Rwanda AgriBiotech Programme

The Rwanda Agri-Biotech Programme – Cassava, Maize, and Potato (RABP-CMP) is a flagship initiative aimed at transforming Rwanda’s agriculture through cutting-edge biotechnology. Coordinated by the African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF) in collaboration with Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB), the Program focuses on developing and deploying improved cassava, maize, and potato varieties that are resistant to pests, diseases, and tolerant to climate stress

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Our Strategic Partners

Leading national and international research and private sector institutions collaborating under the Rwanda Agri-biotech Programme

Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board

Government agency ensuring policy alignment and regulatory support for biotechnology adoption.

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AATF (African Agricultural Technology Foundation)

AATF (African Agricultural Technology Foundation)

The African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF) is a not-for-profit organization that facilitates and promotes public/private partnerships.

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ICRAF Rwanda

World Agroforestry Centre supporting sustainable land management and climate-smart agriculture.

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BioTech Solutions Ltd

Private sector partner providing cutting-edge biotechnology solutions and equipment.

Program Vision & Goals

Our comprehensive approach to transforming Rwanda's agriculture through safe and strategic deployment of biotechnology

Crop Improvement

Develop drought-resistant and nutrient-enhanced crop varieties using advanced biotechnology techniques including genetic modification and marker-assisted breeding.

Capacity Building

Train local farmers, researchers, and extension workers in modern agricultural biotechnology practices and sustainable farming methods.

Food Security

Increase agricultural productivity and food security through the adoption of climate-smart biotechnology solutions.

Research Excellence

Establish state-of-the-art research facilities and promote innovation in agricultural biotechnology across East Africa.

About the Program

The Rwanda Agri-Biotech Programme – Cassava, Maize, and Potato (RABP-CMP)

Program Overview

The Rwanda Agri-Biotech Programme – Cassava, Maize, and Potato (RABP-CMP) is a flagship initiative aimed at transforming Rwanda's agriculture through cutting-edge biotechnology. Coordinated by the African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF) in collaboration with Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB), the Program focuses on developing and deploying improved cassava, maize, and potato varieties that are resistant to pests, diseases, and tolerant to climate stress.

Farmer-First Approach

This initiative is more than just a scientific pursuit, it's a farmer-first intervention designed to boost food security for over 500,000 smallholder households across Rwanda. It builds on earlier successes, like the VIRCA cassava Program, and introduces new confined field trials (CFTs) in Nyagatare, Burera and Nyamagabe districts across multiple RAB stations in Rwanda.

Multidisciplinary Approach

Through its multidisciplinary approach, the RABP-CMP connects stakeholders from research institutions, government agencies, private sector players, and farming communities. From installing trial infrastructure to preparing regulatory dossiers, every aspect of the Program is geared toward making Rwanda's food systems more resilient, efficient, and inclusive.

Program Benefits

RABP-CMP is aiming to make a tangible impact on Rwanda's agricultural landscape. The introduction of disease-resistant and drought-tolerant crop varieties will empower farmers to achieve more consistent yields and reduce losses caused by climate and biological threats. Beyond productivity, the program is also laying a strong foundation for Rwanda's biosafety and seed regulatory systems.

Program Milestones & Achievements

Track our progress as we make history in Rwanda's agricultural biotechnology development

Phase 1: Foundation

Established partnerships, secured funding, and set up research infrastructure. Completed baseline studies and stakeholder mapping.

Target Date: December 31, 2024
Completed

Phase 2: Development

Initiated crop breeding programs, established field trials, and began farmer training programs across 5 districts.

Target Date: December 31, 2025
In Progress (65%)

Phase 3: Implementation

Scale up successful varieties, expand training programs, and establish seed production systems.

Target Date: December 31, 2026
Planned

Phase 4: Sustainability

Transfer technology to local institutions, establish long-term monitoring systems, and ensure project sustainability.

Target Date: December 31, 2027
Planned

Latest Program Updates & Activities

Stay informed about RABP-CMP progress, field trial results, and regulatory milestones in cassava, maize, and potato biotechnology

September 15, 2025
Research

Successful Field Trial Results

Our drought-resistant maize varieties showed 35% higher yields compared to traditional varieties in the recent harvest s...

August 28, 2025
Training

Farmer Training Workshop Completed

Successfully completed training of 150 farmers in Nyagatare district on modern biotechnology applications and sustainabl...

August 10, 2025
News

New Laboratory Equipment Installed

State-of-the-art tissue culture laboratory officially opened at University of Rwanda, expanding our research capacity si...

July 22, 2025
Milestone

International Conference Presentation

Project team presented research findings at the African Biotechnology Conference in Kigali, receiving recognition for in...

Career Opportunities

Join our team of passionate professionals dedicated to transforming agriculture through innovation and biotechnology

No Current Openings

We don't have any open positions at the moment, but we're always looking for talented individuals to join our mission of transforming agriculture through biotechnology.

Application Process

1
Submit Application

Send your CV and cover letter via email or online application

2
Initial Review

Our team reviews applications within 2 weeks

3
Interview Process

Technical and cultural fit interviews with our team

For questions about the application process, contact us at rab@aatf-africa.org

Resources & Publications

Access our research findings, training materials, and educational resources

Pdf Resources

Document Resources

Video Resources

Success Stories & Testimonials

Hear from farmers, researchers, and community members whose lives have been transformed by our work

The drought-resistant varieties provided by the project have transformed my farming. Even during the dry season, I harvested enough to feed my family and sell surplus in the market.

Marie Uwimana
Farmer

This project has given our students hands-on experience with cutting-edge biotechnology. Our graduates are now leading agricultural innovation across the region.

Prof. Jean Damascene
Dean of Agriculture, University of Rwanda

The training programs have empowered our extension officers with modern knowledge. We can now provide better support to farmers in adopting new technologies.

Agnes Mukamana
Agricultural Extension Officer, RAB

The impact of this project in our district has been remarkable. Farmers are reporting improved yields and better resilience to weather challenges.

John Karimba
District Agricultural Officer, Nyagatare District

Connect With Us

Follow our journey and stay updated on the latest developments in agricultural biotechnology

Get in touch with our team

rab@aatf-africa.org | +250 788 123 456