Rwanda’s maize production declined in 2025, with output falling in both main agricultural seasons compared to the previous year, according to the Seasonal Agricultural Survey Annual Report 2025 released by the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda (NISR).
The report shows that maize production in Season A 2025 was estimated at 481,246 metric tons, a 5.3% decrease from Season A in 2024. Production in Season B 2025 stood at 117,711 metric tons, down 1.2% from the same season last year.
NISR attributes the decline to changes in cultivated area and relatively low yields, particularly among small-scale farmers who dominate maize production nationwide.
In Season A 2025, the area cultivated with maize was estimated at 244,095 hectares, representing a 2% reduction compared to the same season in 2024. The national average yield was 2 tons per hectare, with small-scale farmers recording an average yield of 1.9 tons per hectare, compared to 4.1 tons per hectare among large-scale farmers.
During Season B 2025, maize cultivation covered 93,005 hectares, a marginal 0.1% increase from the previous year. However, yields declined, with the national average dropping to 1.3 tons per hectare. Small-scale farmers harvested an average of 1.2 tons per hectare, while large-scale farmers achieved 4.2 tons per hectare, the report shows.
Despite the national decline, the Eastern Province remained the leading maize-producing region in both seasons. Districts of Nyagatare, Gatsibo, Kirehe and Kayonza consistently recorded the highest output, according to NISR.
The statistics agency noted that crop area estimates account for Rwanda’s widespread practice of mixed cropping, where multiple crops are grown on the same plot. Cultivated area figures are calculated based on the proportion of land occupied by each crop rather than physical plot size.
Maize is one of Rwanda’s key staple crops, consumed widely by households and used in animal feed and food processing.
The latest findings come as authorities continue efforts to boost agricultural productivity and reduce yield gaps between small-scale and commercial farmers.
