Rwanda MPs begin Nationwide field visits to assess agricultural productivity

Members of Rwanda’s Chamber of Deputies have launched nationwide field visits aimed at assessing ongoing efforts to improve agricultural productivity, particularly in food crops and major cash crops such as coffee and tea.

The visits, which started on May 28 and will continue until June 7, 2026, are taking place across all districts and sectors of the City of Kigali.

The initiative is part of Parliament’s oversight responsibilities and is expected to give lawmakers firsthand insight into the realities facing farmers and local communities. During the visits, Members of Parliament will engage with local authorities, farming cooperatives, development partners, and residents to discuss both achievements and persistent challenges in the agriculture sector.

Speaking about the exercise, the Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies, Gertrude Kazarwa, emphasized the importance of staying connected with citizens while monitoring government programs.

“We continue to prioritise our oversight responsibilities regarding government activities and staying close to the citizens. These visits will enable us to gather firsthand information from the local communities and stakeholders to ensure that programs aimed at increasing agricultural productivity yield expected results and improve the welfare of Rwandans,” she said.

According to Parliament, the discussions during the visits will focus on critical issues affecting the agricultural sector, including low utilization of agricultural inputs, the effects of climate change, inadequate agricultural infrastructure, and the need to improve farmers’ access to markets. Lawmakers are also expected to participate in Umuganda, the country’s monthly community work program scheduled for the end of May 2026.

The field visits will additionally provide an opportunity for citizens to present their concerns directly to legislators, while Parliament evaluates how issues raised during previous visits have been addressed. The exercise reflects Rwanda’s broader efforts to strengthen agricultural transformation and improve livelihoods through increased productivity and stronger community engagement.