Agriculture remains a key sector of Rwanda's economy, supporting the livelihoods of about 69% of the population. Key markets, including Nyabugogo, Musanze (GOICO), Rusizi and Huye, are supplied mainly by local producers.
In a report released on December 31, 2025, NISR provided an overview of agricultural performance during the year, showing that bean production fell slightly across most seasons. In Season A of 2025, bean output stood at 230,400 tonnes, representing a 1.2% decline compared to the same season in 2024. Season B production reached 240,700 tonnes, down by 0.6% year on year.
However, bean production improved during the Season C (summer farming) period, where output reached 3,178 tonnes, a 4% increase compared to the previous year.
In contrast, potato farmers recorded strong harvests across all three seasons. Potato production reached 475,700 tonnes in Season A, 314,000 tonnes in Season B, and 94,800 tonnes in Season C. Overall, potato output rose by 17% compared to 2024.
Sweet potato production declined during the year. In Season A, output totalled 656,000 tonnes, while Season B recorded 652,000 tonnes. Season C production stood at 41,200 tonnes.
Maize production also dropped in 2025. Season A output reached 481,200 tonnes, a 5.3% decrease compared to the same season in 2024, while Season B production stood at 117,000 tonnes, down by 1.2%.
Banana production showed modest growth, increasing by 1.3% overall. In Season A, production reached 1.2 million tonnes, while Season B recorded 1.1 million tonnes. Rice production also rose slightly, reaching 69,600 tonnes in Season A and 72,900 tonnes in Season B, representing increases of 0.8% and 0.2%, respectively.
Market prices reflect mixed supply conditions. Beans are currently selling at between Rwf 800 and Rwf 1,500 per kilogram in Nyabugogo, depending on the variety. Bananas are priced at around Rwf 600 per kilogram, while potatoes are selling at approximately Rwf 700 per kilogram.
Bugesera: From drought-prone to high-yield district
Once known for frequent droughts, Bugesera District has emerged as one of Rwanda's more productive agricultural areas.
According to the NISR report, Bugesera, alongside Gisagara and Rusizi districts, recorded the highest production of beans, rice and cassava in 2025.
Bugesera Mayor Mutabazi Richard told IGIHE late in 2024 that expanded tree-planting initiatives had contributed to improved rainfall patterns in the district.
'Efforts to increase tree planting have improved the local climate, leading to more rainfall,' he said.
Niyodushima Dieudonnée, head of Exodus Farm Ltd, which operates in Bugesera, noted that fully utilising the district's nine lakes for irrigation could transform the area into a major food supplier.
'Bugesera's land is fertile but does not produce throughout the year. When rainfall is sufficient, production is high, but dry periods limit output. With proper irrigation from the nine lakes, the district could supply the country with crops such as beans and maize,' he said.
Currently, irrigation schemes in Rwanda cover more than 75,000 hectares, with the government targeting 130,000 hectares by 2029.
Meanwhile, a market price report released in December 2025 shows that prices in November 2025 rose by 7.2% compared to November 2024. The increase was driven mainly by higher prices for food and non-alcoholic beverages, which rose by 1.4%.
Alcoholic beverages and tobacco recorded a 16.2% increase, while housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels rose by 7.7%. Medical expenses surged by 70.9%, transport costs increased by 9.3%, and food and accommodation prices rose by 19.4%.
IGIHE
