Farmers in Nyaruguru District have raised concerns over delays and rising prices of agricultural inputs, warning that the situation threatens crop yields and their livelihoods. They are calling on authorities to ensure that seeds, fertilizers, and other essential farm inputs are delivered on time and sold at regulated, affordable prices.
The concerns were voiced during a consultative meeting held on 26 February 2026, organized by the district in partnership with CCOAIB and Trócaire. Participants noted that although agriculture supports more than 76 percent of the district’s population, persistent challenges continue to limit productivity and income growth.
Jean Claude Habimana, a potato farmer in Nyagisozi Sector, said delays in fertilizer distribution have serious consequences on yields. “When fertilizer arrives late at selling points, crops have already passed the right application time. Sometimes we find it out of stock, only to reappear on the market at higher prices. This leaves us farming without confidence in our harvest.” He explained.
Farmers are calling for a reliable monitoring system to oversee the distribution of subsidized inputs, ensuring they are not sold at inflated prices. Elizabeth Niyigena, who grows maize and beans in Ruramba Sector, emphasized the importance of certified seeds in boosting production but said access remains difficult.
“Improved seeds are expensive for small-scale farmers. When they arrive late or run out of stock, we are forced to use ordinary seeds, which reduces yields. We want them to reach us on time and at affordable prices.” She said.
Farmers argue that delayed seed distribution disrupts the entire planting season and negatively affects overall production. During dry seasons, they also face declining yields due to a lack of irrigation equipment, especially those cultivating less than one hectare.
Patrice Nsengiyumva, a vegetable farmer, explained: “When the dry season is prolonged, we have no irrigation facilities. We are asking for support to access irrigation equipment at prices we can afford.”
They further reported that pesticides are often unavailable or too costly, allowing crop diseases and pests to destroy harvests. Farmers in Nyaruguru are also requesting clearer information about how the government subsidy program operates, including official prices for inputs and delivery timelines.
“If there is a subsidy, we should clearly understand how it works and how to access it, so that we are not overcharged,” said Ferdinand Banzubaze.
Janvier Gashema, Vice Mayor of Nyaruguru District in charge of Economic Development, said the district will strengthen oversight of input distribution.
“We cannot allow farmers to continue facing delays or unfair sales practices regarding fertilizers. We will intensify inspections of distributors and closely monitor the delivery of inputs to ensure they reach farmers on time and at regulated prices.” He stated.
On behalf of the Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB), Jean de Dieu Dushimimana encouraged farmers to register early and indicate the inputs they need so that adequate supplies can be planned in advance.
“The concerns raised are being treated as urgent. Our goal is to ensure that the next planting season begins with inputs readily available.” He said.
Senyabatera Jean Bosco, representing CCOAIB, said their role is to connect citizens with responsible institutions and follow up to ensure commitments made to farmers are fulfilled. “When farmers receive services on time, productivity increases, poverty declines, and development reaches families.” He said.
Farmers in Nyaruguru District believe that improving the delivery of agricultural services is the sustainable solution to ensuring agriculture remains the backbone of the district’s economy and the well-being of its residents. They insist that timely and affordable access to seeds, fertilizers, irrigation equipment, and crop protection products would significantly boost yields and further reduce poverty in the district.
