Olivier Kamana

Rwanda Advances Biotech Cassava as Farmers Explore Disease-Resistant Varieties BUGESERA, Rwanda — Rwanda is strengthening efforts to address cassava production challenges through agricultural biotechnology, as farmers and seed multipliers explore the potential of improved disease-resistant varieties. At Nemba site of Rubilizi Station in Bugesera District, the Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB), in partnership with @aatfafrica and @ScienceAlly_Rw, organised a “Seeing Is Believing” field demonstration, allowing participants to assess the performance and potential benefits of biotech cassava varieties. The demonstration highlighted opportunities to reduce disease-related crop losses, improve productivity, protect farmers' livelihoods and strengthen food security. Participants also received practical training in biosafety compliance, responsible seed stewardship, material traceability and good agronomic practices. Farmers and seed multipliers expressed interest in accessing and multiplying the improved planting materials, signalling opportunities to strengthen local seed systems and expand technology adoption. Selected multipliers received cassava cuttings for further multiplication in accordance with regulatory requirements. RAB and the Rwanda Biotech Program also announced plans to facilitate wider distribution of the improved planting materials. The initiative highlights how science-driven agricultural innovation, supported by responsible implementation and farmer engagement, can contribute to more productive, resilient and sustainable food systems in Rwanda.

BEYOND THE HARVEST: RWANDA’S AGRICULTURAL EXHIBITIONS HIGHLIGHT THE VALUE OF FARM PRODUCTION Agricultural production creates greater value when farmers can connect what they grow with better markets, improved practices and household food needs. During Rwanda’s #WorldFoodDay2026 celebrations in Gatsibo District on 30 October, government officials and development partners toured an agricultural exhibition showcasing beans, maize, pumpkins, livestock and vegetable-growing demonstrations. The tour brought together Dr. Telesphore Ndabamenye, Minister of Agriculture and Animal Resources; Dr. Solange Uwituze, Minister of State; Pudence Rubingisa, Governor of the Eastern Province; Mohamed Aw-Dahir, FAO Representative in Rwanda; and Andrea Bagnoli, WFP Country Director. The exhibition provided a platform to showcase agricultural products and farming practices within the wider discussion on food security and innovation. Diverse crop production and livestock activities can contribute to food availability, dietary diversity and rural livelihoods. However, sustained benefits also depend on farmers’ access to reliable markets, appropriate storage, post-harvest management and opportunities to capture greater value from their produce. For Rwanda’s agri-food system, the challenge is not simply to produce more, but to strengthen the links between farms, markets and consumers. Better market connections can help reduce post-harvest losses, improve farmers’ earning opportunities and support a more reliable supply of food. Under the theme “Innovate Today. Nourish Tomorrow,” the Gatsibo exhibition highlighted the importance of connecting agricultural innovation with practical opportunities for farmers and the wider food system. #WorldFoodDay2026 #Agriculture #Agribusiness #FoodSecurity #Rwanda