FAO and Rwanda Boost Rural Farming with Digital Village Peer Learning Event

In a bid to revolutionize agricultural development through digital transformation, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, in collaboration with Rwanda’s Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources (MINAGRI), hosted a landmark Digital Village Twinning Event under the Fostering Digital Villages through Innovative Advisory and Profitable Market Services in Africa (FDiVi) project. The event drew over 130 participants, including farmers, digital innovators, private sector representatives, and government officials, all united in their commitment to leveraging technology for agricultural advancement.

Held as part of FAO’s broader agenda to build inclusive and resilient rural digital ecosystems, the gathering served as a vibrant platform for peer learning, collaboration, and experience-sharing on how digital tools can uplift farming communities by increasing productivity, improving access to markets, and enhancing agricultural advisory services.

Empowering Farmers Through Digital Transformation

A central highlight of the event was the Peer Learning Session, where representatives from 48 farmer cooperatives shared personal success stories on how digital innovation has transformed their farming operations. These testimonials revealed real-world improvements in operational efficiency, income generation, access to pricing information, and direct market linkages—all driven by tools such as smartphones, tablets, mobile applications, and online advisory services.

“Digital tools have helped our cooperative not only to connect with new buyers but also to plan better around market demand and seasonal challenges,” shared one farmer representative. Another cooperative leader highlighted how mobile weather updates and pest alerts have drastically improved crop management.

These narratives showcased the tangible outcomes of the FDiVi project, which was launched in April 2024 to support around 150 farmer groups across Rwanda, Malawi, and Zimbabwe. The initiative integrates technologies such as AI-powered chatbots, social media platforms, and digital data dashboards into local agricultural ecosystems.

District-Level Insights and Policy Commitment

A panel discussion involving authorities from Musanze, Nyanza, Ngororero, and Nyagatare districts brought attention to the successes and remaining challenges of embedding digital agriculture at the grassroots. The district leaders discussed their efforts to integrate FDiVi goals into local development frameworks, stressing that digital agriculture is no longer a luxury but a necessity for modern farming.

Panelists cited examples of how real-time data sharing has improved decision-making at the district level and called for cross-district collaboration to harmonize digital farming practices, scale innovations, and share resources. They encouraged further investment in connectivity infrastructure, digital training, and youth-led innovations in rural communities.

Recognizing Champions of Digital Change

In a symbolic gesture of appreciation, the event concluded with an awards ceremony recognizing outstanding farmer cooperatives that demonstrated leadership and innovation in adopting digital tools. These cooperatives were acknowledged for effectively integrating digital platforms to improve production, streamline record-keeping, and enhance outreach.

To support these efforts, FAO distributed 99 smartphones to selected farmer organizations. The devices will serve as a conduit for real-time agricultural data, marketing platforms, and advisory tools, helping bridge the digital divide in underserved areas.

“This smartphone will transform how our cooperative accesses information, connects with markets, receives digital advisory services, and promotes our agricultural products using technology,” said Nyirabakiga Immaculée, one of the award recipients.

A Growing Ecosystem of Digital Agriculture

FAO Representative a.i. in Rwanda, Nomathemba Mhlanga, lauded the role of digital ambassadors, who have been instrumental in mentoring cooperatives through their digital literacy journey. She emphasized that while global frameworks are critical, local authorities play the key bridging role between strategy and impact.

“District and sector authorities must remain the bridge between policy and practice, between strategy and implementation,” Mhlanga asserted.

She also called for sustained efforts by government bodies, development agencies, and the private sector to deepen the reach and sustainability of digital agriculture programs.

Future Prospects and Regional Impact

The success of the Rwanda twinning event signals a larger regional shift toward embracing digital agriculture as a transformative force. FAO’s FDiVi initiative not only enhances market access and advisory services but also supports gender inclusion, youth participation, and climate resilience.

With initiatives like FDiVi gaining traction, Rwanda is positioning itself as a model for other African nations in using technology to modernize agriculture, promote food security, and uplift rural economies.