Cyerekezo potato drives big yields in Rwanda’s northern highlands
New seed variety nearly doubles production and raises hopes for export growth and income stability.
RWANDA – Rwanda’s northern highlands are seeing significant change as a new potato seed variety, Cyerekezo, lifts yields and boosts farmer confidence.
Farmers in Musanze District, especially those under the “Dukomeze Ubuzima” cooperative, are now harvesting more potatoes than ever before, with trials showing production far above traditional levels.
In Nyamiyaga, Jean de Dieu Ngiruwonsanga shared his experience. “This new potato seed variety called Cyerekezo was planted to test how well it performs. Judging by the yield, it gives us confidence that it will produce very well.” From just 200 kilograms of seed, growers have harvested more than 1.5 tons, a strong sign of Cyerekezo’s output.
Cyerekezo’s plants are giving between 10 to 15 tubers each. That is far more than the 4 to 7 tubers farmers usually get from older seed varieties. The improved seed is part of a wider effort to promote clean, certified seed and better farming practices.
Alongside seed distribution, cooperatives like Dukomeze Ubuzima also run livestock-sharing projects to support farmer income.
“We planted just 200 kilograms and got more than a ton. That tells you everything. Cyerekezo will help us become food secure and earn income,” said Dorothée Ntabanganyimana from Kinigi Sector. The goal is to expand this seed variety while building a stable local supply of high-quality seeds.
Since 2025, Rwanda has rolled out 35 improved potato types. This effort is backed by the Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB) and partners like ASARECA.
These varieties include Cyerekezo and Kazeneza, both known for better yield and climate tolerance. “From what we’ve seen with Cyerekezo, a single plant can yield up to 15 tubers,” said Dr. Anastase Nduwayezu from RAB.
Potato output in Rwanda grew from 2.2 million tons in 2013 to 6 million tons by 2019. But recycled seeds and disease have often slowed progress. The shift to certified seeds and farmer training has brought new momentum.
“We trained over 300 farmers on modern cultivation practices and introduced them to clean seed,” said Joshua Sikhu Okonya of ASARECA.
Potatoes from Rwanda are shipped to nearby towns like Goma and Bukavu in DR Congo, especially after the October harvest season. These exports help balance demand and contribute to the national economy.
Local market prices, set by the government, stay between $0.40 and $0.80 per kilogram to avoid swings. When supplies run low, Rwanda brings in potatoes from eastern DR Congo to ease the gap.
As farmers scale up planting, cooperatives are also growing. Dukomeze Ubuzima has expanded from 45 to over 500 members. Jean Damascène Sinzabaheza, a member of the group, said, “From one plant, we’re getting 10 to 15 potatoes. We planted it on a small plot, multiplied it, and we’re now ready to expand.”
Cyerekezo’s strong start marks a turning point for Rwandan potato farming. With better seed, training, and export links, the sector is showing signs of lasting progress.
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