Rwanda Defence Forces (RDF) in collaboration with staff of the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources (MINAGRI), Rwanda Agriculture Board (RAB) and local government officials are supporting Rwandan farmers in different farming activities across the country during this year’s RDF Citizen Outreach Programme.
This campaign, organized by the Ministry of Defence in collaboration with other government institutions mainly MINAGRI, Ministry of Local Government and Ministry of Health, put farming among priority activities on the agenda across the country. This is in line with the ministry’s mandate to contribute to the improvement of livelihoods of Rwandans.

This outreach, running from April 17 to July 30, 2019, is focusing on land preparation, planting of vegetables, cassava cuttings, tea planting, banana rehabilitation, terracing and other activities meant to optimize productivity of crops and livestock namely, among others.
On April 17, 2019, MINAGRI and RDF joined residents of Murundi sector in Karongi District to plant cassava, agro-forestry trees, and land preparation.
Addressing the citizens, the Minister of Agriculture and Animal Resources, Dr. Gerardine Mukeshimana urged them to work hard and apply best farming practices to increase productivity; thus improving their lives and reduce poverty.
The minister also praised the Rwanda Defence Force for their contribution supporting Rwandan farmers in improving their activities.
“Let’s work together and make good use of these opportunities provided by the government to improve our lives,” the Minister told Karongi residents.
Apart from agriculture activities, the three-month programme will also focus on issues of human security in areas of health, shelter and infrastructure and other activities that will be earmarked by the districts.
The agriculture sector was included in the campaign for the first time last year in 2017 and brings together RDF soldiers and the local community- Farmers where they collectively work together for the benefit of their respective area.