) Rwanda, a non-governmental organisation focused on relief, development, and peace, said that it has been actively supporting conservation agriculture initiatives. One of its key programmes is the promotion of “Farm Field Schools” which have been established across the country. Each school gathers 30 farmers who receive training and then apply their knowledge on their farms while also training five of their neighbours. “We take representatives, train them, and they, in turn, train others. Over the past 10 years, this approach has been yielding positive results. We are currently working in nine districts, including Nyaruguru, Nyamagabe, Karongi, and Rutsiro, and we are considering expanding to Kayonza, Ruhango, Burera, and other areas. Most of the farmers we have worked with have seen an increase in their yields,” he said. Jonas Gakuba, a farmer from Nasho Sector in Kirehe District, adopted conservation agriculture and irrigation, a decision he describes as both exemplary and inspiring. He is a member of the Nasho Irrigation Cooperative (NAICO), which specialises in maize and beans farming. Gakuba stated, “Before adopting conservation agriculture in 2018, my yields were unpredictable due to soil degradation. I could only harvest one tonne of maize and 800 kilogrammes of beans per hectare. Today, my farm is thriving, and my production has increased to six tonnes or more per hectare”.
