A shift from bare hands, rusty hoes, and machetes—along with outdated farming techniques—to modern methods using mechanized equipment and smart technologies would be the ace of spades in revolutionizing Rwanda’s agriculture sector. As a conservation agriculture graduate specialized in agricultural mechanization systems, my dream is that Rwanda will fully embrace this transformation, and I’m prepared to play an active role in making it a reality. ALSO READ: Rwanda’s rice imports top $300m: Will local farmers cash in? In Rwanda, farming-related drudgery can be witnessed across all ages and districts. The National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda (NISR) reported in 2022 that only 0.8% of agricultural plots are mechanized, while the rest are ploughed by hand using hoes. In addition to backbreaking labor, the lack of mechanization leads to costly and delayed farming operations, low yields, reduced efficiency, and numerous other challenges. These issues limit the local food supply and reduce Rwanda’s agricultural export revenues by significantly lowering productivity. ALSO READ: How Rwanda plans to generate $1.5bn in agricultural exports The Government of Rwanda, together with development partners, has made notable efforts toward agricultural transformation, particularly agricultural mechanization. On December 6, 2024, the nation launched its Fifth Strategic Plan for Agriculture Transformation (PSTA 5) under the theme “Building Resilient and Sustainable Agri-Food Systems”. One of its priority areas is modernization of agriculture and animal resources production. This is a clear signal that the country recognizes the need for change; however, recognition alone is not enough. Mechanization must move from being a policy aspiration to becoming the foundation of a true agricultural revolution. ALSO READ: A look at Rwanda’s top 10 imports valued at Rwf2.8tn Farming plays a significant role in agri-food systems, employing up to 3.5 million farmers of which 1.78 million derive their main livelihood from subsistence farming, and 1.72 million are market oriented. ALSO READ: Key to preserving Rwanda’s food security lies in the soil The sector is not only the backbone of Rwanda but also the heartbeat of its economy. A 2023 labour force survey indicates that the sector employs up to 3.5 million farmers, including 1.72 million market-oriented producers, a significant proportion of whom are from the aging population. This sector holds the potential to be a goldmine for economic growth. Yet, over the years, farming has become less attractive. Many farmers feel discouraged, burdened by the physically exhausting nature of the work and their inability to realize meaningful profits. Inefficient, time-consuming manual practices have kept productivity low, forcing many households to rely on external income sources to make ends meet. ALSO READ: Rwanda pilots e-tractors seeking to boost modern farming From land preparation and planting to weeding, harvesting, and transportation, most farming in Rwanda is still done manually. This approach is not only labour-intensive but also highly inefficient. For instance, planting one hectare of land typically takes five people four to six days—whereas a mechanized planter can complete the same task in under an hour, delivering straight rows, accurate spacing, and uniform depth. Embracing mechanization technologies presents a clear path to transforming Rwanda’s farming systems, boosting productivity, and making agriculture a more attractive and profitable profession. Of course, there are gaps to fill. Financial resources remain scarce, and awareness among farmers is still limited. Rwanda’s diverse geography poses challenges, but these are no longer too great to be overcome. Advances in technology mean we can now choose tailored mechanization solutions for different terrains, from lightweight two-wheel tractors for small hillside plots to mid-range and heavy-duty machinery for larger fields. We can also design our mechanization strategy with sustainability at its core through employing clean and regenerative energy sources, integrating conservation agriculture practices, and reducing the environmental footprint of farming. Land fragmentation, often seen as a barrier, can be addressed through cooperative models that allow farmers to share equipment and consolidate operations for greater efficiency. Imagine a Rwanda where smallholder farmers can prepare their land with tractors instead of hoes, plant with precision seeders instead of spreading seeds by hand, and harvest with efficient machinery instead of spending days in the field with machetes and sickles. Whether it’s ploughing, planting, weeding, or harvesting, mechanization has the power to save time, reduce labour costs, and multiply productivity. From my perspective, mechanization is not just about machines – it is about dignity, opportunity, and the future. It is about freeing farmers from the cycle of exhausting labour, unlocking the potential of every hectare in Rwanda, and making agriculture a career that young people aspire to join. It is about ensuring that Rwanda’s soil works for the people, not against them. For investors, mechanization in Rwanda’s agriculture should be seen as a high-potential sector, where investment returns and profits are inevitable. For national and international agencies, mechanization offers a direct path to empowering rural communities and reducing poverty. For ordinary citizens, it offers the hope of safe, affordable, and consistently available food on their tables. Therefore, with target investment, community engagement, and the will to innovate, the story of our agriculture will not remain one of scarcity. Instead, it will become a story of resilience, abundance, and pride. The author is a graduate of Rwanda Institute of Conservation Agriculture (RICA), an internationally recognized, accredited higher education institute that specializes in conservation agriculture, entrepreneurship, and innovation.
