Climate-Tolerant Seeds Transform Farming for Rwanda’s Smallholder Farmers

By Brian Otieno

Smallholder farmers in Rwanda are recording impoved harvests and incomes thanks to climate-resilient seeds—transforming livelihoods, strengthening food systems, and offering a promising path for sustainable agriculture across Africa.

At the heart of this transformation is the Seed Resilience Project, launched in 2023 by the International Seed Federation (ISF), Fair Planet, Rwanda’s Ministry of Agriculture, and local seed companies. The project is boosting crop yields, food security, and resilience to climate change—key challenges for smallholder farmers who depend on small plots of land.

One of the most striking benefits of the project is the significant increase in crop yields. Trials conducted by Fair Planet show that tomato production can increase up to eightfold, while cabbage yields have risen from 1,400 kg to 7,000 kg per 0.1 hectare. Other crops—like broccoli, carrots, and peppers—also perform far better when grown from improved hybrid seeds.

For farmers with limited land, these gains mean not just enough food for their families, but surplus produce to sell in local and export markets. This additional income brings stability and opens new opportunities.

Before the project, farmers often struggled with poor-quality or counterfeit seeds. Now, thanks to a network of over 60 tested hybrid seed varieties adapted to Rwanda’s climate, high-quality seeds are available at local agro-dealers. Farmers like Felix Bonake can easily access reliable seeds that resist drought, pests, and diseases—leading to healthier crops and bigger harvests.

Improved seeds translate directly into higher earnings. Farmers such as Uwamahoro Merceline can now afford to feed their families, pay school fees, save in cooperatives, and even insure their crops against future risks.

“Growing vegetables year-round gives farmers consistent income,” says Michael Keller, Secretary General of the International Seed Federation. “When they can sell surplus produce locally or to export markets, they become less vulnerable and more self-reliant.”

Access to better seeds is only part of the solution. The project also invests heavily in farmer training. Experts like Aphrodis Zirimwabagabo work directly with farmers, teaching modern techniques for seed selection, planting, and crop care. This hands-on support strengthens farmer knowledge and boosts productivity.

Training also improves the feedback loop between farmers and seed companies, leading to even better-performing seed varieties.

With climate change bringing more erratic weather and population growth putting pressure on land, climate-strong seeds are essential. These varieties thrive in challenging conditions, allowing farmers like Bonake to grow crops even in dry seasons—especially when combined with technologies like greenhouses.

This resilience is critical for food security and economic stability, ensuring farming remains viable even as conditions become more unpredictable.

Healthier, more productive crops contribute to improved nutrition and lower food prices in local markets. By increasing both the availability and affordability of fresh vegetables, the project supports better diets and reduces hunger.

“Good seeds are the foundation of strong food systems,” says Keller. “This project is helping build a healthier, more secure future.”

Africa currently has only about 15 well-established seed companies. The Seed Resilience Project is working to change that by creating a network for seed testing, quality control, and new variety registration. This ensures farmers consistently receive the best-performing seeds.

The model builds on Fair Planet’s successful work in Ethiopia, where 75,000 farmers tripled their vegetable yields, showing the potential for large-scale impact across the continent.

For Rwanda’s smallholder farmers, the benefits are clear: larger harvests, increased income, stronger crops, and healthier families. The Seed Resilience Project demonstrates that with the right seeds, support, and training, small-scale farmers can thrive—offering a blueprint for agricultural transformation across Africa.