Prime Minister Justin Nsengiyumva has urged graduates of the Rwanda Institute for Conservation Agriculture (RICA) to lead the country's agricultural transformation by applying modern conservation practices and technological innovations. Speaking at RICA’s third graduation ceremony held at the Bugesera campus on September 19, the premier commended the 83 graduates from the Class of 2025 for their academic achievement and underscored their critical role in advancing Rwanda’s agricultural agenda. “Today, you are not just receiving degrees; you are receiving a call to service,” Nsengiyumva told the graduates. ALSO READ: PHOTOS: RICA inspires youth to pursue agriculture career – PM Ngirente Increasing agricultural productivity Referring to the second phase of the National Strategy for Transformation (NST2), Nsengiyumva reaffirmed the government's commitment to increasing by 50 per cent the productivity of priority food crops in order to ensure food security, self-sufficiency, and competitiveness in export markets. According to the Fifth Strategic Plan for Agriculture Transformation (PSTA 5), the government projects to increase annual agricultural export revenues from $839.2 million in 2023/2024 to over $1.5 billion (over Rwf2 trillion) by 2028/2029, representing a 78.7 per cent increase. “To achieve this, we are investing in transforming agriculture into a more productive, market-oriented, and sustainable sector,” Nsengiyumva said. “As experts in conservation agriculture, you are well-positioned to drive this transformation by applying modern conservation practices and agri-tech innovation.” ALSO READ: Rwanda bets on agriculture institute to drive up innovation The graduates specialised in four areas, namely animal production systems, crop production systems, food processing systems, and irrigation and mechanistion systems. Conservation agriculture, the Prime Minister said, represents a viable pathway for Rwanda to achieve environmental sustainability and long-term resilience. “By improving soil health, it enhances agricultural productivity, increases farm efficiency and profitability, and contributes significantly to food security and the improvement of rural livelihoods,” he observed. Nsengiyumva praised RICA’s teaching approach and the role of international partnerships, particularly the Howard Buffett Foundation, in shaping the next generation of agricultural leaders. “In partnership with esteemed organisations such as the Howard Buffett Foundation, the Government has committed substantial resources to RICA, with the deliberate aim of developing a new generation of competent and dedicated leaders, poised to transform the agricultural sector,” he stated. Marie Mediatrice Rutwaza Mujawimana, the top graduate in the Class of 2025, expressed her excitement and sense of accomplishment. “She said that they studied core principles like minimum tillage and soil cover, and how these boost yields, and also learned about ecology and how agriculture connects to the broader ecosystem, including water bodies, soil, and biodiversity. Specialising in Crop Production Systems, which includes conservation agriculture, Mujawimana shared her vision for applying her training to support farmers, especially in rural areas for the country to achieve its agricultural putout target. “I really need to reach those farmers in rural areas, tell them about conservation agriculture, teach them so that they know its importance and how it's going to improve their production, she said. If we start from the farmers, smallholder farmers, we are really going to make that change and achieve that target,” she said, underscoring the importance of agriculture mechanisation and irrigation technologies. She emphasised that RICA’s hands-on training – including experiments and fieldwork – proved the impact of conservation agriculture in real-world conditions. A generation of change-makers In his remarks, Olusegun Yerokun, RICA Interim Vice Chancellor, underscored the urgency of building resilient, sustainable food systems in the face of major global challenges, such as climate change, soil degradation, population growth, and post-harvest losses. “We can no longer rely on methods that degrade our soils, deplete water sources, and compromise environmental and human health,” he said. He commended the Class of 2025 for completing a rigorous, hands-on programme that equipped them to be problem-solvers and innovators in agriculture. “You are game changers. Your generation understands the urgency and the need for bold, innovative solutions, said Yerokun. So, go and implement, lead, and promote conservation agricultural practices; develop and adapt new technologies; advocate for sustainable policies; and inspire and educate communities.” He also conveyed a message from Howard Buffett, who was unable to attend the ceremony, reaffirming RICA’s partnership with the Government of Rwanda. Since its inception, RICA has graduated 242 professionals skilled in conservation agriculture and entrepreneurship. “Through our extension programme, we continue to partner with local communities to develop conservation agriculture model farmers. The positive response that we have recorded highlights the potential of these initiatives,” he stated. “For us, conservation agriculture is more than just a set of techniques; it embodies a philosophy of building resilient farming systems prepared for a changing world. Prioritising soil health is vital to creating a sustainable future we can all be proud of.”
