The Rwanda Green Fund and the International Finance Corporation (IFC), in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources, have introduced a Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) Investment Plan on Wednesday, June 18.

The strategy outlines possibilities for private investment in initiatives that will boost food production, create jobs, and enhance agricultural sustainability. The target amount of private investment is approximately 449.7 billion Rwandan francs ($335.4 million).

The government plans to employ high-yield crop types, effective water management, and soil enhancement techniques to increase the resilience and productivity of 83,250 hectares of land. 

It also intends to link about 170,200 farmers and 375 enterprises to climate-smart agriculture funding through bankable projects that promote sustainable collaborations.

According to the release, the plan predicts that two-thirds of the targeted investments will concern water supply and irrigation. Other priorities include reducing post-harvest loss, developing resilient livestock, and improving soil health. 

Official data shows Rwanda has considerable but underutilised irrigation capacity across 589,711 hectares. 

The nearly 1.62 million hectares of agricultural land recorded in 2022, the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) estimates that less than 1% was equipped for irrigation that year.

The investment plan prioritises water supply and irrigation, allocating two-thirds of the targeted funds to these areas. 

Other key initiatives include reducing post-harvest losses, fostering resilient livestock, and enhancing soil health. 

Despite its substantial potential, this concerted effort is timely given Rwanda’s underdeveloped irrigation infrastructure.

Official figures highlight Rwanda’s significant yet underutilised irrigation capacity, spanning 589,711 hectares. 

In 2022, the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) reported that less than 1% of the country’s nearly 1.62 million hectares of agricultural land was equipped for irrigation.

Source: EcoFin

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