Scaling Up Urban Farming in Rwanda: A Key to Food Security and Sustainable Living

As Rwanda faces the challenge of limited arable land, experts are emphasizing the importance of urban farming in enhancing food security and promoting sustainable living in Kigali. According to the National Land Use Master Plan released in 2021, the proposed agricultural land covers 1.2 million hectares, a significant decrease from the 1.4 million hectares a decade ago.

Urban farming, which involves various techniques and systems such as community gardens, vertical farming, hydroponics, and rooftop farming, has the potential to boost fresh food production in cities. Professor Charles Bucagu, a lecturer at the University of Rwanda and a researcher in agriculture and food security, believes that urban agriculture can create jobs and provide a source of income for Rwandans.

Juvenal Kabagambe, a Rwandan expert who assists farmers in setting up urban farms, highlights the importance of urban farming in promoting food security, agritourism, and greening the city. “It is the best way of educating future generations about sustainable land management for a food-secure future. It is a social-economical solution in terms of job creation and improved health,” he noted.

Felicien Ndaruhutse, a start-up entrepreneur who recently graduated from the African Food Fellowship 2024 program, is promoting urban farming through his start-up, the “Urban Agriculture Integration Program in Rwanda.” He argues that urban farming is “doable” and requires a small space to grow vegetables and other plants, with harvests possible within three to four months.

Telesphore Ndabamenye, Director General of the Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB), emphasized the need to consider urban farming as a potential business, as nearly all urban residents need food and most do not have land. He urged urban residents to make better use of their small land by planting vegetables and fruits, providing fresh and nutritious food for their families and neighborhoods.

The Fifth Strategic Plan for Agriculture Transformation (PSTA 5), which runs from 2024 to 2029, encourages strategic interventions, including promoting investment in high-intensive, climate-resilient, and nutrition-sensitive production models such as hydroponics, vertical farming systems, rooftop gardens, and mushroom production.

As Rwanda continues to grapple with the challenges of limited arable land, scaling up urban farming can be a key solution to enhance food security and promote sustainable living in Kigali.