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By Christophe Uwizeyimana
In a bid to foster informed public dialogue and strengthen the role of media in agricultural transformation, the Open Forum on Agricultural Biotechnology (OFAB) Rwanda Chapter is hosting a six-day capacity-building workshop from June 2–7, 2025 at the RAB Mulindi Station in Kigali. The workshop brings together farmers, journalists, and social media influencers to deepen their understanding of agricultural biotechnology and promote responsible communication on its applications in Rwanda.
This initiative aims to bridge the knowledge gap between scientific innovation and public perception by equipping participants with the skills, knowledge, and collaborative environment necessary to navigate and report effectively on Rwanda’s evolving agricultural biotechnology landscape.
Advancing Rwanda’s Agricultural Agenda
As Rwanda accelerates its efforts toward agricultural modernization, science, technology, and innovation remain key drivers of change. The Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB) is leading national strategies to integrate biotechnology into farming systems to promote sustainable food production, climate resilience, and environmental protection.
One notable innovation currently under confined field trials (CFT) at RAB Musanze Station is the late blight-resistant Irish potato, developed through modern genetic engineering. This variety offers a game-changing solution to one of the most persistent crop diseases in Rwanda. Currently, farmers spray their potato crops over 15 times per season to combat late blight, incurring high costs and environmental risks. The biotech potato dramatically reduces the need for chemical fungicides, improving yields and safeguarding farmers’ health.
Despite such progress, public understanding and acceptance of biotechnology remain limited. The workshop is thus designed not only to educate but also to build trust in scientific innovation through transparent communication and firsthand experience.
A Hands-On Approach to Learning
The workshop, implemented in collaboration with the Alliance for Science Rwanda (AfS-Rwanda), the Rwanda Media Commission (RMC), RAB, and the Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA), will culminate in a “Seeing is Believing” field visit on June 6 to the CFT site in Musanze. Here, participants will interact directly with lead scientists and observe biotechnology in action.
Key Objectives
The consultative engagement is guided by four core objectives:
- To deepen understanding of Rwanda’s biotechnology landscape, including its policy, regulatory frameworks, and key research projects.
- To promote evidence-based, responsible communication on complex topics like genetic modification, gene editing, and biosafety.
- To foster trust in biotechnology through direct exposure to research and application.
- To strengthen collaboration between media professionals, scientists, policymakers, and regulators to support public education on biotechnology.
Diverse and Influential Participation
The workshop convenes a carefully selected group of stakeholders, including:
- Senior journalists from major print, radio, and television outlets
- Chief editors and newsroom decision-makers
- Influential bloggers, YouTubers, and social media figures
- Trainers from AfS-Rwanda and RMC
- Experts from RAB, REMA, and related institutions
Anticipated Outcomes
By the end of the workshop, the organizers expect to achieve:
- Improved media capacity to report accurately and insightfully on biotechnology
- More informed public discourse on genetic engineering and agricultural innovation
- A stronger network of science-committed media professionals
- Enhanced collaboration between media and science stakeholders
- Greater public trust and engagement on biotech issues, aiding policy uptake and sustainable development
A Collaborative Effort
The workshop is being implemented with the support of:
- Open Forum on Agricultural Biotechnology (OFAB) – Rwanda Chapter
- Alliance for Science Rwanda (AfS-Rwanda)
- Rwanda Media Commission (RMC)
- Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB)
- Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA)
As Rwanda’s agricultural sector evolves in response to global and local challenges, initiatives like this underscore the critical role of informed media and empowered farmers in shaping a resilient and sustainable future.
Photos:
Photos: Farmers, Journalists and social media influencers have attended the Workshop
Photo: Dr. Athanase Nduwumuremyi shared insights on agricultural biotechnology
Photo:Mr. Mugisha Emmanuel, Executive Secretary of the Rwanda Media Commission (RMC), pictured on the left, shared insights on the role of media in promoting responsible communication on agricultural biotechnology
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