The role of the use of improved agricultural practices in ensuring food security in Rwanda

2.2.1 Effect of the use of fertilizers on food security

Rwanda has implemented several programs to increase productivity in the agriculture sector, including working closely with IFDC on projects to promote ISFM and increase fertilizer use. IFDC and the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources (MINAGRI) have collaborated to improve agricultural production and increase agribusiness activity and farm wage employment. Increasing fertilizer use in Rwanda has contributed to poverty reduction and improved the livelihoods of many Rwandan smallholder farmers. Fertilizer use more than doubled, from 18 percent to 38.3 percent. (In one province the use of fertilizer was nearly 54 percent^9(*).

Through bulk orders, CIP imported fertilizers and distributed to farmers through various service providers. About 83% of fertilizers were used by farmers growing maize, wheat, rice and potato. In 2009, CIP imported 14,427 tons and distributed to maize and wheat Growers at subsidized rates (50%) the overhead costs (transportation and administrative Costs) from Mombasa to rural

Areas were covered by the government. CIP continued to import and distribute in 2010 (33,500 t) and 2011 (22,000 t).

Through an auction process, the CIP auctions imported fertilizers to private distributors. To access these fertilizers at subsidized prices, CIP distributes vouchers to farmers through service providers. The farmers buy fertilizers from the distributor/dealer by presenting the vouchers. The distributor transacts the vouchers at the financial bank outlets which in turn collect from MINAGRI/ MINICOM. Estimates suggest that as a result of these efforts, the national average fertilizer use per year has increased from 8 Kg/Ha to 23 Kg/Ha in 2010

2.2.3. Pesticides

Pesticides are substances meant for attracting, seducing, destroying or diminish any pest they are a class of biocide. The most common use of pesticides is as plant protection products (also known as crop protection products), which in general protect plants from damaging influences such as weeds, diseases or insects.

2.2.3.1 Integrated Pest and Disease Management

With the sudden growth in density of cropping under intensification program, the pressure from pests and diseases has started to influence yield levels. In rice for example, epidemics of blast disease and hoppers occur frequently in different marshlands. To combat the pests and diseases, smallholder farmer needs appropriate pesticides that can reduce the impact on yields. The CIP shall take initiatives to ensure delivery of pesticides in rural areas through the same delivery route of fertilizers. The extension service shall focus more on creating the awareness of the type of combat measures that the farmers need to take. Wherever possible, integration of biological controls and other pest management practices that can provide the sustainability under intensification process should be explored.

«Pesticides are important for crops and without them it is hard to get good harvest, but they can also be dangerous for human life once not well used because they are poisonous, that is why we urge farmers to handle them cautiously,»^10(*)

* ⁹ Printed in IFDC Report Volume 37, No. 2 (2012)

* ¹⁰ Mbonigaba (DG/RAB) said in a three-day agricultural workshop in Musanze District, 30 September 2013)