The Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources (MINAGRI) has reassured farmers who have expressed concern about delays in receiving fertilizers, which they say negatively affects their farming activities.
Jean Claude Ngendandumwe, Executive Secretary of the Conceil de Concertation des Organisations d’Appui aux Initiatives de Base (CCOAIB), said that the research they conducted revealed that farmers still face challenges in accessing markets and agricultural inputs.
He stated:
“The findings show that there are still issues related to markets and access to agricultural inputs, including quality seeds and fertilizers. Farmers told us that these inputs, especially fertilizers, reach them late at the extent the planting season is nearly over.”
He continued:
“Another observation is that farmers, particularly those who grow potatoes, still need more technical knowledge. In some areas, farmers need training that goes beyond just field preparation.”
Jean Claude Ngendandumwe, Executive Secretary of the Conceil de Concertation des Organisations d’Appui aux Initiatives de Base (CCOAIB)
Jean Damascene Rwamwaga, head of the Rice Farmers’ Federation, echoed these concerns. He highlighted the problem of fertilizer delays as one of the major challenges in rice farming.
He explained:
“In rice farming, a key issue is that fertilizers arrive late. For instance, although rice planting season starts in August, the ministry’s official announcements often come out in September. This delays the registration process, which must be approved by agronomists before fertilizers can be ordered. As a result, we are left behind schedule. However, we are hopeful that advocacy efforts will lead to improvement and positive change.”
Jean Damascene Rwamwaga, head of the Rice Farmers’ Federation
Egide Mutabazi, a Crop Products and Market Analyst at Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources (MINAGRI), acknowledged the problem and said efforts are underway to ensure the fertilizers reach farmers on time.
“The solution is to simplify the distribution process so that fertilizers are available to farmers early, especially for crops like rice that are planted in July or August. Fertilizers should be in stock by the time planting starts, so that farmers can plant right away.” He stated.
Egide Mutabazi, a Crop Products and Market Analyst at Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources (MINAGRI)
The research was conducted in December of last year 2024 and released in February this year 2025, was carried out in nine districts: Gisagara, Kamonyi, Nyamagabe, Rusizi, Nyabihu, Burera, Musanze, Nyagatare, and Kirehe.
In Rwanda, about 70% of the population is involved in agriculture, with youth making up approximately 61.7% of that group. Due to climate change, some areas require irrigation in order to improve yields.
Participants in group discussions
Aline Nyampinga