The Commercialization and De-Risking for Agricultural Transformation Project (CDAT) has recently kicked off comprehensive land husbandry activities in its intervention sites countrywide with the aim of controlling soil erosion and increasing soil fertility. This move is expected to boost agricultural productivity and ensure food security in the country.
CDAT was established with the aim of transforming the agricultural sector in the country by increasing the use of irrigation and commercialization among producers and agribusiness firms across the country. CDAT also seeks to increase access to agriculture finance and insurance.
Thousands of farmers have been employed by the CDAT as man power to participate in the transformation of their land using comprehensive land husbandry technologies.
One of the key challenges facing smallholder farmers in the country is soil erosion, which has led to a decline in soil fertility and reduced agricultural productivity. This has in turn led to food insecurity and poverty among the rural population.
To address this challenge, CDAT has initiated a comprehensive land husbandry program in its intervention sites countrywide. The program involves a range of activities aimed at controlling soil erosion and improving soil fertility.
The first step was to identify areas that are prone to soil erosion and implement measures to control it. This includes the construction of terraces, bunds, and other soil conservation structures. In addition, farmers are being trained on improved soil conservation measures.
The second step is to improve soil fertility by using organic fertilizers such as compost and manure. This not only improves soil fertility but also reduces the reliance on chemical fertilizers, which can be expensive and have negative environmental impacts.
To ensure the sustainability of the program, CDAT is working closely with local communities and farmers. This includes training and capacity building, as well as the establishment of farmer cooperatives to enable smallholder farmers to access markets and financing.
The CDAT comprehensive land husbandry technologies are expected to have a significant impact on agricultural productivity in the country. By controlling soil erosion and improving soil fertility, smallholder farmers will be able to increase their crop yields and incomes, thereby reducing poverty and ensuring food security as well as protect the environment.
The project targets smallholder farmers, with the aim of increasing their access to markets and financing while reducing the risks associated with agricultural production.
Overall, CDAT's efforts to de-risk and commercialize the agricultural sector in the country are crucial for transforming the sector and ensuring its sustainability. By promoting sustainable land use practices and supporting smallholder farmers, CDAT will play a critical role in achieving food security and poverty reduction in the country.
CDAT is funded by the World Bank Group via International Development Association (IDA) and implemented by the Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB) and the Development Bank of Rwanda (BRD).