Digital Climate Advisories for Reducing Post-Harvest Losses and Yield Gaps for Maize and Soybean in Rwanda
Maize and soybeans are central to Rwanda’s food security and rural livelihoods, yet both crops face persistent yield gaps, post-harvest losses, and increasing threats from climate variability. While maize remains the country’s leading cereal crop, productivity is far below global and regional averages, leaving Rwanda dependent on costly imports. Soybean, meanwhile, holds strong potential for nutrition, soil health, and livestock feed, but its production is constrained by limited varieties, poor soil conditions, and weak market linkages.
As climate change intensifies rainfall patterns and temperatures, these challenges are expected to worsen—making it urgent to rethink how farmers access knowledge and tools to boost productivity. Current practices alone are not enough; innovative and climate-informed approaches are needed to close yield gaps and reduce losses.
This Discussion Starter explores the underlying causes of maize and soybean production challenges in Rwanda and makes the case for scaling up digital extension services. By providing farmers with timely, tailored, and climate-informed advice, digital tools can help transform production, improve resilience, and strengthen Rwanda’s food systems. Read the full publication to explore the solutions.
As always, the Discussion Starters are meant to spark conversation, so we invite reflections by contacting the lead author at wiebe@clim-eat.org.
