From 24 to 26 March, AETS teams carried out a field visit as part of an ambitious initiative to transform farming practices in the tea and coffee sector in Rwanda. This agroforestry project focuses on integrating regenerative farming practices to meet the environmental and socio-economic challenges facing small-scale Rwandan producers. With 70% of the population employed in agriculture and a contribution of over 30% to the national GDP, this sector is vital to Rwanda's economy.

However, 75% of agricultural production comes from small farms of less than 0.5 hectares, which considerably limits their productivity and their ability to adapt. These farmers face major challenges, such as dependence on climatic conditions, monoculture, soil degradation and a lack of resources to invest in sustainable practices.On average, a farmer earns USD 1,894 a year, an income that is insufficient for long-term investment. Demographic pressure exacerbates these problems, creating a direct link between poverty, limited productivity and environmental degradation.

The Ubutaka project therefore aims to work with local cooperatives, such as Ferwacothe and RCCF, to pool certification costs and improve productivity. By adopting regenerative agroforestry practices, farmers can restore biodiversity, strengthen soil resilience and produce sustainably. One of the innovative aspects of the project is the possibility for farmers to generate additional income through the sale of carbon credits.

By integrating these environmentally-friendly techniques, the Ubutaka project offers a response to the current challenges facing Rwandan agriculture: improving productivity and income, protecting ecosystems and reducing the risk of financing. Through close collaboration with local cooperatives and farmers, the agroforestry transition in tea and coffee plantations is paving the way for more resilient and sustainable agriculture in Rwanda.