In the district of Kayonza, eastern Rwanda, a quiet revolution is taking root. The Food and Agriculture Resilience Mission Pillar 3 (FARM P3) project, supported by France and implemented in partnership with the Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB/SPIU) and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), is giving smallholder farmers renewed hope for food security and prosperity.
Since its launch, the initiative has focused on strengthening agricultural resilience, boosting productivity of maize and soybeans, and drastically cutting post-harvest losses. The results are already visible and deeply felt by the communities.
“At the first harvest, I earned 70,000 Rwandan francs. I immediately bought a goat that has already given birth twice. At this rate, I plan to rehabilitate my house and carry out other development activities for the well being of my family.” said Joselyne Bosenibo, a proud member of the Abakundamurimo Murundi cooperative.
Her story reflects the transformative power of the project. On 27 May, 2026 Martin Parent, France’s representative overseeing activities in East Africa and the Indian Ocean, visited the cooperative and expressed strong optimism.
“These achievements are already promising. Thanks to this project, cooperatives, small and medium enterprises, and banks will collaborate in a more structured way to foster mutually beneficial partnerships along the main value chains.” he stated, praising the healthy crops and modern farming practices taking shape in the fields.
Local leadership echoes this enthusiasm. The mayor of Kayonza, Fred Hategekimana, emphasized the district’s strong support for such initiatives.
“Such initiatives are firmly encouraged. We are now combining efforts to eradicate food insecurity and the impact of prolonged droughts.These joint efforts by the government and our partners are transforming local agriculture by promoting climate resilience and sustainable production,” he noted.
To date, 2,840 smallholder farmers have received training on reducing post harvest losses, while over 9,718 tonnes of maize have been successfully commercialized through project facilitated markets. Twenty-seven contracts have been signed between cooperatives and private buyers, ensuring stable outlets for produce.
Additionally, infrastructure development is advancing rapidly, with 14 drying sheds, 4 mechanical dryers, and 2 threshers approved at a value exceeding 552 million Rwandan francs. Twenty-six cooperatives are now directly linked to buyers and agro-processors.
The project builds on the gains of the Kayonza Irrigation and Integrated Watershed Management Project (KIIWP2), also funded by IFAD, creating a comprehensive approach to climate resilience, irrigation, and market access.
Farmers like Hakundimana Innocent of the Abakundamurimo cooperative describe a complete shift from traditional methods that led to poor yields and high losses.
“We used to sell to middlemen who dictated very low prices, causing us significant losses. Today, we have confidence in the future thanks to purchase contracts that guarantee our produce will be sold,” he explained.
Through better seeds, modern techniques, and reduced post harvest losses (previously 20-30%), these farmers are not only increasing production but also improving their families’ lives and building brighter futures. FARM P3 stands as a powerful example of how targeted investment, partnership, and resilience can turn vulnerability into opportunity in Rwanda’s agricultural heartland.
Naomi Irakoze Mugaragu