Rwanda: An ambitious program to plant 6 million fruit trees in 5 years

Rwanda’s Ministry of Agriculture has announced the launch of a five-year programme to scale up fruit tree planting nationwide. The project, called “Five Fruit Trees Per Household ,” will begin with a pilot phase on October 24 and is part of a comprehensive strategy to promote food security, improve family well-being, and boost the country’s rural economy.

Objectives and scope of the program

The project, funded to the tune of 18 billion Rwandan francs (13.3 million USD), aims to plant 6 million fruit trees throughout the country. The trees to be grown will include species with high economic and nutritional potential, such as avocado, mango, papaya, guava, and various citrus fruits. Alexandre Rutikanga, the ministry’s chief technical advisor, said the initiative targets 13 districts in the Western, Northern, Eastern, and Southern provinces.

The choice of fruit trees is not only expected to bring nutritional improvement to local communities, but also contribute to long-term economic growth by supporting the horticultural sector, an important pillar of the country’s economy.

Economic importance of the horticultural sector

In Rwanda, agriculture accounts for 27% of GDP and employs 56% of the population, with horticulture playing a crucial role. Indeed, fruit and vegetable exports account for nearly 50% of non-traditional agricultural revenue, according to the Rwanda Development Board (RAB). In 2023, fruit production reached about 147,300 tonnes , illustrating the development potential of this sector.

Conclusion

This ambitious program by Rwanda’s Ministry of Agriculture aims to boost the agricultural sector while providing nutritional and economic benefits to rural communities. By contributing to increasing tree-growing areas and improving food security, this project could play a significant role in the country’s sustainable development and economic resilience.