Urban farming can strengthen Kigali’s food security, experts say

RWANDA – Multiple experts have emphasized the potential of urban farming to enhance food security and promote sustainable living in Kigali following a shrinking arable land.

Rwanda’s National Land Use Master Plan, released in 2021, shows that the country’s agricultural land now covers 1.2 million hectares, a reduction from the 1.4 million hectares recorded over a decade ago.

With this decrease, Kigali faces significant challenges in ensuring food security. Experts believe that urban farming offers a promising solution.

“Urban agriculture has great potential for Rwandans. It can be part of the options to boost fresh food production in cities,” said Professor Charles Bucagu, a lecturer at the University of Rwanda and a researcher in agriculture and food security.

He added that urban farming is not only about providing food but also creating jobs and income opportunities for Kigali’s residents.

Urban farming in Kigali currently remains limited, with most activities focused on planting vegetables in marshlands, home kitchen gardens, mushroom production, and some greenhouse and hydroponic systems.

During the rainy season, approximately 2,565 hectares in Gasabo, Kicukiro, and Nyarugenge are used for growing crops like maize, beans, and vegetables.

However, this area reduces significantly during the dry season, where only 271 hectares are cultivated, mainly with tomatoes, cabbage, eggplant, and other vegetables.

Despite its limited scope, the potential for urban farming in Kigali is significant. Start-up entrepreneur Felicien Ndaruhutse, who recently graduated from the African Food Fellowship 2024 program, is among those advocating for the growth of urban farming in the city.

He founded the “Urban Agriculture Integration Program in Rwanda,” which supports urban farming initiatives. “Urban farming is doable,” Ndaruhutse said.

“It requires a small space where you can grow vegetables and other plants, and you can harvest your crops within three to four months.”

For Kigali’s urban farming to thrive, experts like Ndaruhutse and others call for increased financial support for entrepreneurs in this sector.

Ndaruhutse highlighted the need for investment in innovation, including advanced urban farming technologies, water harvesting systems, and greenhouses. These infrastructures could significantly enhance the efficiency and output of urban farms in the city.

Telesphore Ndabamenye, Director General of the Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB) also emphasized the need for Kigali’s residents to reconsider their use of available land.

He encouraged urban dwellers to go beyond planting flowers and grass in their homesteads, advocating instead for the cultivation of vegetables and fruits.

“Urban farming should be seen as a potential business because nearly all urban residents need food, and most do not have land,” Ndabamenye said.

The Fifth Strategic Plan for Agriculture Transformation (PSTA 5), which runs from 2024 to 2029, includes strategic interventions to promote investment in high-intensive, climate-resilient, and nutrition-sensitive production models such as hydroponics, vertical farming, rooftop gardens, and mushroom production.

This plan aims to support Kigali’s urban farming efforts, contributing to a more food-secure future for the city.