As construction continues to expand in Kigali, Rwanda is taking new steps to protect its shrinking farmland and secure food for the future. In one of Africa’s most densely populated countries, rapid urban development has been steadily replacing agricultural land.
Many residents, like elderly farmer Mukarusini Kurisikira, say they have already lost much of their land to construction and now survive by farming on very small plots. For families like hers, every piece of land matters.
To stop further loss, the government has begun mapping farmland and forests using satellites, with plans to add drones for real-time monitoring. Developers who build illegally on protected land can face large fines or jail time, and some buildings have already been demolished.
Rwanda’s leaders say protecting farmland is crucial as food demand rises and fertilizer prices increase globally. The city’s development plan now reserves 22% of Kigali’s land for agriculture, while also encouraging developers to include gardens and green spaces in their projects.
At the same time, Rwanda is investing in modern farming solutions such as:
- Vertical farms, where crops grow in stacked containers to save space
- Hydroponics, growing plants in water instead of soil
- Rooftop greenhouses and urban gardens
Experts say these innovations can help farmers produce more food using less land and reduce dependence on imported farming supplies.
Overall, Rwanda is trying to prove that a growing city can still protect agriculture—by combining technology, planning, and local solutions to build a more self-sufficient future.
Source: AfricaNews
