District Mayors across the country last week presented their draft performance targets – locally known as Imihigo for the next fiscal year. The highlight of Imihigo is that all district mayors plan to increase agricultural production as part of efforts to uplift people out of poverty.The performance targets come at an opportune time. This financial year, government plans to spend 50 per cent of the entire Rwf1.6 trillion budget on development activities planned under the second phase of the Economic Development and Poverty Eradication Strategy (EDPRS II).The money is expected to contribute to economic transformation which was allocated (Rwf 459 billion), rural development, (Rwf 164 billion), productivity and youth employment (Rwf 163 billion) as well as accountable governance (Rwf41billion).This 50 per cent is a lot of money and an opportunity to do things well. What is critical is ensuring proper planning to strategically monitor the implementation.The issue of food security should feature prominently on the agenda. This should cover things like providing better seed varieties, and promotion of modern farming methods for sustainable food production.Apart from land consolidation which seem to be bearing fruits, other best practices including access to credit for inputs, market, improved seeds, fertilisers, pesticides and equipments need to be considered if we are to realise increased production.Besides, moving farmers from subsistence to commercial farming, it is vital in the quest to increase food security and farmers’ income. There is need for a deliberate plan for value addition and sourcing sustainable markets for farmers. Also, narrowing the gap between the local leaders and the residents for proper planning is critical in project implementation.
