Rwanda Institute for Conservation Agriculture

STRENGTHENING RURAL RESILIENCE THROUGH ALTERNATIVE LIVESTOCK HUSBANDRY: In partnership with the Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA), the Rwanda Institute for Conservation Agriculture (RICA) concluded today a 2-day capacity-building training on Alternative Livestock Husbandry for 60 livestock farmers, veterinarians and agriculture leaders from Kirehe District. The training introduced participants to non-traditional livestock options, including poultry, rabbits, sheep, ducks, and pigs, which allow practical, low-cost and small-land solutions and yield high market value; thus supporting sustainable livestock production to strengthen household resilience and diversify income. Beyond technical knowledge, the training emphasized: 1) Improved household nutrition through increased protein sources 2) Diversified income streams for farmers 3) Enhanced resilience in smallholder farming systems 4) Empowerment of women and youth through accessible livestock enterprises Grounded in field assessments conducted in Gasharu and Bukinanyana catchments (Kirehe District), the training reflects a data-driven approach to identifying locally suitable livestock opportunities and strengthening community livelihoods. This collaboration between RICA and REMA highlights a shared commitment to building practical knowledge, and by focusing on species with rapid reproduction and lower production costs, we are ensuring that the livestock farmers are better equipped to navigate environmental and economic challenges. Ministry of Agriculture & Animal Resources Olusegun Yerokun Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board Jean Claude Kayisinga Magnifique Nzaramba Bruno Rangira

Telling the Conservation Agriculture (CA) story at RICA has become a multilayered effort, with staff, faculty, and students alike unified in the narrative as we position RICA for CA leadership. It was especially satisfying to hear farmers call in during a live radio show, asking about CA and demonstrating genuine interest. Thank you, Kigali Today Ltd, for providing a platform to inspire farmers beyond the RICA campus today. #ConservationAg #CAAdoption

Today, we are pleased to host Kigali Today Ltd (KT), including its platforms—KT Radio and KT Press. The Kigali Today team toured the campus and sharing the story of conservation agriculture live from RICA: KT Radio (Live from 5am to 1:30pm): https://www.ktradio.rw/ and Youtube - Relive the RICA campus tour: https://lnkd.in/gZpsQ3r5

We congratulate our RICA pioneer alumni on earning their Master’s degrees: Serge Tuyambaze from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln; Merci Uwimbabazi and Germaine N. Akeza from the Kentucky State University; and Mizero Polycarpe from the The University of Georgia. Their achievements reflect both their academic excellence and the strength of the foundation built at Rwanda Institute for Conservation Agriculture, speaking to the global relevance and impact of our graduates. We extend our warmest congratulations and look forward to the meaningful contributions they will continue to make in their professions and communities.

NURTURING LEADERSHIP & IMPACT: Last Friday, the RICA English Club visited Groupe Scolaire Dihiro in the Gashora Sector, where our students facilitated an engaging debate skills session for secondary school learners. This outreach provided a practical platform for strengthening public speaking and communication confidence, creating a bridge between our campus and the local community. WHY THIS MATTERS: 1) Student-Led Engagement: Empowering students to lead beyond the classroom. 2) Community Service: Nurturing a spirit of giving back and social impact. 3) Soft Skill Development: Building confidence in communication for leaders of tomorrow. At the Rwanda Institute for Conservation Agriculture (RICA), we believe education should do more than transform the individual. It should empower them to contribute to the growth of others. #RICA #CommunityImpact #Education #Rwanda #StudentLeadership #SoftSkillsDevelopment

Today, we welcomed the Africa Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Cooling and Cold Chain (ACES) team for a learning visit centered on our cooling systems. The visit offered practical exposure to how renewable energy technologies can enhance integrated cold-chain management for perishable goods, deepening participants’ understanding of post-harvest handling practices. Toby Peters Olusegun Yerokun Jean Claude Kayisinga

At RICA, we are committed to ensuring everyone is included as we learn and train together toward a shared understanding and purpose in Conservation Agriculture (CA). Today, we launched a series of deep-dive training sessions for staff and faculty, aimed at building a common CA narrative and fostering total ownership of the RICA theme ‘Positioning RICA for CA Leadership.’

Yesterday, we welcomed the Kurumbuka Leadership Solutions team and a delegation from Columbia Bible College, who are in Rwanda for a cross-cultural leadership immersion. The group explored our hands-on learning model and the Conservation Agriculture techniques that drive sustainable farming, restore soil health and transform livelihoods.

FARMING WITH THE FUTURE IN MIND - From manual planting to precision machine seeding with CA planters, these moments from our fields show Conservation Agriculture at work, planting while keeping the soil disturbance to a minimum. Why does minimum tillage matter? This practice preserves soil structure and life beneath the surface; improves water infiltration and moisture retention; reduces erosion and soil compaction; builds healthier, more resilient soils over time By disturbing the soil as little as possible, nutrients stay where crops need them most, and the soil ecosystem remains active and productive. This is how we farm with the future in mind: protecting the soil while improving crop performance #conservationagriculture #soilhealth #minimumtillage

Field preparation and planting using minimal tillage methods. A key and the first of the principles of Conservation Agriculture, this practice supports healthy soils by improving water infiltration, preventing erosion, and sustaining microorganisms....