As Africa continues to struggle with the effects of climate change, high business costs, and youth unemployment, leaders attending the 6th Eastern Africa Farmers Federation (EAFF) Congress and Exhibition in Kigali have emphasize that technology and innovation are no longer optional but key for the future of farming on the continent.
The three days gathering, held from September 30 to October 2, 2025, at the Kigali , brought together more than 200 delegates and over 20 exhibitors from across Africa and beyond. This year’s convention also carried historic weight as it marked 20 years since the founding of EAFF, which today represents more than 25 million smallholder farmers across 10 Eastern African countries.
Opening the congress, Rwanda’s Minister of Agriculture and Animal Resources, Dr. Mark Cyubahiro Bagabe, underlined that farmers remain the foundation of food security, but they must be supported with modern tools.
“Farmers are the backbone of food security. We must invest in technology and innovation in agriculture so that smallholder farmers can reduce the productivity gap and cope with climate change,” he said.
Dr. Bagabe highlighted that Rwanda has prioritized climate resilient farming through irrigation, marshland management, and access to finance. He explained that farmers are increasingly being supported to take on risks with affordable loans and agricultural insurance.
“If you planted last week and you don’t get rains in the next two weeks, that speaks volumes, as a country and as a region, we are investing in reducing agricultural risks through irrigation and finance, Banks are ready to lend money at affordable rates, sometimes averaging around 9 percent, which is accessible for farmers. These instruments are meant to mitigate crop loss and increase productivity.” Dr. Bagabe Said
He added that Rwanda is also building extension services and promoting initiatives such as the Rwanda Food Innovation Hub to strengthen digital advisory systems and ensure that farmers gain knowledge and tools to boost productivity.
EAFF’s Regional Role and Achievements
The Eastern Africa Farmers Federation (EAFF) brings together national farmers’ associations, cooperatives, youth and women organizations, and community based groups from Kenya, Tanzania, Burundi, Rwanda, DRC, South Sudan, Ethiopia, Eritrea, and Djibouti. Since its founding in 2005, the federation has pursued recognition as a key sector player, building partnerships with the East African Community, the East Africa Legislative Assembly, IGAD, and the African Union Commission.
EAFF President Elizabeth Nsimadala said the federation has also developed strong ties with the private sector and global bodies.
“We sit on the Steering Committee for the AU-EU Cooperation in Agriculture, on the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change Presidency, and even on international platforms such as the Coffee and Innovation Awards,” she explained.
Beyond visibility, EAFF has shifted its focus to transforming agriculture into a profitable sector for smallholder farmers. One of its flagship initiatives is the EAFF Granary digital platform, which profiles farmers, connects them with inputs such as certified seeds and fertilizers, and links them directly to markets.
“Through the EAFF Granary, we have mobilized more than 20 partners across the agriculture value chain and already profiled more than 250,000 farmers. We want every farmer to be digitized and connected to markets,” Nsimadala said.
She added that African farmers are capable of feeding not only their region but the world if empowered with the right tools.
“Our farmers are feeding not just the region but the world. Technology in agriculture can give them the power to increase productivity, reduce losses, and access international markets,” she emphasized.
Farmers’ Voices
Farmers themselves show again the need for digital access, finance, and training. Césarie Kantarama, a farmer and leader of Syndicat INGABO, explained that smallholders in Rwanda are eager to boost productivity but face limited access to resources.
“We have the capacity to produce more, but many farmers still lack technology, finance, and knowledge. We need practical solutions that reach farmers at the grassroots,” she said.
Kantarama praised Rwanda’s policies promoting cooperative farming on consolidated land, which enables higher yields and access to mechanization.
“In Rwanda, farming is not just backyard gardening it sustains families and supplies markets. Farmers who work together on consolidated land achieve better harvests and can even invest in storage and machines,” she said.
She added that farmers are still vulnerable to climate shocks but are being supported through tree planting, irrigation, and improved seeds. “These measures help us cope with climate change, but we also need more training through local structures and extension services,” she said.
International Support
The congress also highlighted international partnerships. Elise Hartman, representing an EU delegation, reaffirmed the bloc’s commitment to supporting farmers in Eastern Africa.
“We have worked with EAFF for many years because we believe in the importance of farmers’ organizations. Feeding communities is not easy, but it is crucial for well-being and peace,” she said.
Hartman announced that the European Union is providing an additional €26 million (about 44 billion Rwandan francs) to EAFF through the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), adding to the more than €127 million previously disbursed through the Bank of Kigali. This brings total EU support to Rwandan farmers to over €170 million (about 200 billion Rwandan francs).
“This new support will help farmer cooperatives, processors, and agribusinesses expand their activities and cope with climate change. Overall, EU support for agriculture in Rwanda will reach €500 million between 2020 and 2030,” she confirmed.
Looking Ahead
As EAFF celebrates 20 years, leaders acknowledged that while much progress has been made, challenges remain. Policies that favor farmers, better market access, and stronger regional integration are still needed.
Minister Bagabe said that:“As we celebrate EAFF’s 20 years, let us look ahead to sustainable and profitable farming for the whole region. Support must go into boosting production, not luxury. This is how we will reduce Africa’s dependence on food imports.”
With commitments from governments, farmers’ organizations, and international partners, the message from Kigali was clear: technology, innovation, and cooperation will define the future of farming in Eastern Africa.
