Study on Ecological Organic Agriculture (EOA) in Rwanda

From March to June 2023, the Regional Research Centre for Integrated Development (RCID) conducted a comprehensive study on Ecological Organic Agriculture (EOA) in Rwanda, commissioned by the Ecological Organic Agriculture Initiative (EOA-I) through the African Union Commission (AUC). This study aimed to assess the current state of EOA practices, identify opportunities for scaling up, and develop recommendations for policy integration and capacity building.

The study employed a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative surveys with qualitative interviews and focus group discussions. RCID engaged with various stakeholders including farmers, extension workers, researchers, policymakers, and representatives from civil society organizations. The research covered multiple districts across Rwanda to capture regional variations in EOA adoption and practices.

Key findings from the study revealed growing interest in EOA practices among Rwandan farmers, driven by concerns about soil health, environmental sustainability, and market demand for organic products. The study identified several challenges including limited access to organic inputs, inadequate technical knowledge, and the need for stronger policy support and market infrastructure.

The study underscored the negative impact of industrial fertilizers on soil health and biodiversity, positioning EOA as a viable alternative to enhance environmental sustainability and farmer resilience. This work strengthens RCID's ongoing role in advancing agroecological practices in Rwanda and is featured on our official website: www.rcid-rwanda.org.

Data-Driven Insights for Sustainable Agriculture in Africa (DISA) – Regenerative Agriculture in Rwanda

Funded by Future Earth in partnership with MILA, the Data-Driven Insights for Sustainable Agriculture (DISA) project aimed to integrate digital technologies and regenerative practices into Rwanda's agricultural systems. Led by the Regional Research Centre for Integrated Development (RCID), the project was implemented in 2022 and 2023 to enhance the country's capacity for sustainable and climate-resilient agriculture.

RCID conducted a nationwide survey of 815 smallholder farmers across diverse agroecological zones to assess the uptake of regenerative agriculture (RA) practices. Utilizing GIS tools such as ArcGIS Pro and QGIS, the team mapped surveyed farms, land use patterns, and clusters of RA techniques. Advanced technologies including satellite imagery, artificial intelligence (AI), and machine learning (ML) were used to identify and quantify key indicators related to land use, soil health, crop performance, and the spatial distribution of regenerative practices. Historical agronomic data was analyzed to generate site-specific crop rotation recommendations using predictive modeling.

The project also explored the feasibility of robotics in automating RA activities, assessing both technical and economic viability. RCID's participatory approach involved stakeholder consultations, validation workshops, and collaborative design of decision-support tools, ensuring that scientific outputs were aligned with the experiences and needs of farmers.

The project demonstrated RCID's capacity to deliver data-driven planning and geospatial intelligence in agricultural development. The outcomes provide actionable insights for policy design, land use planning, and climate-smart agriculture, contributing to sustainable food systems and environmental resilience in Rwanda.

Baseline study on integrating Agro ecological practices in agricultural Intensification program (CIP) in Rwanda

The Regional Research Centre for Integrated Development (RCID Ltd) was contracted by ACORD Rwanda to conduct a national baseline study under the Transition towards Agroecology at the Service of Food Sovereignty (TAPSA) program. This initiative, co-financed by Agence Française de Développement (AFD) and implemented in partnership with CCFD-Terre Solidaire, aimed to foster a transition to agroecology as a means of achieving sustainable food security, restoring soil fertility, and enhancing ecological resilience in rural areas. The program was designed to engage key stakeholders and promote collective advocacy for a socially and ecologically transformative agricultural model.

The baseline study, conducted in eight districts including Bugesera, Kamonyi, Musanze, and Ngororero, focused on assessing the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of farmers and stakeholders regarding Agroecological Practices (AEPs) within the context of Rwanda's Crop Intensification Program (CIP). It aimed to identify feasible entry points for integrating AEPs into commercial intensification on consolidated land, with an emphasis on enhancing long-term soil health, food production, and sustainability.

