Rwanda Unveils Innovative Agricultural Strategy for Resilient and Sustainable Food Systems
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Kigali, Dec 7 (NationPress) Rwanda has introduced the fifth Strategic Plan for Agriculture Transformation (PSTA5) in the capital city of Kigali with the goal of establishing resilient, sustainable agri-food systems.
The ambitious initiative, themed Building Resilient and Sustainable Agri-Food Systems, acts as a roadmap for the transformation of the agricultural sector aimed at achieving food security, sustainable land use, and economic development, according to a report by Xinhua news agency.
During the launch on Friday, Minister of Agriculture and Animal Resources, Mark Cyubahiro Bagabe, highlighted the transformative nature of PSTA5, describing it as a distinctive approach to agricultural advancement. "PSTA5 is unique because it is centered on agri-food systems—that is the central pivot," he stated.
Bagabe called upon Rwanda's youth to take an active role in the execution of the plan, emphasizing the incorporation of cutting-edge technologies like the Internet of Things and artificial intelligence. "When you talk about using technology tools like the Internet of Things and AI to move agriculture forward, I can tell you we are together. I see young people as the pillar of productivity," he remarked.
He also underscored the need to translate the strategy into concrete outcomes. "We must chip into this strategic plan and ensure this blueprint is translated into actions," he added.
Bagabe further asserted that the effectiveness of the strategy relies on collective efforts to guarantee resilient, sustainable, and equitable agri-food systems for everyone.
PSTA5 prioritizes the modernization of agriculture and livestock production, encourages inclusive markets, and aims to generate employment within agricultural and food systems.
The five-year initiative seeks to tackle urgent issues such as low productivity, food insecurity, and limited commercialization in the sector while bolstering resilience against climate-related shocks like droughts and floods. It aligns with national goals and global initiatives, including the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
PSTA5 builds on the lessons learned from its predecessor, PSTA4, which made notable advancements in areas like marshland development, agroforestry, and irrigation infrastructure. However, challenges such as climate change and inadequate investment in agriculture continue to pose hurdles, prompting the need for further innovation and financial support.
The anticipated impact of PSTA5 is significant. The plan targets an average annual agricultural growth rate of 6.5 percent, aims to increase export revenues to 1.54 billion US dollars, and intends to create over 644,000 off-farm jobs in agri-food systems, according to the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources. The strategy also strives to empower 72 percent of women engaged in agriculture and enhance food and nutrition security across the nation.
With the launch of PSTA5, Rwanda reaffirms its dedication to fostering inclusive and sustainable agricultural development.
The agricultural sector in Rwanda remains crucial to the economy, with approximately 69 percent of households involved in farming and around 400,000 individuals employed in agri-food systems, as reported by the Fifth Population and Housing Census (2022).
