Rwanda’s agriculture sector transformation journey over the last 26 years

Over the last 26 years, the agriculture sector has played tremendous role in improving livelihoods of Rwandans and sustaining the country’s economy. This thrills Rwandan farmers as they celebrate the 26th National Liberation Day.

Cattle population grew from 172,000 to around 1,300,000 with a contribution of over 380,000 cows from Girinka programme which was initiated in 2006. This has contributed to the improvement of livelihoods,  nutrition,  family incomes and social cohesion among Rwandans

The increase of animal  population boosted animal products in the country. For instance, milk production increased from 7,206,000 liters per year in 1994 to over 847,178,000 liters to date – an increase of 117.5 times.

Before 1994, Rwanda's fish production was below 7,000 MT per year. Today, the country produces 35,312 MT of fish -- an increase of 504.4%.

Agriculture export income increased from $70 million before 1994 to $421.1 million today. Only coffee, tea & Pyrethrum were considered as cash crops, but staple crops, animal products, new commodities like Macadamia, flowers, fruits, vegetables, cereals & grains became cash commodities

Annual tea production grew from 11,000MT of made tea in 1994 to 32,343 MT of made tea to date. Annual tea revenue was only $17.5 million 26 years ago, but this cash crop now generates USD 92.54 million. In the same period, annual coffee income has increased from USD 38 million to over USD 62.4 million now.

Topics


RWANDA SECURES OVER RWF 110 BILLION IN IFAD FUNDING TO BOOST AGRICULTURE

The Government of Rwanda has secured $78.5 million, more than Rwf110 billion, in financing from the International Fund for Agricultural Development…
Read more →

MINAGRI launches Veterinary Sanitary Mandate policy and related Digital Licensing system

The Government of Rwanda, through the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources (MINAGRI), has officially launched the Veterinary Sanitary Mandate…
Read more →

Rwanda Launches the Youth FAST Forum

The Government of Rwanda, through the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources (MINAGRI), officially launched the Rwanda Youth Forward for…
Read more →

Rwanda Hosted the 21st CAADP Partnership Platform and 16th Africa Day for Food and Nutrition Security

The Government of Rwanda, through the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources (MINAGRI), in collaboration with the African Union Commission (AUC)…
Read more →

Rwanda Marks World Food Day 2025 with a Call for Collective Action on Nutrition and Food Security

This Friday, October 24, 2025, Rwanda celebrated World Food Day with a vibrant event held in Nyamagabe district, Southern Province, under the theme:…
Read more →

Rwanda hosted the 6th Eastern Africa Farmers Federation Congress

The Government of Rwanda, through the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources (MINAGRI), hosted the 6th Eastern Africa Farmers Federation (EAFF)…
Read more →

UBUTUMWA BUJYANYE N’IGIHEMBWE CY’IHINGA CY’UMUHINDO CYA 2026 A

Igihembwe cy’ihinga cy’Umuhindo cya 2026A cyatangiranye n’ukwezi kwa Nzeri 2025. Minisiteri y’Ubuhinzi n’Ubworozi (MINAGRI) irashimira abahinzi…
Read more →

MINISTER DR. MARK CYUBAHIRO BAGABE INAUGURATED THE KIBEHO TEA FACTORY

The Government of Rwanda, in collaboration with The Wood Foundation Africa and Browns Plantations Rwanda Ltd, commissioned the Kibeho Tea Factory in…
Read more →

MINAGRI Rallies Stakeholders to Boost Seeds and Fertilizer Distribution for 2026A Agricultural Season

The Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources (MINAGRI), convened a high-level national stakeholders’ engagement meeting aimed at ensuring timely…
Read more →
-->