The assessment examined specific agroecological techniques such as mulching, composting, intercropping, rainwater harvesting, and the use of natural pesticides as alternatives to input-intensive agriculture. The study further identified institutional gaps, policy limitations, and awareness barriers among cooperatives, extension agents, and local authorities. It provided evidence-based recommendations on scaling agroecological principles through training, policy integration, and participatory planning mechanisms.

Findings from the baseline informed the design of targeted capacity-building and advocacy interventions to strengthen local food systems and reduce environmental degradation. RCID's participatory and research-driven approach contributed to aligning TAPSA's objectives with Rwanda's broader landscape restoration and sustainable land management goals under the Rwanda ecological integrated planning framework.

Intercropping of Maize and beans in Rwanda

Intercropping of Maize and beans in Rwanda - A sustainable farming practice that improves soil fertility and crop yields while reducing pest pressure and enhancing biodiversity.

Youth-Led Regenerative Agriculture in Rwanda

In 2023, the Regional Research Centre for Integrated Development (RCID) conducted a comprehensive study on youth engagement in regenerative agriculture (RA) in Rwanda, commissioned by Practical Action. This research aimed to understand the current landscape of youth involvement in sustainable farming practices and identify opportunities for scaling up youth-led regenerative agriculture initiatives across the country.

The study employed a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative surveys with qualitative interviews and focus group discussions. RCID engaged with young farmers, agricultural extension workers, youth organizations, and representatives from government agencies and civil society organizations. The research covered multiple districts to capture regional variations in youth engagement and regenerative agriculture practices.

Key findings from the study revealed significant interest among Rwandan youth in regenerative agriculture practices, driven by concerns about environmental sustainability, climate change, and the desire for innovative farming approaches. The study identified several challenges including limited access to land, inadequate technical knowledge, and the need for stronger policy support and market infrastructure for youth-led agricultural initiatives.

Findings from the study revealed a high potential for scaling regenerative practices in Rwanda, especially within the horticulture, apiculture, and agroforestry sub-sectors. The results informed Practical Action's decision to move forward with programme design in Rwanda. The study also provided actionable recommendations on youth engagement models, policy alignment, and private sector linkages. This work reinforced RCID's expertise in youth-focused rural development and positioned it as a key partner in advancing regenerative agriculture in Rwanda.

Rapid Assessment on the Availability, Supply and Use of the Organic Fertilizers by the Smallholder Farmers in Rwanda

With support from IMBARAGA Farmers Organization and the Norwegian People's Aid (NPA), the Regional Research Centre for Integrated Development (RCID) conducted a rapid assessment on the availability, supply, and use of organic fertilizers among smallholder farmers in Rwanda. IMBARAGA, a national farmers' organization with over 30,400 members across 26 districts, implements the "Public Policy Information and Monitoring Advocacy (PPIMA)" project in Gakenke and Ruhango districts. PPIMA aims to strengthen civic engagement in public policy and improve service delivery, especially for the poor.

Through this assignment, RCID was tasked with generating evidence to inform and support advocacy strategies that promote government support for the production, access, and use of organic fertilizers in 2022. The study aimed to assess the accessibility of organic inputs by smallholder farmers, identify constraints along the supply chain, and propose effective policy recommendations.

The assessment employed a mixed-methods approach, combining household surveys with key informant interviews and focus group discussions. RCID engaged with farmers, input suppliers, extension workers, and representatives from government agencies and civil society organizations. The research covered multiple districts to capture regional variations in organic fertilizer availability and use.

Key findings from the assessment revealed significant challenges in accessing organic fertilizers, including limited availability, high costs, and inadequate technical knowledge among farmers. The study identified several opportunities for improving organic fertilizer supply chains, including strengthening local production capacity, enhancing market infrastructure, and providing targeted training and extension services.

The assessment provided actionable recommendations for policymakers, development practitioners, and other stakeholders to improve organic fertilizer accessibility and promote sustainable farming practices in Rwanda. This work reinforced RCID's expertise in agricultural input systems and positioned it as a key partner in advancing sustainable agriculture and food security in Rwanda.