Rwanda has recorded notable gains in agricultural production, according to the latest Seasonal Agricultural Survey (SAS) for Season A 2026 released by the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda.
The report highlights overall increases in the production of major staple crops, signaling continued resilience and gradual expansion in the country’s agricultural sector.
Steady Growth Across Key Crops
The survey shows that most staple crops experienced positive growth compared to the same season in 2025.
Maize production rose by 1.5%, Irish potatoes increased by 3.3%, cassava recorded a strong 4.8% growth, sweet potatoes grew by 3%, and bananas saw a modest increase of 1.5%.
Beans were the only major crop to register a slight decline, decreasing by 0.5%.
Top Performing Districts
The report also identifies districts leading in productivity for specific crops:
Maize: Nyagatare, Kirehe, and Gatsibo
Irish Potatoes: Nyabihu, Rubavu, and Musanze
Sweet Potatoes: Gicumbi, Gakenke, and Nyamagabe
Cassava: Ruhango, Nyanza, and Nyamasheke
These districts continue to play a critical role in national food production, benefiting from favorable agro-climatic conditions, improved farming practices, and access to agricultural inputs.
Understanding the Percentages
The percentages shown in the report represent year-over-year changes in production volume, that is, how much output increased or decreased compared to Season A of 2025.
A positive percentage (e.g., +3.3% for Irish potatoes) means farmers produced more of that crop than the previous year.
A negative percentage (e.g., -0.5% for beans) indicates a slight decline in output.
These changes can be influenced by factors such as weather conditions, use of fertilizers and improved seeds, pest management, and farming techniques.
Outlook for Rwanda’s Agriculture
The overall upward trend reflects ongoing efforts to modernize agriculture and improve productivity.
While gains remain modest in some crops, consistent growth across multiple staples is a positive sign for food security and rural livelihoods.
Continued investment in climate resilience, irrigation, and farmer support programs will be key to sustaining this momentum.
As Rwanda moves forward, the SAS findings provide valuable insights for policymakers, farmers, and stakeholders working to strengthen the agricultural sector and ensure stable food supply nationwide.
By Andrew shyaka
