Strategic Focus on Food Basket Sites for Agricultural Growth
The government is placing a strong emphasis on “food basket sites” (FoBaSi) as a key strategy to boost agricultural output during the 2026A season, which begins in September. This initiative, announced by the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources, aligns with the country’s main production period, which runs from September to December. The 2026A season will mark the official launch of the FoBaSi approach, alongside tailored extension services designed for different farmer categories and crop value chains.
According to the Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB), this strategy requires enhanced coordination among all stakeholders to maximize productivity. The announcement was made during a national-level meeting on August 11, 2025, where public and private sector players in the seeds and fertiliser industry gathered to prepare for the upcoming season.
Why Food Basket Sites Matter
Florence Uwamahoro, Deputy Director General for Agriculture Development at RAB, emphasized that achieving the National Strategy for Transformation (NST 2) targets for increased productivity in priority crops requires significant changes in current practices. For example, data shows that while average maize production rose from 1.5 tonnes per hectare in 2017 to 2 tonnes in 2024, the NST 2 target is 2.7 tonnes, a 35% increase. Similarly, for Irish potato, the target is a 79% rise from 8.5 tonnes in 2024 to 14.7 tonnes, and for rice, it is a 35% increase to 5.4 tonnes. Soybean production is expected to see a 250% increase, reaching 1.4 tonnes per hectare by 2028/29.
To meet these goals, RAB highlights the need for full land cultivation, better use of quality inputs, and yield optimization through consolidated sites and targeted extension services. Telesphore Ndabamenye, Minister of State for Agriculture and Animal Resources, noted that while land consolidation has been adopted, yields have not improved as expected. He stressed the importance of focusing on consolidated sites to enhance yields per hectare through closer engagement with farmers, improved extension services, and stronger market linkages.
How Food Basket Sites Work
Food basket sites, or BaSi, are part of a new management approach for agricultural land outlined in the PSTA 5 blueprint. Under this model, land with potential for consolidation is identified and mapped to facilitate focused interventions from both the public and private sectors. The initiative aims to improve production for food security and commercial purposes. Infrastructure investments such as irrigation systems, cold chain facilities, post-harvest handling, and feeder roads will be prioritized based on the specific needs of these sites.
RAB has mapped 13,379 FoBaSi nationwide, covering over 495,000 hectares. Each site has undergone a needs assessment, with site-based agronomists assigned to guide farmers. Agrihubs, which operate on large land parcels of at least 500 hectares, are typically run by large-scale farmers or investors with advanced infrastructure. In contrast, food basket sites consolidate plots of at least 5 hectares, usually managed by smallholder farmer organizations. The government plans to support these sites for five years before they become self-sustaining.
Private Sector Readiness
Norbert Sendege, CEO of Tri Seed, a local seed company, confirmed that the firm has adequate supplies of certified maize, soybean, and wheat seeds and has already begun supplying districts. He mentioned having about 1,000 tonnes of certified maize seeds ready for distribution. Sonia Muhikaze, Government Relations Manager at One Acre Fund – Tubura, stated that the organization is fully prepared for the season, with certified fertilizers in stock and ready to reach farmers.
However, challenges persist. Florence Uwingabire, an agro-dealer from Kirehe District, highlighted issues caused by farmers failing to register under the Smart Nkunganire System (SNS) for government-subsidized inputs. She explained that orders are often placed based on the number of registered farmers, but unregistered farmers sometimes show up when inputs arrive, leading to disputes.
Fertiliser and Seed Availability Status
For the 2026A season, the government targets 63,750 tonnes of fertiliser. As of August 7, over 25,900 tonnes were already in storage, with another 46,300 tonnes in transit. Seed availability exceeds targets, with more than 4,600 tonnes of maize, soybean, and wheat in storage, surpassing the required 3,800 tonnes. However, only 280 tonnes had reached agro-dealers, with over 3,000 tonnes still under processing.
RAB urged farmers to complete registration by August 20 and set August 30 as the deadline for distributing seeds and fertilisers to avoid delays. The minister emphasized that subsidised farm inputs must be used effectively to achieve higher yields and prevent waste.