Farmers have requested that the government assist them to recover from Covid-19 pandemic impact on agriculture.

The call was made during an event that was organized to deliberate on the effects of Covid-19 on the food system in view of food security in Rwanda.

The event that was held on July 16, brought together farmers under Imbaraga Farmers’ Organization, Ministry of Agriculture and other key partners.

According to a countrywide assessment that was conducted by Imbaraga Farmers Organisation, a national body that brings together over 27,000 farmers from across the country, agriculture has been substantially affected by Covid-19, especially horticulture, poultry and exports.

Jean-Paul Munyakazi, the president of the organisation is concerned that due to losses encountered by farmers in the last few months, the impact might reflect on the food market in the country.

He emphasizes that a recovery plan by the government in partnership with investors and farmers is needed to revive the sector.

"Due to the closure of hotels, restaurants and travel restrictions, the market for agriculture produce was significantly disturbed. Farmers encountered losses that need an intensive investment to recover,” he told to the media at the event.

Francois Hakuzimana, a farmer from Eastern Province who attended the event emphasized the need for recovery investment and said:

"Farmers, especially in horticulture, Irish potatoes farming and poultry had an unpleasant experience with Covid-19 in addition to disasters associated with heavy rains. We need to reinvest with the help of banks and investors,” he said.

Planned bailout

Dr Octave Semwaga, Director-General for Strategic Planning and Programs Coordination at the Ministry of Agriculture assured farmers, saying that government managed to keep active routine services for farmers during Covid-19 lockdown and will continue to support them.

He explained that fertilizers and seeds were being distributed even during the lockdown. He revealed that the government had spent Rwf300 million to buy agricultural produce for farmers whose market was disturbed by Covid-19.

"Covid-19 prompted Rwanda to look for homegrown solutions. The government decided to buy agricultural produce and distribute to vulnerable families during the lockdown. We will keep looking for solutions to recover,” he said.

In April, Rwanda Agriculture Board, and the National Early Childhood Development Programme announced that they would buy eggs from poultry farmers and distribute them to vulnerable children.

He added that the ministry is looking for ways to add more crops and domestic animals on insurance.

"We are planning to start insuring pigs, fruits and vegetables so that when such pandemics hit, farmers will be supported to recover,” he said.