Rwanda's Agricultural Transformation

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. 

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.