Posted on April, 15, 2025 at 07:31 pm
Small-scale farmers in Rwanda are experiencing increased harvests of fruits and vegetables by utilizing climate-proof seeds, according to project leaders. The Seed Resilience Project, initiated in 2023 by the International Seed Federation, Fair Planet, Rwanda's Ministry of Agriculture, and local seed companies, aims to improve access to climate-resilient seeds and boost agricultural productivity.
Tomato production has increased to eight times the national average since farmers began testing adapted seeds, as per Fair Planet's field trial data in Rwanda. Michael Keller, secretary-general of the International Seed Federation, emphasized, "Without good quality seeds, you are doomed to fail."
Smallholder farmers are also utilizing climate-resilient varieties of cabbages, broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, and peppers, which are marketed locally and exported. Alon Haberfeld, the technology and operations manager at Fair Planet, stated that the initiative focuses on selecting optimal seeds and refining agronomic practices to enhance productivity. "If the seed performs well, eventually other things can do well," said Haberfeld.
Aphrodis Zirimwabagabo, an agronomist with Fair Planet, noted that the project starts with nursery preparation, monitoring germination rates, and seedling performance. Data is shared with seed companies to enhance seed quality. Farmers have tested over 60 hybrid varieties, resulting in yields up to five times higher than open-pollinated varieties.
During a visit to southern Rwanda, Keller highlighted the importance of locally adapted seeds for yield improvement amidst challenges like inconsistent policies and counterfeit seeds. "Without good quality seeds, you are doomed to fail," Keller reiterated. The project builds on Fair Planet's earlier work in Ethiopia, where 75,000 farmers increased vegetable yields.
In Rwanda, trials in May 2024 showed cabbage yields rising from 1,400kg to 7,000kg per 0.1 hectare and tomato yields exceeding eight times the national average. Keller noted that quality vegetable seeds can address food and nutrition insecurity, but with only 15 integrated seed companies in Africa, availability remains limited.
Uwamahoro Merceline, a farmer in eastern Rwanda, embraced the new seed varieties, stating, "Farming is my full-time job, and it is encouraging when I see my crops do well." The project aids farmers in adapting to climate change and land constraints. Felix Bonake, a greenhouse grower, mentioned the challenge of accessing quality seeds but noted improvements. Keller emphasized the need for investment in improved seeds and techniques, stating, "This takes time."
Source: Fresh Plaza