Client: Rwanda Organic Movement (ROAM)
The Ecological Organic Agriculture Initiative (EOAI) program, initiated by the African Union and supported by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, was implemented in five Eastern African countries from 2019 to 2023. The program aims to scale up the best practices in EOA by promoting the adoption and adaptation of innovative technologies, systems, and practices, particularly among smallholder farmers, with a focus on women and youth. In Rwanda, the project is being implemented by the Rwanda Organic Agriculture Movement (ROAM), UTAB, and Huguka NGO, with co-funding from the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation.
Within this context, ROAM contracted RCID Ltd. to conduct an assessment of the gaps in Ecological Organic Agriculture (EOA) practices and technologies within Rwanda’s national agriculture systems, from November 2019 to May 2020. The study also aimed to develop evidence-based policy advocacy to influence policymakers in using the findings to inform policy review and change. RCID Ltd was tasked with assessing existing policy gaps in the agricultural system, providing detailed recommendations on how to meaningfully engage in policy-making processes, and strengthening the legal and policy environment to promote EOA in Rwanda.
The findings indicate significant gaps in Rwanda's EOA policy, particularly the low level of organic certification due to the high cost of inputs and limited access to markets. A major constraint to the adoption of organic agriculture in Rwanda is the lack of appropriate inputs, such as bio-fertilizers and bio-pesticides, which are less accessible compared to conventional agriculture inputs. The study also highlighted the low involvement of the private sector in organic agriculture in Rwanda, particularly companies investing in the production, processing, and marketing of organic agricultural products.
The study recommends strengthening regulations, potentially instituting tighter controls at the county level, and developing strong partnerships and collaborations among key players, including producers, processors, aggregators, traders, exporters, and consumers. Additionally, it suggests that organic farming requires investment and assistance, not only in certification services but also in technical skills to ensure high productivity.
Client: ACCORD Rwanda, founded by AFD
The expansion of agricultural activities into fragile environments, such as steep hill slopes and wetlands in Rwanda, has led to significant challenges, including land fragmentation, reduced farm sizes, and over-exploitation of soil resources. These issues are further exacerbated by climate change, which causes seasonal flooding and droughts that threaten food security. Agro-ecological practices (AEPs) offer sustainable solutions by promoting the rational use of natural resources, enhancing ecosystem resilience, and improving livelihoods for both smallholder and commercial farmers.
To support this program, RCID was contracted to conduct a baseline study across eight districts, involving 400 smallholder farmers from November 2018 to March 2019. The study aimed to identify current agricultural practices, challenges, and potential strategies for integrating AEPs into the Agricultural Intensification Program (CIP) to enhance food security, nutrition, and climate resilience.
The results of this study informed the integration of AEPs into agricultural intensification in Rwanda while addressing the challenges of climate change. The findings revealed that many farmers lack adequate knowledge of AEPs and their benefits. The study proposed various AEPs, including intercropping, crop rotation, agroforestry, water harvesting, fruit trees, sustainable pest management (e.g., push-pull technology), and bio-fortification to improve nutrition and food security.
Additionally, it recommended integrating specific indicators for AEPs into agricultural performance contracts and policies to facilitate their adoption.
3. Name of the Assignment: Study on Status of Ecological Organic Agriculture (EOA) in Pineapple and Strawberry Value Chain in Gakenke, Kamonyi, Muhanga, and Rulindo Districts of Rwanda.
Client: University of Technology and Arts of Byumba (UTAB), in partnership with the Rwanda Organic Agriculture Movement (ROAM)
Rwanda, a landlocked country, relies heavily on agriculture as the backbone of its national economy. Despite the Rwandan government's efforts to strengthen the agricultural sector, several challenges persist. In response to these challenges, the Ecological Organic Agriculture (EOA) initiative, spearheaded by the African Union and supported by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), presents a promising solution.
The study involved 244 pineapple farmers and 89 strawberry farmers across these districts. It was found that a significant number of farmers grow pineapples (33.93% of respondents) and strawberries (11.51% of respondents). The adoption of Agro-Ecological Practices (AEPs) was shown to increase crop yields, thereby enhancing farm profitability and improving access to household assets, health insurance, and nutrition.
The study recommends increasing awareness among farmers and consumers about the benefits of EOA, enhancing capacity building for organic value chain actors, optimizing production, value addition, certification, and market access, and strengthening public-private partnerships.
4. Name of the Assignment: Conducting the Scope Study on “Transforming Rural Economies and Youth Livelihoods (TREYL) Assessment in Rwanda.
Client: Practical Actions, founded by IKEA Foundation
In 2021, Practical Action in East Africa initiated a project titled "Transforming Rural Economies and Youth Livelihoods (TREYL)." To explore the feasibility of implementing the TREYL project in Rwanda, Practical Action contracted RCID to conduct a scoping study. The primary goal of this study was to assess the viability of promoting a market-based approach to regenerative agriculture within Rwanda's unique agricultural landscape.
The study employed a mix of quantitative and qualitative research methods, including a comprehensive literature review, surveys administered to 200 smallholder farmers, and in-depth interviews with 43 key informants from various stakeholder groups involved in regenerative agriculture and organic product markets. Key findings of the study highlighted several policy gaps in Rwanda's agricultural framework, particularly concerning regenerative agriculture.
The study recommends advocating for the inclusion of regenerative agriculture in Rwanda's policy framework, enhancing training for extension workers and farmers, and increasing awareness of the environmental benefits of regenerative agriculture, such as soil protection and biodiversity conservation.
5. Rapid Assessment on the Availability, Supply, and Use of Organic Fertilizers by Smallholder Farmers in Rwanda.
Client: IMBARAGA Farmer Organization, with support from the Norwegian People’s Aid (NPA)
IMBARAGA Farmer Organization, with support from the Norwegian People’s Aid (NPA), is implementing the "Public Policy Information and Monitoring Advocacy (PPIMA)" project in Gakenke and Ruhango districts. This initiative aims to foster active involvement of civil society organizations and citizens in public policy matters. As part of this effort, IMBARAGA contracted RCID to conduct a rapid assessment on the availability, supply, and use of organic fertilizers by smallholder farmers in Rwanda.
The study employed a combination of quantitative and qualitative methods, including literature reviews, questionnaires administered to smallholder farmers, and interviews with 26 key informants from diverse stakeholders in the organic fertilizer sector. Key findings revealed that 69.7% of farmers applied organic fertilizers, primarily sourced from livestock manure, waste, compost, green manures, and crop residues, covering an area of 721,789 hectares.
The assessment highlights the need for advocacy to integrate organic fertilizers into Rwanda's policy framework, promote their use, and enhance coordination among stakeholders. The study recommends building partnerships between civil society, research institutions, and the private sector to improve the adoption of organic fertilizers, reduce the environmental impact of chemical fertilizers, and support the commercialization of organic products.