Agricultural experts constantly advise farmers to shift their mindset from traditional farming practices to modern, innovative methods. The emphasis is on using small plots of land efficiently to generate high yields, rather than relying on conventional methods that often yield little.
One such a farmer, Théobard Munyentore, aged around 60 and residing in Shyoko village,Rubona cell, Ngoma sector of Nyaruguru District, is a living example of how adopting modern techniques can transform farming outcomes. He took the experts’ advice seriously and started cultivating cassava using improved methods. Today, he harvests between 70 and 80 kilograms per single cassava plant, a remarkable yield by any standard.
Munyentore attributes his success to knowledge gained from a study tour he attended inGisagara District, where he observed a farmer growing cassava efficiently using modern techniques. The visit inspired him, and he immediately decided to apply what he learned to his own farm. Munyentore shared insights into his cassava farming approach, saying:
“You begin by digging and loosening the soil. After that, you return the soil into the hole and add around three small containers of organic manure. Then, you plant a single cassava cutting to give the plant enough room to develop strong roots. These roots later become large tubers, resulting in a generous harvest.”
He also noted that he no longer worries about allocating specific land exclusively for cassava. Instead, he plants cassava among his banana trees, making use of the same land more efficiently without much hassle. Munyentore encouraged fellow farmers, especially those with limited land, to rethink their farming strategies.
“Everyone should reflect on whether the farming methods they use are really productive,” he said. “If not, they should seek out new techniques that help them achieve better results from the land they have.”
Currently, Munyentore has over 50 cassava plants on his farm. He proudly states that he has also trained several of his neighbors, many of whom have since adopted the same farming techniques. They now credit him for introducing them to more productive farming practices.
Expert Advice and Broader Implications
Osée Dusengimana, a public engagement expert and staff member at AEE (African Evangelistic Enterprise) in Rwanda’s Southern Province, echoed Munyentore’s message. He called on farmers to awaken to the benefits of modern agriculture, especially methods that maximize yields on small plots of land.
He pointed out the inefficiency of traditional methods with this example:
“Some farmers harvest only 70 kilograms from 10 ares (1,000 square meters), when in fact they could be harvesting over a ton from the same space. This proves that more people need to embrace improved farming. Imagine having 50 cassava plants, each yielding 70 kilograms, that’s more than three tons, all from a small area. The key is understanding and applying these modern techniques. Experts have already proven their effectiveness.”
Government Efforts to Improve Cassava Production
Cassava is one of the crops currently being prioritized for agricultural development in Rwanda. In late 2024, the Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB) announced that it had successfully developed 12 improved cassava varieties using genetic enhancement methods. Of these, three varieties were ready to be distributed to farmers across the country.
These initiatives are aimed at boosting food security, increasing farmer’s income, and transforming subsistence farming into a commercially viable practice.
