The Government of Rwanda and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) have launched a four-year programme aimed at accelerating agricultural transformation, attracting more than $200 million in new investments and strengthening food security and nutrition.
The programme, launched on July 15, 2026, will run until 2029 and is designed to boost agricultural productivity, expand investment opportunities and support farmers, with a particular focus on women and youth.
The initiative is expected to mobilise over $200 million (nearly Rwf300 billion) in new investments, in addition to FAO’s existing support to Rwanda’s agriculture sector.
FAO Representative in Rwanda Mohamed Aw-Dahir said the programme reflects Rwanda’s long-term vision of building a productive and resilient agricultural sector capable of ensuring food security.
“ I know this is an ambitious programme, but Rwanda has repeatedly demonstrated that visionary leadership and strong partnerships can deliver results. This programme will also succeed,” Aw-Dahir said.
He said FAO will continue working with the government and other partners to create new opportunities for farmers, particularly young people and women, while promoting sustainable agriculture, improved nutrition and resilience against climate change.
Minister of Agriculture and Animal Resources Dr Telesphore Ndabamenye said the government is committed to ensuring that the programme translates into practical benefits for farmers and communities through strong coordination, policy support and effective implementation.
“The success of this programme will not only be measured by its launch, but by how it improves food security, nutrition, resilience, livelihoods, job creation, environmental protection and sustainable economic growth,” he said.
The minister added that the programme will be aligned with Rwanda’s key development frameworks, including Vision 2050, the second National Strategy for Transformation (NST2), and the fifth Strategic Plan for Agriculture Transformation (PSTA5).
Meanwhile, Minister of Environment Dr Bernadette Arakwiye highlighted the importance of climate-smart agriculture and environmental protection in achieving sustainable agricultural growth.
She said interventions such as sustainable land and water management, agroforestry, restoration of degraded land and nature-based solutions will help increase productivity while reducing pressure on natural resources.
“Over the years, Rwanda has continued implementing measures to protect the environment. By 2029, the target is to restore more than 600,000 hectares of degraded land,” she said.
FAO’s partnership with Rwanda has supported several initiatives, including youth employment programmes in agriculture and food systems, post-harvest management, agricultural technology adoption and support to smallholder farmers.
Under previous programmes, FAO helped Rwanda develop investment proposals, including a $45.5 million coffee project and a $92.8 million tea project. The projects are expected to be presented in Rome, Italy, in October 2026 as Rwanda and partner countries seek financing for implementation.
FAO has also supported Rwanda’s beekeeping sector by improving access to modern equipment and production methods. As a result, some beekeepers have increased honey production from between 2.5 and 8 kilogrammes per hive to up to 20 kilogrammes per hive.
The new programme is expected to strengthen Rwanda’s efforts to build a more competitive, climate-resilient and investment-driven agriculture sector.
