Enhancing maize production volcanic highlands of Rwanda
1999
Ngaboyisonga, C. (Institute des Sciences Agronomiques du Rwanda, Butare (Rwanda)) | Ndayire, E. D. (Agriculture and Livestock Ministry, Ruhengeli (Rwanda))
From 1988, both research and extension worked to enhance maize productivity and production in the Volcanic Highlands of Rwanda. Studies on environmental diagnosis, farming systems, growing seasons, abiotic and biotic constraints were conducted in the region. From those studies two categories of growing seasons were identified and were used to classify groups of farmers of which specific subgroups were earmarked to form the framework of the study. Further research and extension work was oriented toward the needs and the characteristics of the targeted farmer subgroups. After a cycle of selection, on-station testing and agronomic studies, different varieties and agronomic practices were recommended to different zones and target groups of the region. Varieties 'Pool9a', 'Pool8a', 'Isega' and 'Mugamba,' together with an accompanying package of selected agronomic practices, increased the yield from 1 to 3.5 t/ha. Maize production of the whole region increased from 30 000 tons to 100 000 tons within a year.
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