The African Forum for Agricultural Advisory Services (AFAAS), working with its Rwanda country forum ROPAAS, has launched the Scaling and Operationalization of Pluralistic Last-Mile Delivery, Extension, and Advisory Services in Africa project. The project funded by the AGRA is part of a wider implementation scope in other African countries. The launch, which the Director General of Planning officiated at the Rwanda Ministry of Agriculture and Industry (MINAGRI), Dr. Chantal Ingabire also saw the unveiling of the CAES Implementation plan. She thanked AFAAS for the interest in developing the extension system delivery in Rwanda and leveraging existing initiatives rather than reinventing the wheel.
“The Government of Rwanda is committed; we have been studying the revival of the extension system and to ensure we have organized extension. So, this project of digitalization is very good for our people.” She said.
The director general further urged all stakeholders to work closely with the ministry in order to ensure sustainable development of the agriculture sector.
Dr Silim Nandhy, the AFAAS Executive Director, who addressed participants online, said the workshop was a great opportunity not just to unveil but also to provide clarity on project objectives and expected outcomes.
“We are just not flagging off the Rwanda activity, but like we have been doing in all countries where we are implementing the project, we are bringing great minds together to develop a clear roadmap towards developing great policies and frameworks that support digitalization of agriculture extension, “adds Dr Silim
According to Narcisse Ndaguimana, the ROPAAS coordinator, the Launch of the Project on Scaling & Operationalisation of Pluralistic Last Mile Delivery EAS in Rwanda is a key objective of a wider Programme for the extension stakeholders through a National Level workshop.
The Launch and workshop taking place at LA PALISSE Nyamata, Bugesera District, drew key stakeholders in extension services in Rwanda (government agencies, NGOs, private sector, and farmer organizations) is to align efforts and foster collaboration. The workshop shall also develop a roadmap for CAES implementation, incorporating: Digitalization of extension services, development of training and extension materials, and further strengthening the role of private sector advisory services in selected food basket sites
The three-year project focuses on enhancing agricultural extension and advisory services (AEAS) across the African continent. By promoting private sector-led, pluralistic approaches, the project seeks to overcome the prevalent challenges in public AEAS systems. Key objectives include institutionalizing digitized farming-system specific extension content, developing sustainable private sector-led extension models, and creating an enabling environment for the adoption of private sector extension services. In other African countries, the project has been launched in Malawi, Uganda, Nigeria, Burkina Faso, and now Rwanda.
AGRA is committed to transforming Africa’s agriculture sector through sustainable, inclusive, and scalable solutions. As part of its efforts to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of agricultural extension and advisory services (AEAS), AGRA, in partnership with the African Forum for Agricultural Advisory Services (AFAAS), is implementing initiatives aimed at strengthening extension systems, digitization, and fostering private sector engagement.
Under the National Strategy for Transformation (NST2), Rwanda aims to increase productivity by 50% on priority crops to ensure food security, self-sufficiency, and export between 2025 and 2029. The NST2 emphasizes that extension services will be enhanced and improved in collaboration with the private sector, promoting the use of technology to further enhance productivity across the sector. Also, the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources is implementing the fifth edition of the Strategic Plan for Agriculture Transformation (PSTA-5) for the period 2024-2029. This plan prioritizes agri-food systems and has adopted the new Customized Agricultural Extension System (CAES), which provides a new orientation for extension services. CAES promotes a more demand-led, value chain-based, and participatory approach, underpinned by the involvement of the private sector.
To support the effective implementation of the new extension system, intensive stakeholder interactions and engagement are integral components of the extension system. In this context, AGRA, in partnership with AFAAS and with the support of MINAGRI, is organizing a stakeholder engagement workshop to facilitate the development of the extension system, aligning with the PSTA 5. The workshop brings together relevant stakeholders, government agencies, research institutions, farmer organizations, private sector actors, development partners, farmer organizations and professional extension organizations, including RVCD for the livestock sector and ROPAAS for agronomist organizations.
Danniel Nnaghaka the knowledge management expert at AFAAS said the hybrid event, featuring in-person sessions and live streaming for online participants, promises to catalyze momentum towards resilient, sustainable, and inclusive food systems in Rwanda and Eastern Africa.
