AGRA Empowers Seed Companies to Reach Farmers and Boost Agricultural Productivity in Rwanda
In the remote Bweyeye Sector of Rusizi District, Rwanda, a groundbreaking agricultural initiative is transforming local farming practices and significantly boosting Irish potato production.
The Great Lakes Accelerated Innovation delivery initiative rapid delivery hub (AID-I GLR) project, in collaboration with Seed Potato Fund Joint Venture Ltd (SPF) and supported by AGRA, has introduced high-yielding Irish potato varieties, such as Ndamira and Cyerekezo, to local farmers, revolutionizing their farming methods.
Before the project, Irish potato cultivation in Bweyeye was limited to a modest 10 hectares. Farmers had limited knowledge of improved seed varieties and lacked exposure to effective agricultural practices. However, with the introduction of Ndamira seed potatoes and Lime Grade One, distributed in small packs, farmers are now witnessing remarkable results.
Each participating farmer received 5 kg of Ndamira seed potatoes and 10 kg of Lime Grade One to enhance soil fertility. According to Ferdinand Nduwayezu, the agronomist for Bweyeye Sector, farmers using these improved inputs have reported significantly higher yields. “Ndamira is an excellent variety. In our trials, it matured in 80 days, whereas the old variety took 100 days.
Additionally, it yields 9 metric tons per hectare, compared to just 6 metric tons from the previous variety,” he explained.One such farmer, Munyemari Joseph from Rwamagare village in Bweyeye, is already planning to expand his potato farm after seeing the success of the new varieties. Munyemari received 5 kg of Ndamira seed potatoes through the Small Parks Project during Season A of 2025 and is optimistic about the future.
“We are grateful to the government for providing us with high-yielding seeds that help improve our livelihoods. These seeds allow us to rise out of poverty and build a better future,” Munyemari shared.
The Small Parks initiative has already distributed seed packs to over 1,500 farmers in Bweyeye, each receiving 5 kg of Ndamira seed potatoes. As part of the broader AID-IGLR project, the initiative aims to close the knowledge gap surrounding modern agricultural technologies.
It focuses on raising awareness about the benefits of high-yield, nutrient-rich seed varieties and encouraging farmers to adopt these innovations.
In addition to providing quality seeds, the project offers extension services and connects farmers with input suppliers, making it easier for them to access fertilizers, lime, and other essential agricultural tools.
AGRA and its partners have implemented the VBA/FP model, which includes demonstration farms where farmers can learn about new technologies and crop varieties with expert guidance from CIAT and CIP centers.
This hands-on approach has been crucial for the successful uptake of improved farming techniques, ultimately boosting productivity and contributing to Rwanda’s agricultural economy.
The results of this pilot phase have been promising, and local officials are optimistic about the future. “Our goal is to double the area dedicated to Irish potato farming from 10 hectares to 20 hectares in Season B, and we are committed to raising awareness to increase the number of potato farmers in our sector,” said the agronomist.
Thanks to the AID-IGLR project and its partners, farmers in Bweyeye now have the knowledge, skills, and resources to improve their potato farming practices.
This is not only helping to increase yields but also contributing to food security and economic growth in one of Rwanda’s most remote regions.
Through the Small Parks Project, Bweyeye farmers are gaining a deeper understanding of the importance of adopting improved seed varieties and sustainable agricultural practices. This initiative has the potential to significantly boost productivity, create more economic opportunities, and foster long-term growth in the region.
The AID-IGLR project also aims to improve the productivity and sustainability of seed systems in the region by supporting seed companies with enhanced marketing strategies. The project is designed to help seed companies strengthen their ability to reach farmers with high-yield, nutrient-rich seed varieties, ultimately improving agricultural outcomes.
The beneficiaries of this project include smallholder farmers, local seed companies, and other stakeholders within the agricultural value chain. By providing support to seed companies, the project is helping them overcome challenges related to market access, seed quality, and the promotion of modern agricultural technologies.
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