Rwanda, June 2026 – INGABO Farmers’ Association, in partnership with the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), successfully conducted a nationwide media awareness campaign under the SCORE Rwanda Project funded by the Global Agriculture and Food Security Program ( GAFSP) (Strengthening Smallholder Farmers’ Resilience to Food and Climatic Crises for Improved Food Security and Livelihoods), reaching cassava farming communities in three sites across the country.
The campaign was carried out in Rwimbogo Sector, Gatsibo District (Eastern Province) on June 18, 2026, Nyamiyaga Sector, Kamonyi District (Southern Province) on June 24, 2026, and Giheke Sector, Rusizi District (Western Province) on June 26, 2026. It brought together government officials, agricultural experts, development partners, journalists, local leaders, extension officers, cooperative leaders, Farmer Field School Facilitators and farmers to raise awareness about climate-smart agriculture as a key solution to increasing agricultural productivity and strengthening resilience against climate change.
Throughout the campaign, leaders emphasized that adopting climate-smart agricultural technologies is no longer optional but essential for improving cassava production, protecting livelihoods, and ensuring long-term food security. Farmers were encouraged to embrace modern farming practices such as the use of improved cassava varieties, soil and water conservation techniques, timely planting, integrated pest and disease management, and other sustainable farming innovations that help increase productivity while adapting to changing climatic conditions.
The campaign also highlighted the achievements of the SCORE Rwanda Project, a four-year initiative funded by IFAD with support from the Global Agriculture and Food Security Program (GAFSP), Agriterra, and the Eastern Africa Farmers Federation (EAFF). The project aims to strengthen food security, improve livelihoods, and build climate resilience among more than 100,000 cassava farming households across Rwanda.
During field visits, journalists and communication professionals engaged directly with farmers, cooperatives, and agricultural extension officers, documenting inspiring stories of innovation, resilience, and improved farming practices. Farmers shared how climate-smart technologies are helping them reduce production risks, improve yields, and enhance household incomes despite increasing climate-related challenges.
Leaders further noted that collaboration between the media and the agricultural sector is vital in accelerating the adoption of climate-smart technologies. By showcasing successful farmer experiences and promoting evidence-based agricultural information, the media plays an important role in encouraging more farmers to adopt resilient farming practices.
The awareness campaign is expected to generate extensive media coverage through television features, radio programs, online publications, documentaries, and social media platforms, further amplifying messages on sustainable agriculture and climate resilience across the country.
As Rwanda continues to strengthen its agricultural transformation agenda, initiatives such as the SCORE Rwanda Project demonstrate the importance of partnerships in equipping smallholder farmers with the knowledge, technologies, and support needed to adapt to climate change while increasing food production and improving rural livelihoods.
