Rwanda’s Maize Reserves Grow 400%, Enough for 3 Months
Rwanda’s maize reserves increased by 405.51% in 2024 to 29,510 tonnes, while bean reserves grew by 36.6%. However, both fall short of government targets due to climate challenges and emergency food relief efforts. Agricultural exports hit a record USD 839.2 million, with coffee and tea driving revenues. Experts call for climate-resilient agriculture and better storage infrastructure to meet reserve goals.
Rwanda’s reserves for key food crops rose to an unprecedented level, despite some challenges, according to the recent 2023/2024 Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources (MINAGRI) annual report.
The total reserves for maize increased by up to 405.51 percent, from 5,837.7 tonnes in 2023 to 29,510 tonnes in 2024.
Similarly, bean reserves grew by 36.6 per cent, from 5,330 to 7,281 tonnes.
Annually, the country consumes up to 130,000 tonnes of maize which means that 29,510 tonnes of maize are enough to cover consumption for 83 days, or about three months.
The total agricultural export revenues also hit a record USD 839.2 million for the 2023/2024 fiscal year, bolstered by the export of coffee, tea, horticulture products, and diversification products.
The coffee sector alone brought in USD 78.71 million, while tea exports generated USD 114.88 million, reflecting Rwanda’s growing presence in international markets and the ongoing diversification of its agricultural exports.
However, the achieved food reserve quantity is below the intended target although the country recorded an enormous increment.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources (MINAGRI) had intended to stockpile 140,980 tonnes of maize and 69,917 tonnes of beans by the end of the year through the Strategy for Transformation (NST1).
The 29,510 tonnes of maize reserves and 7,281 tonnes of beans stand at shortfalls of 79 and 89 per cent, respectively.
Adverse climatic conditions that plagued the 2023 growing season reduced yields in Eastern and Southern provinces and a portion of the existing reserves was diverted to emergency relief efforts both locally and regionally.
As a result, the government had to release food stockpiles into the market to stabilise food prices.
Experts are urging for enhanced post-harvest management practices, greater investment in climate-resilient agriculture, and improved storage infrastructure to ensure that future reserve targets are met.
While challenges remain, the government’s efforts to modernize and professionalize the agriculture sector through investments in infrastructure, technology, and farmer training are laying the foundation for sustainable growth.
Produce bolsters
The country made 142,318 hectares of radical terraces and 1,031,282 hectares of progressive terraces to advance land conservation and soil fertility.
These efforts are critical as Rwanda faces challenges related to land fragmentation and soil erosion, which have hindered the country’s agricultural productivity in the past.
Rwanda reduced reliance on rain-fed agriculture with over 72,913 hectares of irrigation infrastructure including 37,273 hectares of marshland irrigation and 26,201 hectares of small-scale irrigation.
Other strides
On another note, the cattle stocking programme for vulnerable households, GIRINKA, also continues to make a significant impact, with 467,984 cows distributed since its inception in 2006.
In the 2023/2024 fiscal year alone, 16,372 cows were given to poor families, helping to improve nutrition through milk consumption and providing a stable source of income.
Rwanda has also made strides in agricultural insurance, with over 51,000 cows insured and over 33,000 hectares of crops having insurance cover.
The agriculture sector’s contribution to the national GDP remains strong, standing at 27 per cent, a testament to the continued importance of agriculture in Rwanda’s economic development.
There is also a call for a more robust response to global climate change, including adopting drought-resistant crops and better weather forecasting systems for timely interventions.
While Rwanda has made significant strides in agricultural transformation, the challenges highlighted by this year’s food reserve shortfall underscore the need for comprehensive reforms to safeguard the nation’s food supplies, ensure price stability, and protect vulnerable populations from hunger and food insecurity.
With ongoing climate threats and population growth, ensuring the adequacy of food reserves will be a critical component of Rwanda’s strategy to build a resilient and self-sufficient agricultural economy. The road ahead will require sustained efforts to address these issues and secure a food-secure future for the country.
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Source : KT Press
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