As Rwanda advances toward its Vision 2050 ambition of becoming a high-income and climate-resilient nation, the sector remains central to employment creation and inclusive growth. Aw-Dahir emphasized that achieving this vision requires reliable and comprehensive data to guide decision-making and investments.

He noted that under the Second National Strategy for Transformation (NST2) and the Fifth Strategic Plan for Agricultural Transformation (PSTA5), Rwanda is transitioning from subsistence farming to a modern, competitive, and climate-resilient agri-food system.

At the heart of this transformation is the upcoming Rwanda National Agricultural Census (RNAC), which aims to provide a deeper understanding of agricultural production systems across the country.

“Understanding who produces, what they produce, how they produce, and the conditions under which they operate is essential for effective planning,” Aw-Dahir said.

Bridging data gaps in Agriculture

While Rwanda has made significant progress in building a credible agricultural statistical system through regular surveys, Aw-Dahir pointed out that existing data still fall short in capturing the full complexity of the sector.

Key gaps remain in documenting non-household actors such as cooperatives and commercial farms, as well as emerging subsectors like aquaculture, fisheries, and mechanization. In addition, current data often lack the detailed, localized insights needed for planning at district and community levels.

The RNAC is expected to address these gaps by providing, for the first time, a comprehensive nationwide picture of all agricultural activities, covering both household and non-household sectors.

A Strategic investment for better planning

With support from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, the census will generate high-quality, disaggregated data to improve planning, service delivery, and accountability across all administrative levels.

Aw-Dahir described the census as a strategic national investment aligned with Rwanda’s development priorities, including NST2 and national data strategies.

The data generated will also support monitoring and evaluation of key global and continental frameworks such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Agenda 2063, while ensuring that agricultural investments deliver tangible benefits to farmers and communities.

Driving innovation and data integration

The RNAC will also feed into the Agricultural Management Information System (AMIS) being developed under the Ministry of Agriculture, helping shift Rwanda from fragmented data systems to a unified, impact-driven digital ecosystem.

According to Aw-Dahir, this transition will strengthen the use of agricultural data as a public good, enabling better coordination and more effective resource allocation.

A Collaborative effort

The FAO has supported Rwanda in preparing a robust and costed RNAC project, working closely with key institutions including the Ministry of Agriculture, the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda, and other stakeholders.

The census aligns with the FAO World Programme for the Census of Agriculture 2030, ensuring international standards while remaining responsive to Rwanda’s national priorities.

Investing in data for lasting impact

Aw-Dahir stressed that investing in agricultural data yields high returns by improving policy effectiveness and reducing inefficiencies.

The FAO, in partnership with the Government of Rwanda, is mobilizing USD 9.9 million over four years to implement the census, which is expected to unlock agricultural potential, boost rural prosperity, and strengthen food security.

“Counting what truly matters is not just about numbers. It is about building a resilient and inclusive agricultural system where every farmer counts and every decision is guided by evidence,” he said.

As Rwanda prepares to roll out the agricultural census, the initiative is seen as a crucial step toward a more data-driven, resilient, and prosperous future.

By investing in accurate and inclusive data today, the country is laying a strong foundation for sustainable development, ensuring that no farmer or community is left behind.