Rwanda, FAO collaborate to reduce agricultural methane emissions
RWANDA – Rwanda is working with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) to lower methane emissions in agriculture.
The project, launched on February 18, highlights the country’s dedication to sustainable farming and environmental conservation.
Agriculture remains central to Rwanda’s economy, contributing 26% to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and providing jobs for nearly half of the workforce. The government has introduced policies to modernize farming, improving productivity while addressing environmental concerns.
Nomathemba Mhlanga, FAO’s Representative ad interim in Rwanda, praised the collaboration between FAO and Rwanda’s government.
“We are gathering at a critical juncture for agrifood systems and climate action in Rwanda,” she said. “The livestock sector is not just responding to the climate challenge – it’s actively positioning itself as part of the solution.”
She stressed the importance of reducing emissions quickly. “Methane is a highly potent greenhouse gas, but because it is short-lived in the atmosphere, action to reduce methane emissions can have a rapid impact on reducing global warming.”
The project encourages climate-smart practices, including zero grazing, hydroponic farming, and improved manure management. These methods aim to enhance productivity while lowering emissions.
Sustainable farming and horticulture growth
This initiative follows Rwanda’s recent USD 47 million concessional loan agreement with China to expand agricultural irrigation. Signed on January 22, 2025, the deal is a step toward modernizing agriculture, which contributes 27% to the nation’s GDP and employs 56% of the workforce.
According to Rwanda’s Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning, the funding will support the construction of the Giseke Dam in Gisagara district and an irrigation project covering 2,640 hectares.
The project aims to assist 915 households—comprising 4,578 individuals—who will benefit from the infrastructure to grow crops.
“Local markets in Gisagara district and beyond are also expected to benefit from the marketing of products from this project,” the ministry said.
The Gisagara district is a key rice farming area and also produces cassava, green bananas, potatoes, sorghum, and maize. The government hopes such investments will reduce reliance on rain-fed agriculture.
Rwanda is also working to improve nutrition and food security by developing bio-fortified Irish potato varieties. These potatoes, enriched with iron and zinc, are undergoing trials at multiple research stations and are expected to be adopted nationally by 2026.
Telesphore Ndabamenye, Director General of the Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB), highlighted the significance of the initiative.
“Bio-fortified potatoes are crucial in combating malnutrition, especially among children and pregnant women in Rwanda,” he said.
The project aligns with similar efforts promoting nutrient-rich crops, including vitamin A-enriched sweet potatoes and fortified beans.
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