Rwanda Turns to Private Agronomists to Boost Farm Productivity
“We are aligned with government policy. Private operators must now play a bigger role in agricultural extension because the government needs support,” Ntabana said.
He highlighted a new approach under the Food Basket Sites initiative, where private agronomists are expected to provide farmers with quality inputs, including improved seeds and fertilizers alongside technical knowledge and access to reliable markets.
“Farming for the market gives farmers confidence. We aim to build a system where advisory services are backed by tangible support,” he added.
ROPAAS is introducing a performance-based model in which agronomists earn from the additional income they help farmers generate. For instance, a farmer who increases maize production from three to six tons can compensate the advisor using part of the extra yield.
The association currently brings together around 350 members, most of them qualified agronomists committed to improving farmers’ incomes. ROPAAS will also play a key role in setting professional standards and strengthening capacity within the sector.
Dr. Olivier Kamana, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources (MINAGRI), welcomed the initiative, emphasizing the importance of private sector involvement.
“We want private agronomists to get closer to farmers and deliver timely, high-quality services something the government alone cannot do efficiently,” he said.
Launched in June 2024, ROPAAS is supported by the government, which is also mapping Food Basket Sites across the country. Both leaders urged farmers and ROPAAS members to embrace this public-private partnership to improve yields and build a more resilient agricultural sector.
Rwanda aims to increase agricultural and livestock production by 50 percent between 2024 and 2029.
