Rwanda is on track to increase soybean production by 46%, aiming to grow output from 36,220 tonnes in 2024 to 53,019 tonnes by 2026/27, according to the Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB).
This expansion will rely on introducing five new soybean varieties and improving farming techniques.
New Soybean Varieties to Drive Growth
The government is preparing to release five new soybean varieties after extensive testing. Florence Uwamahoro, Deputy Director General for Agriculture Development at RAB, explained that these varieties will complement the eight currently in use, which were introduced in 2021.
To ensure adoption, RAB will:
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• Promote awareness campaigns to educate farmers.
• Engage seed multipliers, processors, and off-takers to integrate the new varieties into the supply chain.
• Set up demonstration plots across the country to showcase their performance.
These climate-adapted varieties thrive in low and mid-altitude regions, including all districts in the Eastern Province and parts of the Southern and Western Provinces. However, high-altitude areas such as Muhanga, Nyamagabe, and Nyaruguru are not well suited for their cultivation.
Meeting the Growing Demand for Soybeans
Soybean production is expanding to satisfy rising demand across multiple industries. Uwamahoro highlighted key areas where soybeans are essential:
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• Infant nutrition – A crucial ingredient in baby food production, supporting the government’s plan to reduce child stunting rates to 15% by 2029.
• Animal feed – A necessary component for poultry, pig, and fish farming, which faces high feed costs due to import dependency.
• Cooking oil – A vital ingredient in oil production, helping Rwanda reduce reliance on imports.
The government is investing in domestic soybean processing to cut cooking oil imports, which peaked at 126,002 metric tonnes in 2023. Although Rwanda produces 80,000 metric tonnes of cooking oil annually, it still imports around 125,000 metric tonnes, making it a net importer. Increasing soybean production will help close this gap and improve the country’s trade balance.
Farmers Anticipate Better Yields with New Varieties
Farmers have struggled with unpredictable weather and poor rainfall, leading to disappointing harvests in recent seasons. Many rotate soybean crops with maize, adapting to weather patterns.
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Xavier Bahizi, a farmer, skipped this season’s planting due to adverse conditions but remains optimistic about the new varieties.
“The weather was not favorable this season, and the yield was lower than expected. However, we believe the new varieties will help improve production next season,” Bahizi stated.
Similarly, Amani Karwa, a Gatsibo-based farmer with six years of experience, noted that previous harvests had been strong, but last season was challenging. He remains hopeful that the upcoming varieties will boost output and stability.
A Step Toward Agricultural Independence
Rwanda’s investment in high-yield, pest-resistant, and early-maturing soybean varieties reflects a commitment to agricultural resilience and self-sufficiency. By improving seed quality, farming techniques, and processing capacity, the country aims to reduce import dependency, enhance food security, and drive economic growth.
As the 2026/27 target approaches, Rwanda’s strategic focus on innovation in agriculture will strengthen its position as a leader in sustainable soybean production.
