Press and News Rwanda Launches Clim-ARM Investment Blueprints: "Integrating Weather and Climate Analytics into Agricultural Risk Management” to drive Climate-Smart Agricultural Investments
Kigali, Rwanda; November 19, 2024 – The launch of the Clim-ARM Investment Blueprints 'Integrating Weather and Climate Analytics into Agricultural Risk Management' on November 19, 2024 marks a significant step towards transforming Rwanda’s agricultural sector. Developed collaboratively by the CGIAR Hub for Sustainable Finance (ImpactSF), the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources (MINAGRI), and key stakeholders with the support of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the initiative will strengthen agricultural resilience through innovative, climate-smart investment strategies.
By: Nasson Ntwari, Justine Umutoni, Sadie Shelton, Ena Derenoncourt
“Rwanda’s agricultural sector, which employs over 70% of the population and contributes nearly 30% of the national GDP, faces growing challenges due to climate variability” highlighted Dr. Olivier Kamana - Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources.
Projections indicate that climate-related losses in agriculture could cost the country between USD 50–300 million annually by 2030, threatening livelihoods and food security.
“Despite agriculture’s economic importance, only 2% of commercial bank lending currently goes to the sector, underscoring a critical financing gap” highlighted Jenny Frankel-Reed - Senior Officer, Climate Adaptation at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
The Clim-ARM Investment Blueprints, developed under the Clim-ARM project (2022–2024), provide actionable pathways to mitigate these risks. The project focuses on leveraging public-private partnerships, advanced climate analytics and de-risked investments to drive sustainable development while generating attractive financial returns.
The launch brought together public and private investors, development partners, financial institutions and key stakeholders to explore solutions for financing climate-smart agriculture and closing these gaps. Rwanda has the potential to become a model for climate-resilient agriculture through investments in innovative solutions tailored to the unique challenges faced by smallholder farmers.
“This initiative is a chance for public and private investors to scale up climate-smart agricultural solutions, enhancing resilience for smallholder farmers while creating a return on investment and driving inclusive economic growth” emphasized Dr. Kamana.
“We know a lot about adaptation risks and solutions, but we need knowledge and data to motivate and guide on-the-ground projects and confidently optimize their investment impacts” stressed Jenny Frankel-Reed.
The blueprints were developed in close collaboration with national stakeholders and validated through technical workshops. Implementation is already underway through the Rwanda Adaptation Acceleration Program, led by IREME Invest – a blended investment facility backed by the Rwanda Green Fund and the Development Bank of Rwanda, in partnership with Impact and the Gates Foundation.
Investors are encouraged to join these efforts, which promise financial returns alongside significant social and environmental impacts. By supporting the initiative, stakeholders can mitigate agricultural risks, foster resilience and support livelihoods while contributing to national and global climate goals. The Clim-ARM Investment Blueprints represent a turning point in Rwanda’s approach to climate-smart agriculture. By unlocking private capital, the initiative will directly benefit smallholder farmers, value chain actors and financial institutions, creating a resilient and sustainable agricultural sector for years to come.
