Rwanda: FAO partners with youth-led agritech startup to launch sustainable urban farming project in Kigali
This initiative is rooted in FAO’s Green Cities Initiative and City Region Food Systems Programme, which aim to integrate agriculture and green spaces into cities and urban planning to enhance resilience, food security and sustainability.
By Zablon Oyugi
Farmers Review Africa
March 27, 2025
Excerpt:
The FAO Rwanda Office has launched its first urban farming demonstration project, advancing sustainable food production in Kigali. Implemented in partnership with Eza Neza, a youth-led agritech startup specializing in hydroponics and greenhouse technologies, the vertical farm features over 1,500 plants, including strawberries, lettuce, cauliflower, and cabbages.
“Urban agriculture is very much in line with Rwanda’s Green Rwanda initiative, which was launched by the Ministry of Environment”, said Coumba Sow, former FAO Representative in Rwanda. Inspired by young entrepreneurs, FAO aims to scale up the initiative in Kigali and other cities. “Rwanda is renowned for adopting innovations and green technologies, and we are optimistic many people will adopt vertical farming, especially those living in big buildings,” she noted.
FAO’s demonstration farm uses hydroponics, growing vegetables, fruits, and herbs with less water and land than conventional methods. The system helps prevent soil-borne diseases and could boost yields by eight to ten times. For example, hydroponic tomato farming can produce up to 50 kg per square metre compared to 5 kg using traditional methods, said Christian Irakoze, co-founder of Eza Neza.
The pilot allows FAO and Eza Neza to showcase vertical farming and encourage adoption, he added. “We can use the technique on buildings and land. It can be in a hotel, school, home, or hospital. Restaurants can grow their food. With conventional farming, you are limited to land.”
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Source: https://cityfarmer.info/rwanda-fao-partners-with-youth-led-agritech-startup-to-launch-sustainable-urban-farming-project-in-kigali/
