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By Innocent Bikorimana
The Minister of Agriculture and Animal Resources, Dr. Marc Cyubahiro Bagabe, has called on Rwandans to intensify efforts to boost agricultural productivity, saying that increased yields are key to ensuring food security and ending hunger across the country.
Dr. Cyubahiro highlighted this message on Friday during celebrations to mark World Food Day, held in Nyamagabe District, Southern Province. The event was observed under the theme “Hand in Hand for Better Food, a Better Future,” which emphasizes collective action toward achieving sustainable food systems.
The celebration featured a range of activities, including planting fruit trees, distributing livestock such as goats and cows, providing balanced meals to children to combat malnutrition and stunting, and showcasing agricultural and livestock products.
Although Nyamagabe District, the national host of this year’s event, still records a poverty rate of 51%, officials commended it for making significant progress in improving the welfare of its residents.
Local farmers say that they have already taken steps to promote better nutrition and self-reliance in food production. Anathalie Musabyimana, a member of a cooperative, said their group is working hard to increase both the quality and quantity of their yields.
“Our cooperative focuses on improving productivity so that everyone can access enough food,” Musabyimana said. “After harvesting, our produce is sold in local markets, which helps even low-income families find sufficient food. This is our way of contributing to a hunger-free community.”
Another farmer, Samuel Uwihanganye, noted that they are also adding value to their produce to improve community health and nutrition.
“We process high-quality porridge flour rich in nutrients, especially for pregnant women and children,” he said. “It’s supplied to schools and has had a visible impact on improving nutrition among learners.”
In his address, Minister Cyubahiro noted that this year’s World Food Day coincided with below-average rainfall in some parts of Rwanda, urging farmers to use available water resources efficiently.
“Some regions have not received adequate rainfall this season,” he said. “I encourage farmers to intensify their work in areas that have had good rains, apply fertilizers, weed crops, manage pests and diseases, and follow the guidance of agricultural experts. Rainwater harvesting should also be prioritized for irrigation when dry periods come.”
He further reminded farmers and livestock keepers to take advantage of the government-supported agricultural insurance scheme, which covers up to 40% of the premium cost.
“Insurance protects farmers from the impacts of climate change,” the minister said. “Livestock should also be kept in proper shelters, which helps generate manure for farming, reduces the spread of disease, and boosts productivity.”
World Food Day is celebrated globally to promote awareness and collective action toward achieving food security. The day also aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which aim to end hunger and promote sustainable agriculture by 2030.
Despite these global efforts, more than 700 million people worldwide still face hunger, a challenge that Dr. Cyubahiro said can only be overcome through stronger collaboration and commitment to agricultural growth.
“If we increase production, everyone will have enough to eat,” he said. “That’s the path to a hunger-free Rwanda.”
Some images of the WFD2025 celebration
