On November 14, Heifer Rwanda, Hello Tractor, and the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources officially launched Rwanda’s first-ever "Mechanisation Hub” in Kayonza District. The hub represents a pioneering effort to enhance smallholder productivity, reduce labor, and improve livelihoods by providing farmers with access to modern tractors, hands-on training, and ongoing technical support.

The collaboration aims to serve as a model for future hubs across Rwanda, offering valuable insights on scaling mechanised farming to boost the country’s agricultural output and economic growth.

Inside the Mechanisation Hub

Sophia Lelekivoni, Infrastructure Project Manager at Hello Tractor, described the hub as an innovative fusion of digital and traditional farming methods. "This hub brings together the physical and digital worlds, creating a space where technology meets tradition, and where every farmer has the tools and support to succeed,” she said.

Key components of the hub include:

PAYG (Pay-As-You-Go) Service Centre: A facility where technicians maintain tractors on behalf of owners, ensuring the machines remain in peak condition and reliable for farmers.

Interaction Centre: A communal space where farmers can exchange ideas and receive guidance, blending digital tools with face-to-face support to bridge the gap between innovation and tradition.

Training Centre: A dedicated space offering precision agriculture and sustainable farming practices, helping farmers acquire the skills necessary for growth and innovation.

Demo Plot: A "living laboratory" where farmers can observe new farming techniques and crop varieties, aiding them in making informed decisions to boost their yields.

Implement Hire: A service offering specialized farming tools on a rental basis, helping farmers increase efficiency and productivity in the field.

Lelekivoni emphasized, "Each of these components supports our mission to transform agriculture by merging digital innovation with practical farming. Together, we are building a future where every farmer can thrive.”

The hub also addresses a major barrier for Rwandan smallholder farmers: access to modern machinery. By offering tractors on a Pay-As-You-Go (PAYG) basis, the hub enables farmers to scale their operations and increase yields without the need for large upfront capital or collateral required by commercial banks.

Empowering Farmers Through Mechanisation

Florien Habimana, a Kicukiro District resident who has been using the PAYG service for over a month, explained the benefits of the program. Operating primarily in Bugesera District, Habimana noted that farmers must have access to at least 500 hectares to qualify for the program. Participants pay 5% of the tractor’s total price upfront, with full ownership granted once the balance is paid.

"The tractor makes land preparation much faster and more effective,” Habimana said. "For example, I can cover 40 hectares in a day, which used to take a month. I encourage other farmers, especially those in cooperatives, to join the PAYG program, as it requires only 20% upfront and no collateral.”

Real-Life Impact of Mechanisation

The benefits of mechanisation are already evident among farmers like Chantal Uwanyirigira, a 55-year-old farmer from Bugesera District. After using Hello Tractor’s services for three years, Uwanyirigira expanded her farm from 1.5 hectares to 2.5 hectares, increasing her maize yield from just a few tonnes to up to 12 tonnes per season. This improvement, she said, enabled her to buy three cows, support her children’s education, and build five houses, including commercial buildings.

The event also marked the graduation of a group of newly trained tractor operators, who completed a one-week training program. The training covered tractor operation, maintenance, and techniques for ploughing, planting, and harvesting. These newly certified operators are now equipped to maximize productivity and minimize downtime, benefiting both their farms and the broader agricultural community.

Grace Uwimana, a 40-year-old tractor operator with over 15 years of experience in agriculture, shared her journey. "Tractors have allowed me to work more land in less time, meaning I can earn a better living while still being there for my family,” she said. "I encourage other women to embrace this opportunity—it’s easier now than ever before.”

Looking Ahead: A Sustainable Future for Rwandan Agriculture

Verena Ruzibuka, Interim Country Director of Heifer Rwanda, emphasized the importance of collaboration in the success of this project. "We are excited to partner on this initiative and look forward to expanding our efforts to build additional hubs and strengthen the mechanisation service sector,” she said. "Our goal is to contribute to a more sustainable food system in Rwanda. I encourage all partners to ensure the professional delivery of high-quality services to farmers, as this will be critical in achieving lasting success and impact.”

James Macharia, Director of Credit at Hello Tractor, highlighted the transformative potential of the partnership. "This collaboration is not just about providing tractors to smallholder farmers; it’s about unlocking their full potential. By equipping farmers with the tools to farm more land with less effort, we are revolutionising agriculture and paving the way for a brighter future. This is just the beginning of a farming revolution that will fuel food security, create jobs, and uplift communities across Rwanda.”

Solange Uwituze, Deputy Director General of the Rwanda Agricultural Board (RAB), underscored the hub’s significance in advancing Rwanda’s agricultural goals. "Kayonza is strategically located and has to balance land use for grazing and farming,” she said. "This hub will serve as a model for future projects that promote self-reliance among smallholder farmers.”

Uwituze also highlighted the long-term vision of Rwanda’s agriculture sector, which aims to reduce the agricultural workforce from 65% to 9% by 2050, creating new jobs while enhancing efficiency and sustainability. "Rwanda has over 900,000 hectares suitable for mechanisation, despite its hilly terrain. This hub is a step towards optimising land use and ensuring food security for our growing population,” she said.