RFC, One Acre Fund Partner to bring customised fertilisers to smallholder farmers

For smallholder farmers, healthier soils mean higher yields and incomes, and greater resilience. On February 23, Rwanda Fertilizer Company (RFC) and One Acre Fund (OAF) took a step to that end by signing an agreement to scale customised fertilisers and strengthen last-mile delivery nationwide. Signed at RFC’s fertiliser blending facility in the Bugesera Special Economic Zone, the new Memorandum of Understanding marks a decisive shift from one-size-fits-all fertiliser formulation toward soil-specific solutions powered by national soil intelligence, local industrial production, and strengthened last-mile delivery, according to parties to the agreement. ALSO READ: How Rwanda’s new fertiliser plant could boost agriculture The partnership, they said in a statement, reinforces their joint ambition to scale Rwanda’s fertiliser customisation journey while strengthening last-mile delivery of soil-specific solutions to smallholder farmers. It represents a critical link between national soil intelligence, local industrial production of fertiliser, and last-mile farmer access, positioning customised fertilisers as a practical and scalable lever for agricultural transformation and food security in Rwanda, they observed. A shared vision for sustainable and inclusive agriculture Through this partnership, RFC and One Acre Fund reaffirm their shared commitment to building resilient agricultural systems that place farmers, soil health, science, fertiliser customisation, and last-mile distribution at the centre of productivity growth. The MoU establishes a long-term framework for collaboration focused on: Developing localised, science-based soil health solutions Scaling affordable, customised fertiliser formulations Strengthening farmer extension, training, adoption, and last-mile distribution Supporting evidence-based policy dialogue at national level. ALSO READ: Rwanda Fertilizer Company launches customised blends to boost yields By combining RFC’s customisation expertise, industrial capabilities, and soil science knowledge with One Acre Fund’s extensive farmer network and last-mile field-based extension model, the partnership seeks to unlock higher yields, improved soil fertility, and long-term resilience for Rwanda’s smallholder farmers, according to the statement. ALSO READ: Over 71,000 farmers get fertilizers, seeds on credit from One Acre Fund-TUBURA From soil data to farmer impact At the core of the MoU is a shared ambition to translate soil intelligence into practical, farmer-ready customised solutions, the parties observed. The collaboration will deploy data-driven soil health programmes, including soil fertility mapping, localised lime recommendations, and fertiliser blends tailored to Rwanda’s diverse agro-ecological zones. Building on insights from the Rwanda Soil Information System (RwaSIS) and in close alignment with national institutions such as the Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB), RFC and OAF will jointly promote a new generation of locally adapted fertiliser blends, for example, Twihaze, Ongera, and Ongera . These products are designed to enhance nutrient efficiency, correct soil constraints, and improve farmer productivity, while remaining affordable and accessible through coordinated last-mile delivery. Scaling customised fertilisers through local production and last mile distribution Under the MoU, RFC will ensure the production and supply of customised blended fertilisers at its Bugesera facility, while One Acre Fund will support distribution, farmer engagement, and performance monitoring through its trusted extension network. Joint field demonstrations, RFC Field Days, and farmer trainings will play a key role in accelerating adoption and embedding best agronomic practices at scale. This collaboration reflects a broader shift away from one-size-fits-all fertiliser recommendations toward precision and customised nutrition solutions aligned with Rwanda’s soil realities, farmer needs, and long-term sustainability goals. Strengthening Rwanda’s agricultural ecosystem through partnership Beyond product deployment, the MoU creates a platform for joint innovation, learning, and advocacy. RFC and OAF will explore collaborative trials, soil health campaigns, and future digital or GIS-enabled advisory services, while contributing to national knowledge platforms and policy dialogue on fertiliser markets and soil fertility management. “This partnership with One Acre Fund reflects our shared belief that sustainable productivity starts with healthy soils and farmer-centric, customised solutions delivered through effective last-mile engagement,” said Anass Khanchoufi, the Managing Director of RFC. “By combining local production, soil science, and last-mile farmer engagement, we are laying the foundations for a more resilient and efficient agricultural system in Rwanda.” About Rwanda Fertilizer Company (RFC) Rwanda Fertilizer Company Ltd (RFC) is a joint venture between OCP Africa, the Agaciro Fund, and APTC. Incorporated in 2019, RFC is headquartered in Kigali and operates a state-of-the-art fertiliser blending plant in the Bugesera Special Economic Zone. With an annual production capacity of 100,000 tonnes, RFC is a leading provider of customised fertiliser solutions in the country, dedicated to improving soil health, boosting farmer productivity, and supporting Rwanda’s agricultural transformation. :

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RFC, One Acre Fund Partner to bring customised fertilisers to smallholder farmers