In a collaborative effort, the Rwanda Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources and the African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF) have unveiled a public-private partnership aimed at enhancing the agricultural output of over 500,000 farm households in Rwanda. This initiative dubbed the Rwanda Agricultural Biotechnology Programme, focuses on the development of high-yielding, pest- and disease-resistant varieties of cassava, maize, and potatoes, which are fundamental to the food security and economic stability of the region's farming communities.
The programme's establishment was announced after a comprehensive two-day launch and planning meeting, which saw the convergence of various stakeholders. The initiative will be spearheaded by AATF in coordination with the Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB), and will involve collaboration with the International Potato Center (CIP), Michigan State University (MSU), Bayer Company, the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Centre (CIMMYT), and the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center.
Dr. Telesphore Ndabamenye, RAB's Director General, emphasized the importance of a partnership approach to the project's success, highlighting the need for effective cooperation among stakeholders to tackle food insecurity. He stressed the integration of research and extension services to arm farmers with the tools and knowledge necessary for boosting productivity and resilience. Dr. Canasius Kanangire, AATF's Executive Director, pointed out that the project would enable Rwandan farmers to access and cultivate new crop varieties that are resistant to devastating pests and diseases, thus ensuring better yields and quality produce.
Simon Njeru, Bayer East Africa's Regulatory Science Project Lead, and Dr. Yoseph Beyene, CIMMYT's Regional Maize Breeding Coordinator for Africa, both underscored the significance of farming innovations and collaborative efforts in improving crop resilience and productivity, thereby contributing to sustainable development and enhanced livelihoods in Rwanda. Dr. Sylvester Oikeh, leading biotech maize development at AATF, highlighted the potential for increased maize yields through the adoption of improved varieties, which could significantly reduce Rwanda's annual expenditure on maize grain imports.
This initiative represents a strategic move towards leveraging biotechnology for agricultural advancement in Rwanda, promising a brighter future for the nation's farming communities.
Source: Nigerian Tribune