Natural Resources and Agriculture

Rwanda Prepares to Mark World Food Day 2026 with National Celebration in Gatsibo

1 hour ago EDITOR

GATSIBO, Rwanda — October 26, 2026 — Rwanda is set to host its national World Food Day 2026 celebrations on October 30 in Gatsibo District in the Eastern Province, bringing together farmers, cooperatives, young people, businesses, research institutions, and communities under the global theme “Innovate Today. Nourish Tomorrow.”

Organized by the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources (MINAGRI) in partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in Rwanda, the event will focus on practical innovations to strengthen food security, improve nutrition, and build more resilient agrifood systems. Officials have described the day as an opportunity for collective action, emphasizing that everyone—from farmers and youth to the private sector—has a role to play in making nutritious food more accessible while protecting the environment.

Planned activities include a mobilization campaign aimed at securing the success of Agricultural Season 2027A amid expected El Niño climate shocks, the planting of fruit trees, and the promotion of Juncao grass as livestock feed. The program will also highlight better nutrition practices for children and households, alongside efforts to reduce food waste and showcase agrifood innovations that can be scaled across communities.

The celebration aligns with Rwanda’s broader push to modernize agriculture and address nutrition gaps. While the country has made progress in reducing stunting, recent data continue to underscore the need for sustained efforts, particularly in ensuring young children receive diverse and adequate diets. Partners including research institutions have used the period around World Food Day to stress the value of agricultural innovation in improving productivity and livelihoods.

In the days surrounding the global observance on October 16, MINAGRI officials, including Minister of State for Agriculture Dr. Telesphore Ndabamenye, held discussions with FAO leadership. These talks, linked to FAO’s Hand-in-Hand Initiative, focused on attracting private investment into priority value chains such as livestock, strengthening preparedness for animal disease outbreaks, and enhancing national animal health laboratory services.

The Gatsibo event is expected to feature practical demonstrations and community engagement that translate the theme into local action. By combining climate-smart approaches, improved livestock feed options, nutrition promotion, and innovation showcases, organizers aim to inspire lasting contributions to Rwanda’s food systems.

World Food Day is observed annually on October 16 worldwide, with many countries holding national events later in the month. In Rwanda, the October 30 gathering is positioned as a call for inclusive, forward-looking solutions that nourish people today while safeguarding resources for future generations.