For generations, the rhythmic churn of the plough has been the soundtrack to Rwandan agriculture, a tradition as ingrained as the red earth itself. But a radical rethink is taking root across the verdant hills, spearheaded by the Rwanda Institute for Conservation Agriculture (RICA) and the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources (MINAGRI)—their audacious goal: to cultivate 100,000 hectares of land using a revolutionary approach – no ploughing required.
This isn’t some fleeting agricultural fad; experts believe this bold shift towards conservation agriculture could fundamentally reshape Rwandan farming. By leaving the soil undisturbed, proponents argue, the land will retain its precious fertility, erosion will be dramatically curtailed, and yields could even surge. The message is clear: sometimes, the secret to a richer harvest lies not in turning the earth, but in respecting its delicate balance.
RICA and MINAGRI have rallied a formidable coalition of stakeholders, all committed to establishing sustainable farming methods that nurture the soil without the need for aggressive intervention, such as ploughing. Leaders from institutions integral to MINAGRI’s ambitious Strategic Plan for Agriculture Transformation (PSTA 5) have pledged their allegiance to these conservation agriculture principles.
The gravity of this agricultural sea change was underscored at Rwanda’s first-ever National Conservation Agriculture Symposium, a gathering of agricultural luminaries, government officials, private sector players, and seasoned farmers. Hosted at RICA, the symposium, a joint effort by RICA, MINAGRI, the Mennonite Central Committee (MCC), and the UN World Food Programme (WFP), was a crucible for forging strategies to safeguard Rwanda’s soil fertility for generations to come.
Dr. Ndambe Nzaramba Magnifique, RICA’s Deputy Director for Research and Conservation Agriculture, delivered a stark warning: for Rwanda’s soil to remain a source of bounty, the era of deep ploughing and relentless cultivation must end. The future, he argued, lies in a gentle touch – covering the soil with the remnants of past harvests and embracing the wisdom of crop rotation.
“One of the key principles of conservation agriculture is to avoid frequent tilling, as it dries out the soil and depletes its nutrients,” Dr. Nzaramba explained. The new gospel of the fields advocates for minimal soil disturbance – no-till and minimum-till techniques for planting and weed control, methods that respect the soil’s intricate ecosystem rather than upending it entirely. This approach, he asserted, will foster soil biodiversity, enhance its capacity to hold precious water, and act as a bulwark against the relentless march of erosion.
The second pillar of this agricultural revolution is the unwavering commitment to keeping the soil cloaked. Cover crops, the deliberate leaving of crop residues, and the strategic use of mulch are the new tools in the farmer’s arsenal. Dr. Nzaramba emphasized the vital role of this protective layer in stifling erosion, locking in essential nutrients, and preserving moisture – a critical defense against the increasing threat of drought. “You should always cover the soil with plant residues after harvesting,” he advised. “Additionally, when planting, seeds should not be buried deeper than five centimeters to ensure proper germination.”
The final tenet of this transformative approach is the strategic dance of crop diversification. Crop rotation and intercropping are hailed as powerful allies in the fight for soil fertility, natural pest and disease control, and ultimately, increased productivity. By breaking the cycle of monocropping, farmers can revitalize their land and reap richer rewards.
RICA and the WFP have pledged their unwavering support to the government in championing these soil-friendly farming methods, a united front against the creeping threat of land degradation and fertility loss. Dr. Nzaramba offered a tantalizing glimpse of the potential rewards: when these techniques are diligently applied – the soil covered, the plough abandoned, and quality seeds sown – farm yields could multiply five to sixfold.
For Rwandan farmers, particularly women who have traditionally borne the brunt of the back-breaking labour of ploughing, this new era promises not only greater yields but also a liberation of time and resources. Jonas Gakuba, a pioneering farmer from the Nasho Sector, attests to the transformative power of these methods. “Our soil is no longer losing fertility because we practice crop rotation and use mulch,” he shared. “Conservation agriculture has significantly reduced farming costs since we no longer need to plough large fields or weed extensively.”
MINAGRI officials are confident that these soil-friendly practices will be instrumental in achieving the ambitious goals of their Strategic Plan for Agriculture Transformation (PSTA 5), spanning from 2024 to 2029. Dr. Patrick Karangwa, Director of Modernized Agriculture at MINAGRI, outlined the ambitious target: “Our goal is to expand conservation agriculture to at least 100,000 hectares by 2029. Currently, only about 1,100 hectares are cultivated using these methods, and we aim to scale up significantly.” He added that the seeds of this revolution are already sown, with nearly half of Rwanda’s villages now hosting model farms showcasing these techniques, and over 21,000 farmers trained to become the movement’s ambassadors.
Development partners are playing a crucial role in nurturing this agricultural awakening. Thomas Habanabakize, Coordinator of Food Security Programs at MCC, highlighted his organization’s significant investment in promoting conservation agriculture through Farm Field Schools. These grassroots initiatives empower groups of 30 farmers with hands-on training, enabling them to implement the techniques on their own land and mentor neighboring farmers. “Over the past 10 years, we have seen great success,” Habanabakize noted, with MCC’s reach extending across nine districts and plans for further expansion.
The WFP has also been a steadfast ally, supporting over 127,000 farmers in 425 cooperatives with market access and post-harvest management. Richard Makuza, a WFP Rwanda official, emphasized their commitment to building farmers’ resilience to climate change, ensuring stable production even in the face of adversity.
The urgency of this agricultural transformation is underscored by the stark reality of land degradation and soil erosion in Rwanda’s mountainous terrain. Dr. Kofi Boa, Director of the Center for No-Till Agriculture (CNTA) in Ghana, highlighted the vulnerability of the land to traditional ploughing practices, which wash away precious topsoil. A sobering 2022 study revealed that a staggering 45% of Rwanda’s land is at risk of erosion, resulting in an estimated annual loss of 27 million tons of fertile soil and an economic hit exceeding 1 trillion Rwandan Francs – nearly 20% of the nation’s annual budget.
Faced with these alarming figures, the WFP and its partners have intensified their efforts to champion conservation agriculture as a sustainable solution, a way to heal the land, bolster agricultural resilience, and secure food security for future generations. As Makuza concluded, “This is why we have mobilized funds to support soil conservation projects, starting with pilot initiatives in five districts. We are now expanding these efforts in alignment with the PSTA 5 objectives.” The quiet revolution in Rwanda’s fields is not just about changing farming practices; it’s about cultivating a more sustainable and prosperous future, one where the land is nurtured, not just tilled.
