Senator Murigande: “It Is Incomprehensible That People Are Dying of Hunger in Rwanda”

Kigali, January 19, 2026 - Senator Dr. Charles Murigande has expressed concern that people are dying of hunger in Rwanda, a country with favorable rainfall and strong agricultural potential, calling for intensified research to boost food production. He made the remarks on January 19, 2026, during a session of the Rwandan Senate with the Minister of Agriculture and Livestock, who presented the current state of the sector. Dr. Murigande stressed that greater investment in agricultural research is essential to determine which crops are best suited to Rwanda, how yields can be increased, and how the sector can be modernized. He noted that Rwanda has a limited land area for farming, making research the main driver of growth in both agriculture and livestock. “Rwanda’s land is small and we cannot expand it. What will save us is putting more effort into research,” he said. Drawing a comparison with Israel, Dr. Murigande said it was unacceptable that people in Rwanda face hunger despite having more favorable natural conditions. “Israel has little land, much of it sandy, yet it produces a great deal because of research. It is incomprehensible that in Rwanda we would starve,” he said. He added that even when rainfall is uneven, it remains sufficient nationwide and should be better harnessed through scientific methods. Dr. Murigande also emphasized that research could improve animal feed, seed quality, and overall agricultural productivity. “Everything will come from sustained research. I want the Minister to tell us about the plans to strengthen research in collaboration with other institutions,” he said. He further urged the government to leverage the country’s skilled graduates, suggesting that individuals with master’s degrees and advanced training be employed to conduct research, develop suitable seeds, and promote food self-sufficiency. His remarks come amid ongoing drought in parts of Kayonza District, where residents in the sectors of Ndego, Mwiri, Kabare, and Rwinkwavu continue to face severe food shortages. The crisis contributed to the dismissal of district leaders late last year. Responding to the concerns, Minister of Agriculture and Livestock Dr. Ndabamenye Telesphore said the government is prioritizing research to guide investment and technology adoption. He warned that if current farming practices continue, Rwanda will struggle to achieve food self-sufficiency by 2050, when the population is projected to reach 22 million. Under traditional methods, the country would need 10.3 million hectares of arable land-an impossible target. However, with improved agricultural methods, only 3.4 million hectares would be required, and with international best practices, just 1.4 million hectares would suffice-an achievable goal given that Rwanda currently has more than 1.3 million hectares of arable land.