Experts and farmers warn of the looming extinction of vital heritage crops, urging urgent action to preserve Rwanda’s agricultural biodiversity.
Rwanda’s traditional food crops, once central to the nation’s agricultural identity, are at risk of disappearing. A growing number of agricultural scientists and cultural experts are sounding the alarm over the decline of these crops, which are known for their nutritional value and climate resilience.
Staple crops such as millet, sorghum, certain indigenous pumpkins, and native vegetables like Isogi (cleome gynandra) are becoming increasingly rare in Rwanda. Experts are concerned that without immediate intervention, these essential crops could be lost forever.
According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), 75% of the world’s agricultural genetic diversity has been lost since the beginning of the 20th century, largely due to the dominance of high-yielding commercial crops.
Pacifique Nshimiyimana, an agricultural scientist and head of the Alliance for Science Rwanda, emphasized that protecting traditional crops is critical for both food security and ecological balance. “These crops are not only essential for human nutrition but also play a key role in preserving biodiversity and supporting ecosystems,” Nshimiyimana said. He pointed to the revival of the American chestnut tree, which was restored using biotechnology, as a potential model for preserving Rwanda’s endangered crops.
Farmers Share Their Concerns
A farmer from Rwanda’s Rulindo District, reflected on the challenges of cultivating traditional crops today compared to previous decades. “Growing crops like sorghum and millet was much easier when I was younger,” he said. “These grains were essential to my family’s diet and contributed to their long, healthy lives.” He expressed concern over the dwindling availability of seeds for these crops, citing government regulations that favor commercial varieties over traditional ones.
He believes that supporting traditional crops would not only benefit farmers economically but also help preserve an important part of Rwanda’s cultural heritage.
Cultural researcher Modeste Nzayisenga Rutangarwamaboko also noted the negative impact the decline of traditional crops has had on cultural practices. “Sorghum, once regarded as the ‘king’s food,’ has become scarce, and much of it is now imported from neighboring countries,” Rutangarwamaboko said.
Government Efforts to Conserve Traditional Crops
In response to growing concerns, the Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB) is taking steps to conserve traditional crops. Florence Uwamahoro, Deputy Director General for Agriculture at RAB, outlined the agency’s efforts to protect key crops like sorghum and millet through a national genetic resources program.
“The conservation of these crops is crucial not only for food security but also for maintaining biodiversity,” Uwamahoro explained. She highlighted Rwanda’s participation in international initiatives, including the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture and the Nagoya Protocol, which promote the sustainable use and equitable sharing of genetic resources.
RAB has also established a national genebank that houses over 500 varieties of traditional crops from across Rwanda, ensuring their long-term preservation.
“As we face increasing challenges related to food security and climate change, protecting our traditional crops is more important than ever,” Uwamahoro concluded.
Looking Ahead
While efforts to conserve traditional crops are underway, experts agree that more needs to be done to ensure their survival. The continued loss of these vital crops would not only affect Rwanda’s food security but also threaten its agricultural heritage. As the government and agricultural scientists continue their work, farmers and cultural advocates are hopeful that these valuable crops will receive the support they need to thrive once again.
