As agriculture continues to shape the nation’s economy and food security, the active engagement of youth is no longer an option it’s a necessity. With the right skills, financing, and opportunities, Rwanda’s next generation of agri-preneurs is poised to redefine farming as both a sustainable livelihood and a thriving business sector.
Agriculture remains one of Rwanda’s primary economic drivers, contributing 25% to the GDP and engaging 55% of the population. Among the nation’s farmers, youth aged 16 to 30 make up a significant portion, with 32% of farmers in this age group. These young people are critical in shaping Rwanda’s food security, agricultural growth, and overall economic development.
Representing 27.1% of the country’s total population, approximately 3.6 million people, the involvement of youth in agriculture will be crucial to addressing both current and future challenges in the sector.
Recognizing the growing importance of youth in agriculture, the Ministry of Youth and Arts, in collaboration with the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), launched the Youth in Agriculture Forum Series in the Eastern Province.
The event, held on April 3, 2025, at the University of Rwanda, Rukara College, brought together more than 500 participants, including government officials, development partners, and youth agri-preneurs.
The forum provided a platform to discuss the future of agriculture in Rwanda and identify opportunities for young people to engage in the sector.
The forum’s goal was clear: to raise awareness about the opportunities available in the agricultural sector and equip youth with the tools and knowledge they need to thrive. In addition to insightful speeches and discussions, the event featured a site visit to ProDev Kayonza on April 2, 2025, a model farm located in Kayonza District. The visit allowed participants to witness firsthand how modern agricultural practices are transforming the sector.
Key Objectives and Outcomes
The Youth in Agriculture Forum aimed to:
1.Raise awareness about opportunities for youth in agriculture.
2.Equip young people with essential knowledge and skills.
3.Engage young agri-preneurs and gather feedback on their contributions to Rwanda’s food security.
4.Strengthen multi-stakeholder collaboration to support youth involvement in agriculture.
The expected outcomes included heightened awareness of career opportunities, the empowerment of agri-preneurs with the right tools and knowledge, and the creation of actionable recommendations to support youth in the sector.
The forum was driven by the voices of young people who shared their personal journeys in agriculture. Zahabu Jolie, a young agri-preneur from Kayonza, shared how investing in agriculture has provided her with opportunities for growth and financial stability. “Agriculture has opened doors for me that I never thought were possible,” she said. “With the right support, we can transform the sector and create jobs for ourselves and others.”
Manishimwe Emmy, another youth from Kayonza, echoed Zahabu’s sentiments, noting both the challenges youth face and the vast potential the sector holds. “We need more access to financing and training to grow our businesses,” he said. “But the opportunities are there. If we are given the right tools and support, we can make a real difference.”
In his address, Ngabo Brave Olivier, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Youth and Arts, acknowledged the challenges youth face but reassured them that the government is taking proactive steps to address these issues. “We recognize the barriers young people face, such as limited access to finance and knowledge,” Ngabo said. “However, our ministries are working closely to ensure that these challenges are overcome.”
AGRA’s role in empowering youth
AGRA, a key partner in the forum, plays a critical role in supporting youth in agriculture. Jean Paul Ndagijimana, Director of AGRA Rwanda, emphasized the importance of partnerships in creating lasting change. “AGRA is proud to partner with the Ministry of Youth and Arts to provide young people with the skills, knowledge, and opportunities they need to succeed,” Ndagijimana said. “By empowering youth in agriculture, we are contributing to food security and economic growth in Rwanda.”
A highlight of the forum was the site visit to ProDev Kayonza, a model farm located in Ndego Sector, Kayonza District. Spanning over 700 hectares and employing between 200 to 500 workers, the farm utilizes advanced farming techniques, including center-pivot irrigation and drip irrigation systems. Dr. Utumatwishima Jean Nepo Abdallah, the Minister of Youth and Arts, visited the farm and encouraged youth to view agriculture not just as a traditional field of work, but as a viable business.
“Agriculture is not just about farming it’s about business and value addition,” he said. “There are endless opportunities for young people to make a living and contribute to Rwanda’s economy.”
A bright future for youth in agriculture
The Youth in Agriculture Forum Series has set a strong foundation for the next generation of farmers and agri-preneurs in Rwanda. With the support of government ministries, development partners, and organizations like AGRA, young people are now better equipped to take on leadership roles in agriculture and contribute to the country’s sustainable growth and food security.
As Jean Paul Ndagijimana, AGRA Director in Rwanda, put it, “AGRA is proud to partner with the Ministry of Youth and Arts to create opportunities for young people. Our role is to ensure that youth have the skills, knowledge, and opportunities needed to succeed in agricultural value chains, contributing to food security and economic growth.”
As Zahabu Jolie aptly put it, “Agriculture is the future, and we, the youth, are the future of agriculture.” With increasing opportunities for training, financing, and mentorship, the next wave of agri-preneurs is poised to take Rwanda’s agricultural sector to new heights. The forum has opened doors to collaboration, innovation, and growth, laying the groundwork for youth to build successful, sustainable careers in agriculture.
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