Rwanda's Digital Revolution in Agriculture: Challenges and Progress in Smart Fertilizer Management

Authors: Sartas, Murat; Mudereri, Bester T.; Senge, Moussa; Rabourn, Tanya R.; Ogunsamni, Thompson; Uzamushaka, Seraphine; Kihoro, Esther; Kangethe, Kangethe; Muzata, Barbra S.

Rwanda continues to lead the way in agricultural innovation with its Smart Nkunganire Input Management System (SNS), a digital platform designed to streamline fertilizer management and distribution. By ensuring that farmers receive the right inputs at the right time, the SNS has the potential to revolutionize Rwanda’s agricultural sector. However, recent studies and workshops have highlighted several challenges and opportunities for improvement (Ubarijoro, M, J. et al., 2020). This blog explores the current state of Rwanda’s digital agricultural revolution, focusing on the SNS, its hurdles, and the way forward. 

Challenges

Challenges in the Digital Supply Chain

While the SNS shows promise, it faces hurdles in digital supply chain management, financial processes, and user experience. Recent audits have uncovered discrepancies between digital and physical stock balances, potentially caused by internet connectivity issues and complexities in international fertilizer trade  (Dimkpa, O, C. et al., 2023). Accurate inventory management is critical for the SNS to operate effectively. Addressing these discrepancies will require robust data management systems and improved internet infrastructure to maintain real-time updates and accuracy.

Financial Hurdles

The incomplete and delayed payment of subsidies poses a significant challenge. These delays may arise from incomplete information and transaction processing issues. Subsidies are essential for making fertilizers affordable to smallholder farmers, and any disruption can impact food security and the solvency of input suppliers. Implementing clear timelines and accountability mechanisms for subsidy payments can help prevent delays and ensure farmers receive the support they need.(Begho, T. et al., 2022).

User Experience Challenges

The Innovation Packaging and Scaling Readiness (IPSR) workshop conducted by the scaling team on the 30^th of April 2024 emphasized the need for a more user-friendly SNS interface, aligning with design-for-experience approaches (Mudereri, B. et al., 2024). A complex or unintuitive system can deter users, particularly those who may not be tech-savvy. Enhancing the user experience is crucial for encouraging the wider adoption of digital agricultural tools.

Insufficient Self-Use Skills

While farmers know that the SNS provides guidance and support and is a means to obtaining subsidized inputs, they need more exposure to its details and the capacity to use it independently. There is an over-reliance on third parties such as agro-dealers, cooperative leaders, farmer facilitators, or other third parties to access the system on their behalf. Therefore, there is a great need to provide comprehensive training and support that empowers farmers to utilize the system effectively, maximizing its benefits (Nain, S A. and Singh, K K., 2016).

Opportunities for Improvement

Available Scaling Resources

Despite challenges, the SNS is poised for nationwide expansion, supported by substantial resources and expertise from CGIAR partners and donors. This support provides financial backing, technical expertise, and global best practices that can be adapted to the Rwandan context. Progress has been made in developing customized fertilizer advice for six key crops (potato, rice, maize, wheat, cassava, and beans), boosting efficiency and yield. Tailored recommendations ensure that farmers apply the right type and amount of fertilizer for their specific crops and soil conditions to maximize efficiency and attainable yield.

Emerging Public-Private-Research-Donor Partnership

Strengthening collaboration between the Excellence in Agronomy Initiative and other partners showcases the power of joint innovation. These partnerships are crucial for pooling resources, expertise, and networks to drive agricultural development.

Available User Experience and Design Thinking Resources

Recent scaling projects have mobilized highly experienced design thinkers to improve the SNS interface. This initiative aims to make the system more accessible and user-friendly, encouraging broader adoption among farmers. 

The Way Forward: Addressing Key Management Questions

To enhance the effectiveness of the SNS and overcome existing challenges, several key questions must be addressed:

1. How can the system be made more user-friendly to encourage wider adoption?
2. What strategies can ensure affordability and sustainable delivery of the system’s benefits?
3. How can the input supply chain be improved to meet farmers’ needs?
4. What measures can guarantee timely subsidy payments and sustained private-sector involvement?

By addressing these challenges and capitalizing on opportunities, Rwanda can solidify its position as an agricultural leader and inspire similar initiatives across Africa.

Conclusion

Rwanda’s Smart Nkunganire System represents a significant step forward in the digital transformation of agriculture. While challenges remain, the progress made so far is encouraging. By addressing issues related to supply chain management, financial obstacles, and user experience, Rwanda can further enhance the SNS’s effectiveness and ensure the continued growth of its agricultural sector. The success of the SNS also serves as a valuable case study for other developing countries seeking to leverage technology for agricultural development, potentially accelerating efforts across Africa. 

References

Begho, T. et al. (2022) “A systematic review of factors that influence farmers’ adoption of sustainable crop farming practices: Lessons for sustainable nitrogen management in South Asia,” Wiley, 1(2), p. 149-160. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1002/sae2.12016.

Dimkpa, O, C. et al. (2023) “Fertilizers for food and nutrition security in sub-Saharan Africa: An overview of soil health implications,” Frontiers Media, 3. Available at: https://doi.org/10.3389/fsoil.2023.1123931.

Mudereri, B. et al. (2024) Rwanda-Smart Nkunganire System (SNS) Fertilizer Recommendation Tool—Innovation Packaging and Scaling Readiness (IPSR) Analysis for Smart Agronomy. Available at:  https://doi.org/10.4160/cip.2024.07.006.

Nain, S, A. and Singh, K, K. (2016) “Conceptualization of a framework of decision support system for agriculture in hilly region,” India Meteorological Department, 67(1), p. 195-204. Available at: https://doi.org/10.54302/mausam.v67i1.1178.

UBARIJORO, M, J. et al. (2020) “The impact of technology use on agricultural production in Rwanda (2016 season A, B, C),” Research Square (United States). Available at: https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-73725/v1.

Resources

1. Rwanda Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources (MINAGRI) (2024) Smart Nkunganire System 
2. IFAD Rural Solution Portal (2012), Digitizing the agricultural inputs subsidy program to increase agricultural productivity among smallholder farmers in Rwanda Smart Nkunganire System (SNS)
3. Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. (2023). “Supporting Agricultural Innovation in Rwanda.” Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation – Agricultural Development
4. Rwanda Agriculture Board (RAB). (2023). “Smart Nkunganire System: Progress and Challenges.” Rwanda Agriculture Board
5. (2023). “Enhancing Digital Agriculture in Rwanda: A Collaborative Approach.” BKTechouse
6. OneAcre Fund. (2023). “Our Work in Rwanda.” OneAcre Fund Rwanda