ESAFF Rwanda, part of the Eastern and Southern African Small Scale Farmers’ Forum (ESAFF), presented a powerful argument for the inclusion of agro ecology in Africa’s future agricultural strategies. During a meeting to discuss the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) Strategy and Action Plan 2026-2035, ESAFF Rwanda, alongside other ESAFF member organizations from 17 countries, called for agro ecology to be prioritized as a core element in Rwanda’s and Africa’s agricultural development.
In their presentation, ESAFF Rwanda emphasized the potential of agro ecology, an approach deeply rooted in traditional African farming practices, to tackle food insecurity while promoting sustainability. Agro ecology prioritizes ecological balance, soil health, biodiversity, and resilient farming systems. According to ESAFF Rwanda, placing agro ecology at the forefront could transform Rwanda’s and Africa’s agriculture, ensuring food security and improving local food systems and nutrition.
However, ESAFF Rwanda expressed concern over a significant gap between the objectives outlined in the CAADP strategy and the concrete actions proposed in the plan. While the strategy supports key principles of food sovereignty, such as farmer-managed seed systems and the protection of Indigenous crops, ESAFF Rwanda called for more robust actions to ensure these principles are upheld and fully integrated into the implementation phase of the plan.
Representing the government’s perspective, Dr. Ingabire Chantal, Director General of Planning at the Ministry of Agriculture in Rwanda, acknowledged the importance of the points raised by ESAFF Rwanda. She commended the focus on agro ecology and agreed that it presents a promising pathway toward sustainable agricultural development. Dr. Ingabire noted, “The Ministry of Agriculture recognizes the value of agro ecology in ensuring food security and promoting environmental sustainability. We are committed to exploring ways to incorporate agro ecological principles in Rwanda’s national agricultural strategies and policies. However, it is essential to strike a balance between traditional practices and modern agricultural advancements to maximize productivity and meet the country’s growing food needs.”
Dr. Ingabire also highlighted the Ministry’s ongoing efforts to support small-scale farmers and promote sustainable farming methods. She stressed the importance of collaboration between the government, farmers, and organizations like ESAFF Rwanda, saying, “We look forward to working closely with ESAFF and other stakeholders to ensure that the CAADP Strategy and Action Plan 2026-2035 reflects our shared vision for a resilient and sustainable agricultural sector.”
ESAFF Rwanda welcomed the Ministry’s commitment and expressed optimism about the potential for meaningful collaboration. “Under Rwanda’s strong governance framework, we trust that the country will seize this opportunity to champion an agricultural vision that reflects agro ecology, food sovereignty, and the well-being of both small and large-scale farmers,” said an ESAFF representative.
As part of ESAFF, small-scale farmers in Rwanda and across Africa are determined to push for a future where agro ecology becomes the foundation of agricultural policy. Both ESAFF Rwanda and the Ministry of Agriculture stand ready to collaborate to ensure that the CAADP Strategy and Action Plan 2026-2035 aligns with these sustainable principles, benefiting farmers and communities across the continent.
Eric Twahirwa
