DeSIRA Project Transforms Rwandan Agriculture with Climate-Smart Innovations and Record Crop Yields
KIGALI, RWANDA – A major agricultural initiative is successfully reshaping the farming landscape in Rwanda, significantly boosting crop yields and fortifying local food systems against climate change. The DeSIRA project, formally known as “Capacity development for innovation in Rwanda,” is a EUR 2,000,000 initiative funded by the European Commission running from September 2020 to December 2025. By strengthening climate-smart innovation capacities, the project is actively tackling poverty and enhancing food and nutrition security across six districts: Burera, Rutsiro, Gatsibo, Nyagatare, Bugesera, and Ruhango.
Staggering Increases in Crop Yields
Through rigorous action research and the introduction of 36 improved seed and fertilizer options tested across more than 100 study plots, the project has achieved remarkable production milestones. Potato yields have surged from 7 to over 20 metric tons per hectare (MT/ha), with the specialized Cyerekezo variety reaching up to 32 MT/ha. Similarly, cassava yields skyrocketed from 10 to up to 47 MT/ha thanks to pit planting, improved soil health, and better crop varieties. Rice farmers in the Rwangingo scheme have also seen their harvests jump from 4 to 6.4 MT/ha through the adoption of good agronomic practices.
Empowering the Farming Community
A cornerstone of the DeSIRA initiative is its focus on community-led learning and multi-stakeholder collaboration. The project has successfully established eight fully operational Agricultural Innovation Platforms (AIPs), which bring together farmers, researchers, policymakers, and the private sector to co-design solutions across the dairy, cassava, potato, piggery, and rice value chains. These platforms have engaged over 8,618 producers and strategically implemented a transformative gender approach, ensuring that 37% of participants are women and 18% are youth.
To further build local capacity, the project trained 104 local agronomists and facilitators in the Farmer Field School (FFS) approach, a methodology that promotes season-long, field-based learning. This effort led to the formation of 64 FFS groups that currently engage 1,920 households in testing climate-smart practices, improving soil health, and sharing farmer-to-farmer knowledge.
Advancing Livestock Health and Climate Resilience
Beyond crops, the DeSIRA project has made significant strides in livestock management and resource efficiency. The initiative provided 450 rainwater harvesting tanks to secure reliable water access for improved livestock production. Animal health has been heavily bolstered through targeted vaccination campaigns, protecting 758 cattle against East Coast Fever (ECF) and 5,000 pigs against Swine Erysipelas, drastically reducing disease-related losses. In districts like Burera and Nyagatare, a newly developed Microsoft Excel-based feed balance tool is helping farmers optimize livestock nutrition and resource efficiency.
Overall, the project has tested and profiled over 22 Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) innovations, including drought-tolerant varieties, integrated pest management, and water-saving techniques.
Policy Influence and Lasting Impact
The adoption of these transformative practices is already gaining widespread traction among the population. A recent study revealed that 85% of farmers expressed interest in Climate-Smart Agriculture, with 60% already applying these practices in their fields, demonstrating high scalability and alignment with national climate adaptation priorities.
To ensure long-term institutional support, the project has convened four major policy dialogues focusing on dairy governance, seed systems, and water management, successfully influencing the national enabling environment with input from over 100 stakeholders. Additionally, eight academic exchange programs between the University of Rwanda and ISTOM have fostered joint research, knowledge transfer, and vital institutional capacity building for the future of Rwandan agriculture.
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