Land and agrarian reform in Rwanda: organic farming perspective

Since 2004, Rwanda is carrying an important land policy and a fundamental program of its farming systems transformation. The pillars of the government plan highlight the changes
in land use management and tenure combined with improved inputs utilisation to ensure
optimum productivity in the right line of the market-led agriculture. When they mention
improved input, someone may understand essentiallyintensive use of commercial seeds,
pesticides and chemical fertilizers. However, bio-fertilizers and natural pesticides are being
promoted by the crop and livestock intensification program as well as the necessary
techniques mobilised in the high quality of organic fertilizers production and use. This article
aims to analyse how organic agriculture can coexist with conventional agriculture and allow agriculture operators to benefit of the market liberalisation. The literature review shows that during the agrarian system evolution, Rwandan peasants are involved in the program of land consolidation and agriculture intensification. Their level of performance has been appreciated throughout their active involvement in the commercial circuit. The main conclusion of this article is that organic farming prospects are inherent to optimal biomass valorisation especially crop residue, agro forestry and livestock dejection incorporated in the production systems. The unstructured interviews revealed that the most performing producers are those who own a minimum of 1ha with a recognized land lease and those who are using a mixture of organic manure and chemical fertilizers
in potatoes. It has been demonstrated that the farmers who are enthusiastically participate in cooperatives have also an open mind to consolidate their commercial relationship. Moreover, they have constant ability to take advantage of the market, especially in pyrethrum and potatoes cropping system.