Rwanda’s Smallholder Farmers Face Growing Input Gap Despite Sector Progress – NISR Season B 2025

Agriculture remains the backbone of Rwanda’s economy, employing more than half of the population and contributing significantly to the national GDP. Yet despite notable progress in land utilization and improved farming practices, new statistics from the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda (NISR) reveal a widening gap between smallholder farmers and large-scale farmers, particularly in the use of modern technology and agricultural inputs. The findings highlight persistent challenges that continue to suppress productivity among smallholder farmers across the country.

According to the Seasonal Agricultural Survey for Season B 2025, Rwanda cultivated 1.423 million hectares of land, representing 60% of all available arable land. Of these, 1.022 million hectares were used for seasonal crops, 0.524 million hectares for perennial crops, while 0.1 million hectares were dedicated to livestock fodder. While these figures demonstrate strong national efforts in land productivity, smallholder farmers remain disadvantaged in accessing improved seeds, fertilizers, and modern farming tools, all of which are essential for higher yields.

The report shows that only 18% of farmers nationwide used improved seeds during Season B 2025. When disaggregated, the numbers reveal deep inequalities: smallholder farmers used improved seeds at just 16.7%, while large-scale farmers reached 72.1% usage. This disparity continues to impact harvest quality and output for small farmers who rely heavily on traditional seed varieties.

In Nyamagabe District, Vestine Mukamana, a 39-year-old maize and bean farmer, expressed frustration over the rising cost of agricultural inputs. “Improved seeds are too expensive. Even with my small plot, I struggle to afford the amount I need. When I fail to buy them, I end up using ordinary seeds, and of course the harvest becomes poor,” she said.

A similar concern was echoed by Jean Damascène Habarurema, a 45-year-old farmer from Huye District, who cultivates maize and legumes. “Fertilizer prices have become unbearable. We are encouraged to use chemical fertilizers, but most of us cannot afford them. Sometimes we walk long distances to suppliers only to return home empty-handed,” he explained.

The NISR report indicates that organic manure remains the most accessible input for smallholder farmers, with 80.8% of farmers nationwide using it. Smallholder farmers use organic manure at a higher rate (81.2%) than large-scale farmers (63.8%). However, experts caution that while organic manure improves soil fertility, it is not sufficient to replace chemical fertilizers when aiming for high productivity.

Chemical fertilizer usage is still low among smallholder farmers, with only 54.8% using it, compared to 83.7% of large-scale farmers. The persistent cost barrier continues to hinder the adoption of modern inputs vital for improved productivity.

Thacienne Uwiringiyimana, an agricultural researcher and lecturer at the University of Rwanda, emphasizes the need for increased farmer training in producing and applying organic manure professionally. “If smallholder farmers acquire skills to produce quality organic manure, it would help them reduce dependency on expensive chemical fertilizers while also improving soil health,” she noted.

On crop protection, the report shows that 36.6% of farmers used pesticides during Season B 2025, with smallholder farmers at 35.6% compared to 77.7% among large-scale farmers. This gap exposes small farmers to greater crop losses caused by pests and diseases. The most commonly used pesticides included Rocket (30.4%), Dithane (24.3%), and Cypermethrin (16.1%), further highlighting the affordability gap between farmer categories.

The Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB) says government efforts are underway to support smallholder farmers through increased access to extension services, modern farming knowledge, and organized cooperatives. Dr. Solange Uwituze, Acting Director General of RAB, said: “Our aim is to ensure that smallholder farmers are no longer left behind. We are expanding extension services, promoting cooperative farming, and working to make agricultural inputs more affordable and accessible.”

Despite the challenges posed by high input costs, limited access to technology, and low adoption of improved seeds, experts say Rwanda’s agriculture sector remains on a promising trajectory. With continued investment in farmer capacity-building, increased input subsidies, and strengthened cooperative systems, the country is well-positioned to reduce the productivity gap and achieve sustainable agricultural growth.

The NISR report confirms ongoing progress in land use, fertilizer application, and pest management factors that signal a positive outlook for Rwanda’s agricultural future, provided smallholder farmers receive the targeted support they urgently need.