Insufficient inputs, research and poor extension services were cited by experts as key factors that hinder agricultural productivity in Rwanda.

In a roundtable discussion on how to boost agricultural yield in the country and reduce poverty, experts operating in the agriculture sector shared their research findings on use of fertilisers and how increased production in agriculture can reduce poverty.

The majority of Rwandans rely on farm jobs but agricultural practice is still mainly subsistence.

Speaking to Rwanda Today, John Veerkamp, country representative of International Fertiliser Development Centre (IFDC), an organisation that supports agricultural development projects in the Great Lakes countries, said there are many factors that explain the low usage of the best combination of fertilisers in Rwanda.

“Fertilisers are expensive because they have to import it here. They have to come from far away and as a result, most farmers are still working on non-input systems,” said Mr Veerkamp.

“We think in general, with response, we have seen that use of fertiliser is economically viable,” added Mr Veerkamp.

“It is not generally available. If I am a farmer and I want to buy fertiliser, it is not really available,” he added.

There are subsidised fertilisers but it’s reaching about 30 per cent of all farmers.

According to Mr Veerkamp, plants requires 14 essential nutrients but most Rwandans are only applying two or three nutrients in farming.

National fertiliser policy says the country is characterised by low soil productivity due to nutrient depletion arising from over cultivation and soil erosion. The policy recommends an increased use of fertilisers to achieve agricultural intensification.

IFDC says both fertiliser market and supply chains are not available yet.

“Demand and supply is important, if there is no demand a private supplier will not come in,” he said.

“If there are no fertilisers, you will not get higher yield,” added Mr Veerkamp.

READ: Rwanda farmers: Rise in use of artificial fertilisers affects our produce

Lack of information

IFDC said it faced difficult times explaining to farmers why fertilisers are their importance in crop production.

“They think they will double their money, but with their yield the prices go down and they don’t get that money they invested,” said Mr Veerkamp.

Budget constraints and priorities have also been identified as some of the shortcomings facing agricultural sector. Some experts said it could be a dilemma for government to fund all factors that increase agricultural yield.

William Martin, senior research fellow at International Food Policy Research Institute based in the USA said coffee varieties used in Rwanda are the same that were introduced in 1960s and the yield has not increased but demand for Arabica coffee has been going.

“The price is higher than it was in 1960s, but if it were possible to get new varieties that raise the yield, and at least preferably increase the quality, Rwanda can benefit a lot rather than having the same technology and same varieties from 1960s,” said Mr Martin.