Rwanda has joined researchers, farmers, agricultural experts and investors at the World Potato Congress 2026 in Kenya to explore ways to increase potato yields and strengthen the global potato value chain.
The 13th edition of the congress is taking place in Naivasha, Nakuru County, from October 26 to 30. It is the first time the event has been held in sub-Saharan Africa.
The congress has brought together representatives from more than 60 countries, including about 1,000 participants from agriculture, research, trade and investment. It is being held under the theme “Global collaboration for food, nutrition and trade through potatoes.”
Discussions are focusing on improved seed varieties, agricultural technology, pest and disease management, climate change adaptation, and better methods of storing and processing potatoes.
Rwanda’s participation comes as the country continues to grapple with low potato productivity compared with global averages, even as demand remains strong and prices rise in local markets.
Figures from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) show that average potato yields in 2024 stood at 28.86 tonnes per hectare globally and 15.43 tonnes in Africa. Rwanda recorded an average of 7.9 tonnes per hectare.
The gap highlights the need to improve productivity on existing farmland to strengthen the sector and meet growing demand.
Dr Joseph Moughan, founder of RICA Seed Center, said access to quality seed was among the most important ways to increase potato production in Africa.
“Higher yields depend on quality seed. That is why we need effective seed policies, proper monitoring and regulation throughout the seed supply chain, as well as training and support to help farmers adopt better farming practices,” he said.
He added that farmers also needed the knowledge and tools to address production challenges, noting that crop rotation could help reduce pests and diseases.
Potato harvest grows as prices remain high
Rwanda’s potato production increased by 5.7% in Season B of 2026, reaching 331,963 tonnes, up from 314,093 tonnes during the same season in 2025, according to agricultural production data released by the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda (NISR) on September 22, 2026.
The area under potato cultivation also increased by 5.4% to 48,424 hectares. Nyabihu, Rubavu, Musanze and Burera districts were among the leading potato-producing areas.
Despite the increase in production, potato prices remain high in several parts of the country, particularly in urban markets. A kilogramme of Kinigi potatoes reportedly sells for as much as Rwf1,500 in some markets, while other varieties cost close to Rwf1,000.
Traders attribute the high prices to limited supplies from wholesalers amid continued demand.
“Supply is currently insufficient, and wherever potatoes are available, they are expensive. The potatoes have also become smaller because of the sunshine. If a tonne costs Rwf1.5 million, whereas previously we could buy a full truckload at a lower price, it becomes a serious challenge,” one trader said.
Farmers, meanwhile, say the high cost of potato production, from land preparation to harvesting, also affects the prices at which they sell their produce.
Potatoes are an important food crop worldwide. FAOSTAT data show that global potato consumption reached an estimated 248 million tonnes in 2023, equivalent to an average of 32.45 kilogrammes per person annually.
In Rwanda, annual per capita potato consumption was estimated at 56.1 kilogrammes that year.
