IITA–CGIAR in Rwanda contributes to agriculture technology through innovation generation in its work to improve crop varieties and strengthen the seed system of the country.
In conjunction with other national partners in Rwanda, IITA-CGIAR has developed and released six improved cassava varieties that are resistant to two viral diseases—Cassava Brown Streak Disease (CBSD) and Cassava Mosaic Disease (CMD). The Institute has also facilitated the establishment of cassava clean seed systems to support the Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB).
In collaboration with private seed businesses, quality cassava seeds are increasingly becoming accessible and available to cassava farmers in the country. The partnership with RAB has also contributed to the review of the cassava seed standards and quality regulations.
The development of the ICT-based tool, BXW App, has helped smallholder banana farmers get early warnings of the Banana Xanthomonas wilt (BXW) disease; they are in a better position to take timely action to control the disease.
The BXW App also provides advisory services to the farmers, helping them address the far-reaching consequences of the bacterial disease for the individual farmers and Rwanda’s collective food and nutritional security.
With over 7,800 farmers registered on the App, and more than 378,700 farmers with access to banana agronomy and BXW management information, this cutting-edge tool is being integrated into Rwanda’s public extension system.
The development of a mobile digital system by IITA-CGIAR’s researchers gives Rwandans access to information on diet quality. The system has been deployed to about 400,000 Rwandans and provides relevant, scalable, and transferable intelligence to increase understanding of the regional and seasonal dynamics of diet quality across Rwanda.
This system also serves as a compass for policymakers in the health and agricultural sectors in formulating improved policies and interventions.
In the area of biocircular economy, IITA-CGIAR is leveraging private sector partnerships to assess the value of organic waste in Rwanda. This focuses on four primary areas—organic waste composting, breeding Black Soldier Fly (BSF) larvae, small-scale cassava peel processing, and treating human waste. The partnership converts these resources into value-added products for sustainable development.
IITA-CGIAR contributes immensely to transforming and strengthening Rwanda’s agricultural sector through institutional innovations, policy engagement, capacity development, and partnerships.
Contributed by Timilehin Osunde and Tolulope Akinola
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