Kigali, Rwanda: The African Institute for Economic and Social Development (INADES)-Formation Rwanda has celebrated five decades of empowering farmers, advancing agricultural knowledge and contributing to Rwanda’s transformation, with government officials, partners and beneficiaries commending the organisation for its lasting impact.
The organisation’s Golden Jubilee celebration, held on 28 August, brought together government representatives, development partners, farmers and other stakeholders to recognise 50 years of service and look ahead to an even stronger future of collaboration and agricultural transformation.
Dr. Olivier Kamana, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources, described INADES-Formation Rwanda as a reliable and valued partner in Rwanda’s agricultural development.
He said the organisation’s long-standing support for farmers has strengthened agricultural knowledge and promoted modern farming practices across the country.
“The celebration of INADES-Formation Rwanda’s Golden Jubilee means that we are celebrating a reliable partner. Agriculture is a strong pillar of Rwanda’s development, and this organisation has continued to support farmers over the years. We look forward to strengthening our collaboration with INADES-Formation Rwanda in the future,” Kamana said.
He praised INADES-Formation Rwanda for recognising that successful agricultural transformation depends not only on technology and agricultural inputs, but also on equipping farmers with the knowledge and skills needed to use them effectively.
“Farming development in Rwanda cannot rely only on technology and fertilisers. It also requires people with the knowledge and skills to use that technology and develop their own solutions. That is why we appreciate INADES-Formation for its work,” he said.
As Rwanda prepares for the 2027A agricultural season, Kamana encouraged farmers to prepare their land early and undertake activities such as terracing to strengthen soil conservation and improve productivity.
He also announced plans by the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources to introduce a 100-hectare conservation agriculture programme during the 2027A season, an initiative aimed at equipping farmers with the knowledge and skills needed to adopt sustainable and climate-smart agricultural practices.
“Climate change is becoming increasingly alarming. The Ministry of Agriculture is going to initiate a conservation agriculture programme on 100 hectares in 2027A, which requires knowledge, just as INADES-Formation has been providing,” he said.
Kamana added that the Government of Rwanda remains committed to ensuring that farmers receive essential agricultural inputs, including fertilisers, in a timely manner.
He described the organisation’s 50-year journey as a remarkable demonstration of its commitment to farmers and recognised its contribution to the country’s agricultural transformation.
“Fifty years is a symbol of unwavering dedication and the important role this organisation has played in supporting farmers,” Kamana said.
From Farming for Food to Farming for Markets
Désiré Bimenyimana, Country Director of INADES-Formation Rwanda, said the organisation was proud of the progress achieved by farmers over the years.
He said the organisation has contributed to a shift from subsistence farming towards more productive and market-oriented agriculture, enabling farmers to produce enough to meet household needs while also supplying markets.
Biumenyimana said approximately 635,000 people have benefited from INADES-Formation Rwanda’s interventions since the organisation began its work in the country in 1976.
He expressed gratitude to government institutions, development partners, farmers and other beneficiaries whose collaboration has contributed to the organisation’s five-decade journey.
“We appreciate our partners, government authorities and beneficiaries who have supported us throughout this journey,” he said.
Biumenyimana also invited more partners to join the organisation as it embarks on a new chapter under its recently launched strategic plan.
Although INADES-Formation Rwanda currently operates in nine districts, he said the organisation aims to expand its programmes and reach more farmers across the country.
“We call upon partners to join hands with us as we move forward to create meaningful impact and continue walking with farmers on this transformative journey,” he said.
Farmers Celebrate Remarkable Gains
For farmers who have benefited from INADES-Formation Rwanda’s programmes, the organisation’s impact is reflected in increased production, improved knowledge and stronger household livelihoods.
Nyandwi J. Claude, an INADES-Formation beneficiary from Huye District, said the organisation had transformed the way he approaches farming.
He said that before receiving training, he cultivated different crops without sufficient knowledge about crop selection and improved farming practices. Today, he said, he makes informed decisions about what to cultivate and how to manage his farm.
“Before INADES came, I could not harvest enough to take to the market. Now, I produce enough to feed my family and supply the market,” Nyandwi said.
He said his maize production had increased from approximately 80 kilograms to between 400 and 500 kilograms.
The increased production has helped him meet important household needs, including paying health insurance contributions and school fees for his children.
Nyandwi also praised the organisation for teaching him farming practices that conserve the land while encouraging him to view agriculture as an opportunity for both household food security and income generation.
“INADES has taught me how to cultivate in a way that conserves the land. It has also changed my mindset so that I no longer farm only to bring the harvest home, but also to produce for the market,” he said.
He said he is now confident that continued application of the knowledge and skills acquired through the organisation’s training will enable him to increase his production even further.
Coffee Farmers See Production Surge
Theopiste Nyiramahoro, an INADES-Formation Rwanda beneficiary from Kirehe District, also highlighted the positive changes brought about by the organisation’s programmes.
She said INADES-Formation Rwanda had helped farmers modernise coffee cultivation while promoting agricultural practices that protect and preserve the land.
According to Nyiramahoro, farmers received training and educational materials, including books, that helped them better understand farming practices and improve their coffee production.
She said coffee production among the farmers had risen significantly, from approximately 10 tonnes to more than 50 tonnes of unprocessed coffee.
Nyiramahoro said the farmers are determined to maintain the progress they have achieved and share their knowledge with other farmers who have not yet benefited from INADES-Formation’s programmes.
She said the experience had demonstrated the power of knowledge, cooperation and commitment in transforming agriculture and improving farmers’ livelihoods.
A New Chapter After 50 Years
INADES-Formation Rwanda’s Golden Jubilee has highlighted five decades of partnership, knowledge-sharing and farmer empowerment.
From increased crop and coffee production to improved household livelihoods and greater awareness of sustainable farming practices, beneficiaries say the organisation’s work has contributed to meaningful changes in their communities.
As INADES-Formation Rwanda begins its next chapter, the organisation says it remains committed to working with farmers, government institutions and development partners to expand its reach, strengthen climate-smart agriculture and create even greater opportunities for farmers across Rwanda.
The Golden Jubilee marks 50 years of remarkable achievement and a strong foundation for the future. As INADES-Formation Rwanda begins its next chapter, it remains committed to empowering more farmers, expanding its impact, and working with partners to build a more productive, sustainable and prosperous agricultural sector across Rwanda.
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