Rwanda Finalizes Master Plan to Protect Arable Land from Construction Encroachment

The Minister of Agriculture and Livestock, Dr. Mark Cyubahiro Bagabe, has announced that Rwanda is finalizing a comprehensive master plan to regulate the use of arable land and safeguard it from illegal construction activities.

Speaking during the World Food Day celebrations held on October 24, 2025, in Nyamagabe District, Dr. Cyubahiro said the Agricultural Land Use Master Plan aims to ensure that productive farmland is preserved for agricultural purposes, preventing land depletion caused by unplanned urban expansion.

“The beauty of this master plan is that it shows where the land is and what crops will be grown on it,” he explained. “Once published in the Official Gazette, no one will be allowed to build on this land - not even for schools or football fields - because every activity will have a designated place.”

Dr. Cyubahiro noted that the plan has already met all technical and policy requirements and is awaiting formal publication before implementation, expected in November 2025 following Cabinet approval.

He admitted that delays in finalizing the framework were partly due to the Ministry’s internal processes but reaffirmed that efforts are underway to ensure its timely rollout and enforcement.

The minister also urged Rwandans to focus on maximizing productivity on the available land rather than lamenting its scarcity. “To overcome the problem of limited land, we must increase yields by using all types of fertilizers and high-quality seeds,” he said. “Some say they are expensive, but not using them is even more costly - because you’ll end up with poor harvests and less income.”

Once enacted, the master plan is expected to clearly demarcate agricultural zones and crop types across the country, strengthening Rwanda’s long-term strategy for sustainable food security and land management.