Urban agriculture has great potential for Rwandans

As Rwanda grapples with issues related to limited arable land, experts have said that scaling up urban farming can enhance food security and promote sustainable living in Kigali.

According to the National Land Use Master Plan released in 2021, the proposed agricultural land covers 1.2 million hectares, which is 47.2 percent of the country.

This implies that the arable land has decreased, having been 1.4 million hectares more than a decade ago. Urban farming entails various techniques and systems including community gardens, vertical farming, hydroponic, aeroponic, and aquaponic facilities, as well as rooftop farming, among others.

"Urban agriculture has great potential for Rwandans. It can be part of the options to boost fresh food production in cities. I also believe it is an opportunity for job creation and a source of income," Professor Charles Bucagu, a lecturer at the University of Rwanda and a researcher in the fields of agriculture and food security, told The New Times.

Source: All Africa