Rwanda's Agricultural Transformation
Learn about the history of agriculture in Rwanda, tools used, and the present state of agriculture in the country.
Sorghum crop field by Rwanda MuseumsRwanda Cultural Heritage Academy
For most Rwandans, agriculture has always been central to life. It provided not just food and drink for their families, but also the means to trade for tools, weapons, and utensils, and to fulfill obligations to their leaders.
Rwanda Tea by Rwanda MuseumsRwanda Cultural Heritage Academy
Agriculture, a cornerstone of Rwanda's development, traditionally relied on simple tools like hoes, axes, and pruning knives. Manure came from cow dung and recycled waste. Below are some of the tools used:
Agricultural tools - Hoes: The hoe remains a vital agricultural tool across Rwanda, used for digging soil and unearthing tubers. Though shapes vary by region, all serve the same purpose. Here, we see hoes from the country's south (right) and west (left), showcasing this regional variation.
Agricultural tools - Picks: Northern Rwanda uses specially shaped hoes designed for volcanic soils. Inkonzo (right), is a traditional weeding and raking tool, it has a modern counterpart (left) effective for cultivating lava soil and incorporating manure.
Agricultural tools: Axes and knives were essential for cutting trees, branches and shaping tools. The curved knife was used to cut grass.
Harvesting tools - Winnowing baskets: These were used for winnowing or sorting out grains, carry crops or food and for laying them out to dry.
Harvesting tools - Baskets: They were used for gathering and transporting crops and various materials.
Storage of the harvested food: The storage was done in granaries and large grain baskets of various sizes based on the quantity of the crops being stored. Granaries of large sizes were placed beside the house courtyards. On the left, there is a granary ikigega. The basket on the right Igisobane made specifically for heavy harvest that was stored inside the house.
Agriculture and butter trade: The crops provided means for acquiring different tools, weapons and other utensils, before the introduction of monetary transactions. The two baskets pictured were used as measurement units.
Evolution of Agriculture
Employing about 70% of the total population, this industry contributes about 31% to GDP and it stands out as one of the most strategic sectors in Rwanda’s development. The government aims to replace subsistence farming with fully monetized and intensive commercial agriculture.
Kitabi tea plantationRwanda Cultural Heritage Academy
How much do you know about cash crops in Rwanda?
Colonial rule saw the introduction of cash crops like tea, coffee, and pyrethrum, becoming Rwanda's main exports. Since then, government initiatives have successfully transformed subsistence crops like fruits and vegetables into valuable cash crops.
Tea by Rwanda MuseumsRwanda Cultural Heritage Academy
Cash crops: Rwandan Tea
Renowned worldwide for its exceptional quality, Rwandan tea thrives thanks to nature's bounty. Abundant rainfall, perfect climate, and the acidic volcanic soils of Rwanda's high-altitude growing regions all contribute to this tea's unique consistency and flavor.
Cash crops - Rwandan coffee: Coffee plants were introduced to Rwanda by German missionaries in the 1904. They were first planted at Mibirizi in Rusizi District Western province. Since then, Coffee has progressed to become one of the country’s largest cash crops. Rwanda, a landlocked country has ideal coffee-growing conditions, the rich volcanic soils, ample rainfall and high elevations are perfect for cultivating coffee.
Content development and Curatorial layout: Chantal Umuhoza/ Curator/ Rwanda Cultural Heritage Academy
References:
1) Celestin Kanimba Misago & Thierry Mesas, 2003: Rwanda a journey through the National Museum Collection
2) Institut des Musees Nationaux du Rwanda, 2008: Rwanda Its Cultural Heritage. Past and Present
