As the world comes together to celebrate World Food Day 2025, Rwanda joined the global call to end hunger and promote better nutrition with a national celebration held in Nyamagabe District, Southern Province, Cyanika Sector under the theme “Hand in Hand for Better Foods and a Better Future” .
The event, organized by the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources (MINAGRI) in partnership with FAO, WFP, IFAD, and other development partners, brought together national leaders, local officials, international organizations, farmers, and students to highlight the importance of sustainable agriculture and nutritious diets for all Rwandans.
🌍 A Global Day, a Local Commitment.
World Food Day, celebrated every October 16, marks the founding of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in 1945. It aims to raise awareness about global hunger and food insecurity, as over 700 million people worldwide still face hunger. Rwanda began celebrating World Food Day in 2002, rotating districts each year to align with national priorities in agriculture and nutrition.
This year’s choice of Nyamagabe District was symbolic and strategic. According to the 7th Integrated Household Living Conditions Survey (EICV7), Nyamagabe is the poorest district in Rwanda, with a poverty rate of 51.4%. Hosting World Food Day here was meant to enhance efforts to combat poverty and malnutrition while showcasing local initiatives to build resilient and food-secure communities.
👨🏾🌾 Leaders’ Commitment to Food Security
In his keynote address, Hon. Dr. Mark Bagabe, Minister of Agriculture and Animal Resources, who served as the Guest of Honour, emphasized collective responsibility in achieving national food security.
“There is nothing we eat that does not come from plants or animals, That is why everyone has the duty to protect and nurture them responsibly to feed our nation today and secure its future.” He said🌾
Dr. Bagabe noted that World Food Day 2025 coincides with unsteady rainfall patterns across parts of the country, urging farmers to adapt by improving irrigation, harvesting rainwater, and applying good agricultural practices.
“Farmers should increase efforts where rains have been favorable fertilizing, weeding, and controlling pests while preparing for proper post-harvest handling and exploring agricultural insurance programs,” the Minister advised.
He also reaffirmed the government’s support for farmers through a 40% reduction on crop and livestock insurance, calling for stronger collaboration between local governments, cooperatives, and development partners.
🐄 Local Efforts, National Vision
In his welcome remarks, Nyamagabe District Mayor expressed pride that the district was chosen as the host for this year’s national celebration.
“Our district may have the highest poverty rate in Rwanda, but we are also among the most determined to fight it, Through hard work and partnership, we are turning challenges into opportunities for growth and better nutrition. ” he said
He highlighted the district’s focus on vegetable farming and seed multiplication, reporting that vegetable cultivation during the C planting season had expanded from 120 hectares in 2024 to 350 hectares in 2025, with plans to reach 500 hectares next year. Likewise, the quality potato seed produced locally rose from 5% in 2022 to 30% in 2025, with a target of 50% in 2026, thanks to partnerships with RAB, RICA, and private seed producers.
“These are clear results of working hand in hand and we are confident that with continued support, Nyamagabe will rise above poverty and hunger.” He added
Voices of the Youth
The celebration also involved students who took part in the tree-planting exercise.
Alice Ingabire, a student at Notre Dame de la Paix, said: “Today I learned that planting fruit trees means planting life. These trees will give us fruits and help fight hunger.” 🍊🌳
Her classmate, Cedric Habumugisha added: “I now understand that good nutrition starts from what we grow at home. I want to help my parents take care of our garden.” 🌱
💚 A Month for Better Nutrition
World Food Day 2025 marks the beginning of a month-long national campaign running from October 16 to November 15, focusing on promoting balanced diets, increasing agricultural productivity, and reducing poverty across Rwanda. Activities include awareness campaigns, community outreach, and school-based nutrition programs.
In closing, Minister Bagabe extended appreciation to all partners FAO, IFAD, WFP, Heifer International, One Acre Fund, Vanguard Economics, Rockefeller Foundation, IITA, CIP, Bioversity International, and others for their vital contributions to this year’s successful celebration.
“Together, we can end hunger, improve nutrition, and build a better future for every Rwandan,” he concluded. 🌾🇷🇼
Minister Bagabe reminded participants that food is the foundation of human potential.“You cannot think well if you have not eaten well.” He said
🌱 The World Food Day celebration in Nyamagabe started with a tree-planting activity at Groupe Scolaire Notre Dame de la Paix, where leaders and students planted 100 fruit trees. In total, more than 5,000 fruit trees were planted in schools across the district. Guests also visited an exhibition showing healthy local foods, new farming ideas, and the launch of Fortified Whole Grain Maize Flour for Rwanda’s School Feeding Program. To support families, seven cows, 40 goats, and 680 chickens were given to help improve nutrition and income.
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