From vision to action: Helping to build Rwanda’s agrifood systems transformation through policymaker training
The recently published Workshop Report on Training for Policymakers on Agrifood Systems Transformation – In Support of Rwanda's Fifth Strategic Plan for Agriculture Transformation outlines the proceedings of a training workshop aimed at strengthening policymakers’ capacity to design the country’s new Strategic Plan for the Transformation of Agriculture 2025-2030.
Supported by the Government of Ireland, the workshop was a collaborative effort between FAO, Rwanda’s Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources (MINAGRI), and the University College London Institute for Innovation & Public Purpose (IIPP).
This publication captures key insights from the workshop, highlighting Rwanda’s progress in areas such as sustainable farming, food security, and gender inclusion, while underscoring key problems that remain, particularly around malnutrition, climate impacts, and fragmented action. Working in cross-sectoral groups, participants applied a range of tools to unpack the country’s agrifood challenges, helping to shape a national agrifood strategy that better reflects the complexity of Rwanda’s agrifood systems. In terms of next steps, Rwanda’s existing innovation efforts, such as policy labs and circular economy pilots, were recognized as valuable opportunities to scale through structured learning and cross-sector coordination.
The workshop introduced participants to systems and policy mapping, systems thinking as well as institutional and policy tools, to improve agrifood systems transformation. FAO and IIPP are using insights from the workshop to develop a handbook for facilitators supporting governments interested in improving the design and implementation of agrifood systems policies and plans.
The report is a recommended read for policymakers, development partners, academics, and other stakeholders involved in providing guidance to governments on the sustainable development of agrifood systems. By rethinking conventional policy processes, policymakers can help drive change – ensuring better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life for all.
For more insights into Rwanda’s approach to agrifood transformation, access the full report here: Workshop Report on Agrifood Systems Transformation in Rwanda.
To place this workshop in broader context, readers are encouraged to explore the full story of Rwanda’s food systems transformation, told through voices from across the country in the case study “Towards Greater Policy Alignment: Rwanda’s Food Systems Transformation Journey.” This complementary piece provides deeper insight into how Rwanda’s first food systems and climate-resilient strategy (PSTA5) was developed.
