Rwanda’s Vision 2050 articulates the long-term strategic direction for “the Rwanda we want” and the enabling pathways to achieve this ambition. Vision 2050 establishes the development framework for 2020-2050, with a midterm review envisaged in 2035 and regular reviews planned every 5 years. The overarching goals for the vision 2050 are: 1. economic growth and prosperity; and 2. high quality and standards of life for Rwandans. In addition, the Policy settles 5 Pillars: 1. human development; 2. competitiveness and integration; 3. agriculture for wealth creation; 4. urbanization and agglomeration; and 5. accountable and capable State Institutions. For the promotion of economic growth and high quality and standards of life for Rwandans, agriculture plays a fundamental role. In that sense, the document highlights its importance for food security and nutrition. Vision 2050 therefore aims for the development of an advanced advanced food industry. The goal by 2050 is to have a Rwanda’s domestic agri-food system that meets the modern dietary needs of the population. By 2050, higher value locally produced niche products are expected to be found in all urban supermarkets, restaurants and hotels. Food products will be widely certified to ensure their safety and hygiene consistently. Rwanda’s lakes will be fully exploited to increase aquaculture and fish production. And diversification away from cereals to higher value crops will be pursued especially for exports purposes. The agricultural sector will have high focus on productivity with emphasis on gender responsive interventions targeting both men and women, climate resilience and high standards to match Rwanda’s ambitions. Rwanda will intensify efforts to build linkages between production and processing by ensuring that our domestic supply chains are efficient. Investment in the sourcing of raw materials will be improved by encouraging industrialists to develop their own agricultural blocks and partner with out-growers. According to the document, to achieve the 2050 targets, the role of government will be increasingly oriented towards facilitating the private sector to be at the forefront of increased productivity in the agriculture sector. The government’s role will be first and foremost to protect agricultural land and producer syndicates. In that sense, enhanced rural access to credit, tenure security, and functioning land markets will be promoted. In addition, the document proposes increasing access to agriculture finance and risk sharing facilities. Under Vision 2050, Rwandan farmers will have tools to reduce losses from the effects of weather and climate change through (i) better insurance and financial services and other risk management and transfer tools, (ii) increased diversification at the household level, (iii) improved market information and strengthened contract farming models, and (iv) decentralised managed grain reserves to mitigate large hikes in local food prices. Public expenditure will also be targeted toward: (i) innovative financing and risk-sharing facilities specifically adapted to Rwandan farmer’s needs, and (ii) financing for research, extension, and infrastructure to add value to products. Finally, Vision 2050 takes into account the aspiration of Rwandans to leave to our children a better world to live in. As such, growth and development will follow a sustainable path in terms of use and management of natural resources while building resilience to cope with climate change impacts.
Rwanda · 2020-01-01