The Rwanda Climate Change and Development Network (RCCDN) in partnership with TROCAIRE have launched a national-level training workshop on agroecology, aiming to build capacity and foster collaboration among diverse stakeholders in Rwanda’s agricultural sector.
The workshop, held in Musanze District from November 6th to 9th, 2024, seeks to enhance sustainable farming practices that can improve food security, promote biodiversity, and bolster climate resilience.
According to Vuningoma Faustin, RCCDN’s coordinator, the initiative was introduced to bring together policymakers, agronomists, NGOs, and local communities to exchange knowledge and align efforts to address the ongoing climate and food security challenges in Rwanda.
“Agroecology offers an opportunity to feed our population sustainably and protect our environment for future generations,” Vuningoma stated.
“The primary objective of this workshop is to create a shared understanding of agroecological practices and encourage more stakeholders to commit to these sustainable methods.” He added
Despite its potential benefits, adopting agroecological practices in Rwanda faces critical barriers, as Vuningoma pointed out. A significant challenge lies in the skepticism among some policymakers, who doubt agroecology’s capacity to produce sufficient food to meet Rwanda’s growing population needs.
Additionally, inorganic fertilizers are subsidized by the government, making them more affordable than organic fertilizers. This subsidy disparity makes it easier for farmers to choose inorganic options, which, though effective in the short term, can degrade soil quality over time.
Furthermore, Vuningoma highlighted the limited awareness and knowledge about agroecology among farmers and agricultural workers. “We need to address these knowledge gaps and make agroecology a part of Rwanda’s farming culture,” he said.
He believes that if stakeholders from various sectors—government, civil society, and local communities—understand each other’s roles in promoting sustainable agriculture, they can collectively implement practices that provide long-term food security.
Although there are currently no innovative solutions to address these barriers entirely, existing agricultural practices already provide a foundation for sustainable approaches. By using organic fertilizers, planting cover crops to improve soil health, and incorporating crop rotations, farmers can maintain productivity without compromising the ecosystem.
These practices, according to Vuningoma, offer promising pathways to increasing agricultural resilience and promoting food security in the face of climate change.
The RCCDN, with support from TROCAIRE, has been working on various initiatives since 2017 to enhance climate resilience and influence policies that support agroecology. This partnership has driven significant progress, yet much work remains to be done to make agroecological practices mainstream in Rwanda.
Through continued stakeholder engagement and policy advocacy, RCCDN aims to overcome these barriers and create a sustainable agricultural system that benefits both people and the planet.
