Abstract
This study examines the role of climate-smart agriculture (CSA) in enhancing food security and promoting green growth among smallholder farmers in Rwanda. Against a backdrop of increasing climate variability, population pressure, and land degradation, CSA emerges as a critical pathway for sustainable agricultural transformation.
1. Introduction
Rwanda’s agriculture is highly vulnerable to climate shocks. As over 70% of the population depends on smallholder farming, climate-smart approaches are central to national food and economic security.
2. Literature Review
2.1 Defining Climate-Smart Agriculture
CSA includes practices like agroforestry, conservation agriculture, drought-tolerant crops, and improved forecasting (Lipper et al., 2014).
2.2 Food Security and Climate Risk
Rwanda faces food insecurity in vulnerable regions like Nyagatare and Bugesera (FAO, 2021; WFP, 2021).
2.3 Policy Context
PSTA IV and Green Growth Strategy prioritize CSA. Rwanda’s NDCs reinforce these as part of global climate commitments.
3. Methodology
- Document review (PSTA IV, GGCRS, NDCs)
- Survey of 380 smallholder farmers
- Key informant interviews
- GIS analysis of land use and rainfall patterns
4. Results and Analysis
4.1 CSA Practices
Agroforestry (63%), terracing (51%), drought-tolerant seeds (46%), composting (42%). Highest adoption in Gicumbi and Nyamagabe.
4.2 Yield and Resilience
CSA increased maize yields by 28%, reduced crop failure by 34%.
4.3 Food Security
Households had improved diet diversity and food access.
5. Policy and Institutional Framework
Key actors: RAB, FONERWA, Ministry of Environment. Projects include Smart Nkunganire, Farmers Field Schools. Coordination gaps remain.
6. Discussion
CSA adoption needs inclusion, innovation, and stronger institutional backing.
7. Challenges
- Lack of irrigation and finance
- Infrastructure gaps
- Gender disparities
- Market linkages
8. Recommendations
- Expand mobile advisory systems
- Create CSA innovation hubs
- Integrate CSA into school curricula
- Establish national CSA platform
- Promote gender-inclusive finance
9. Conclusion
CSA is central to Rwanda’s green growth vision. With proper support, it can transform food systems for millions of smallholders.
References
- FAO. (2013). Climate-Smart Agriculture Sourcebook. https://doi.org/10.4060/i3325e
- FAO. (2021). State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World. https://doi.org/10.4060/cb4474en
- IFAD. (2022). Youth and Rural Transformation Report. https://doi.org/10.4060/cc0632en
- Lipper, L. et al. (2014). Nature Climate Change, 4(12), 1068–1072. https://doi.org/10.1038/nclimate2437
- NISR. (2022). Rwanda Statistical Yearbook.
- Twomlow, S. et al. (2010). Agricultural Systems, 103(3), 173–185. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.agsy.2009.09.003
- WFP. (2021). Comprehensive Food Security and Vulnerability Analysis. https://www.wfp.org/publications
- World Bank. (2021). Rwanda Economic Update. https://www.worldbank.org/en/country/rwanda/publication