Blog Planting with precision: How weather and climate information is changing bean farming in Rwanda

"I am a 60-year-old experienced farmer, promoter and trainer who resides in Rulindo District, Mbogo Sector, Bukomo Cell, Kibangu Village. I grow Irish potatoes, beans, and maize.  

Before joining the training which happened at Hilltop in 2022, I planted in no order (in a disorganized way), without knowing what I was doing, without basing decisions on climate and weather forecasts provided by Meteo Rwanda.  

After being trained on how to use climate and weather information within my agricultural activities, I started applying the knowledge I gained from there and started basing decisions on the given forecasts while choosing the variety of beans to plant within that agricultural season. For example: If Meteo Rwanda has said that the rainy days will be few within the new agricultural season we are going to start, I start by searching the variety with few days to be harvested. Otherwise, I used to plant without relying on climate information but mostly relying on the market demand without considering what it cost. But, as of today, I no longer do that, because after using the weather forecasts and other information provided to us daily, I was able to overcome a loss of over 90%, which was due to lack of planning and proper decision-making. 

After integrating weather and climate information in agriculture, my overall yield increased, as I was able to minimize all sorts of loss. Firstly, on a 0.5 hectare piece of land, I used to get less than 100kg of bean yield, but as of last season, I got around 400kg of bean yield. This increase in yield was mainly due to proper decision-making and planning, which was done as a result of knowing the seasonal forecast. For example, this season, there is a bean variety locally known as Kiryuwize, which is a good variety but requires ample rainfall. However, instead of planting that variety, I chose to plant Gihoro Ntoya, as it matures more quickly than Kiryuwize, requiring fewer rainy days to thrive. As a result of using climate and weather-related information, I only planted bush beans instead of planting climbing beans, as the season was having few rainy days. Also, we did not plant vegetables as they require a lot more water. 

I also contribute to the dissemination of the use of weather and climate information within agriculture, as I am the trainer. So far, I have reached up to 260 trainees, where 120 people belong to cooperatives, and I am sure that 40% of them have adapted their daily activities using this information, as I have. Additionally, I have learned that we should not wait for the weather information provided on the PICSA WhatsApp group only. I am allowed to call 6080, which is toll-free, and be given the weather information as I need it without waiting. I am also aiming at a target of training 1,000 farmers by June 2025."

"I was first trained in May 2024. At that time, I wasn’t fully convinced about using weather forecasts in my daily agricultural activities. However, later, I attended another training in Musanze District. This time, the training helped me understand the importance and practical use of weather and climate forecasts in agriculture. From that moment, I realized how valuable this information was, and I felt motivated to share it with other farmers. 

During the Musanze training, we were informed about the number of rainy days expected in the new agricultural season (Season B, 2024-2025). We were also given the forecast for when the rain would begin and when it might stop. Armed with this information, I was able to prepare in advance, ensuring I was ready for planting when the rain arrived. Given the forecast that the rains might end in the last week of May, I decided to plant the Gihoro variety of climbing beans, which takes just 90 days to mature. This variety was ideal as it requires fewer rainy days compared to other bean varieties. 

Thanks to the training provided by the ECREA project on how to use climate and weather information, I was able to plant on time and select the most suitable variety, minimizing potential losses caused by climate and weather variability. As a result, I am projecting a 30% increase in my yield this season due to timely planting.

So far, I have trained 140 farmers on how to use and apply weather and climate information in their daily agricultural activities. All of them have adopted this approach, using the information for planning and decision-making."

"I live in Rulindo District, Rusiga Sector, Gako Cell, Kabuye Village. The training I received has been of great importance to me. 

Before being trained, I would see the rain drops on the first day, and on the second day, I would take my hoe and go directly to my plot to start planting without considering anything else.

During that time, my losses were significant. However, after receiving training on how to use climate and weather information in agriculture, I began applying what I had learned. This allowed me to plant on time and choose the best variety based on the forecast. 

Knowing when the rainy season would begin helped me prepare by keeping manure and seeds ready, ensuring that I was well-prepared when the rain arrived. Additionally, I started doing financial analysis to assess what investments I needed to make in advance, so that I wouldn’t plant late. As a result, my overall yield increased. I usually cultivate two traditional plot units, which are approximately 800 square meters in total. Previously, I harvested around 50kg from that land, but now I am able to harvest 150kg, tripling my yield. This boost in production allowed me to sell the extra produce at the market, ensuring that I could provide enough food for my family and cover all their basic needs. 

With this income, I’ve been able to pay for some family members' health insurance, cover school fees for my children, and buy clothes. Additionally, I was able to purchase two pigs and two goats, all from the money I earned from selling the extra produce.

The weather information I received also helped with post-harvest handling. Before applying this knowledge, 20kg of my 50kg harvest was often destroyed due to heavy rainfall or hail during the harvest period."