Located in the Congo–Nile Divide and endowed with highly productive forests and wetlands, Rwanda has extremely high levels of biodiversity. The country enjoys a large diversity of crops and livestock that is grown and kept in integrated mixed farming systems. Agriculture is the main economic activity in Rwanda, providing about 66% of employment and accounting for about 26% of the gross domestic product (GDP) that translates to about a third; 5% contribution to the National GDP growth (MINAGRI, Annual report 2020-2021).

The sector faces many challenges: land degradation, decreasing soil fertility and soil erosion, heightened by the fact that around 90 percent of Rwandan territory lies on slopes; and vulnerability to climate shocks since Rwandan agriculture is largely rain-fed. In addition, the outbreak of diseases and pests threatens crops, livestock, bees, trees, and fish, resulting in reduced performance of traditional crops and livestock breeds.

Where do we work?

ACP MEAs activities are implemented in the Northern Province (Musanze and Rulindo Districts), the Western Province (Nyabihu and Rubavu Districts) and the Eastern Province (Rwamagana and Bugesera Districts). 

Agrobiodiversity

• A consultative policy workshop was organized to promote biodiversity into national agricultural policies and strategies.
• Support the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources (MINAGRI) with the revision of the Strategic Plan for Agriculture Transformation (PSTA 4) and the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP).

Highly Hazardous Pesticides

• Study for identification of HHPs use in the country completed.

Farmer Field Schools

• Creation of 12 Farmer Field School (FFS) groups, with 235 farmers (130 female and 105 male) in the 6 selected districts.  
• Training and guidance with the application of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) techniques is offered.

• Collaboration with the Institute of Policy Analysis and Research (IPAR-Rwanda), for developing an assessment on how conservation, sustainability and biodiversity is being included in national agricultural policies and strategies.
• A study with the University of Rwanda about HHPs and the risks for human and environmental health is ongoing and possible risk mitigation measures will be proposed.
• Partnership with Rwanda Organic Agriculture Movement (ROAM) to build farmers capacity on requirements and compliance with Participatory Guarantee System (PGS) and market linkages for certification schemes.
• Trainings to farmers with the collaboration of African Institute for Economic and Social Development (INADES) and FFS organization on agroecological practices.
• A workshop to update the curriculum of the national agricultural extension programme (Twigire muhinzi) to integrate agrobiodiversity modules.