Rwanda Institute for Conservation Agriculture (RICA)

The Rwanda Institute for Conservation Agriculture (RICA) is a pioneering higher education institution located in Bugesera District, Eastern Province, Rwanda. Established through a public-private partnership between the Government of Rwanda and the Howard G. Buffett Foundation, RICA aims to train the next generation of agricultural leaders in sustainable and conservation-focused farming practices.

Academic Program

RICA offers a rigorous three-year, English-language Bachelor of Science degree in Conservation Agriculture. The curriculum is grounded in the principles of conservation agriculture and the “One Health” approach, which emphasizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health. Students gain hands-on experience in smallholder farming and engage with enterprise-scale agribusinesses across five key areas:

• Tree and vegetable production

• Row and forage crops

• Dairy farming

• Swine and poultry management

• Mechanization and irrigation

The program also emphasizes leadership, entrepreneurship, and community engagement, preparing graduates to innovate and drive sustainable agricultural development.

Campus and Sustainability

RICA’s campus spans approximately 1,375 hectares and is designed with sustainability at its core. Key features include:

• Climate-Positive Design: The campus is expected to become climate-positive by 2040, meaning it will sequester more carbon than it emits.

• Renewable Energy: A 1.5 MW solar photovoltaic array supplies all of the institute’s electricity needs.

• Sustainable Materials: Buildings are constructed using locally sourced materials such as rammed earth and compressed stabilized earth blocks, reducing embodied carbon by approximately 44% compared to global averages.

• Water and Waste Management: The campus employs sustainable water extraction and wastewater treatment systems, with treated water reused for irrigation.

Admissions and Scholarships

RICA seeks to attract Rwanda’s most promising students, offering full scholarships that cover tuition, room, and board. Each cohort comprises 80 to 84 students, with a commitment to gender parity. The institute received over 7,000 applications for its inaugural class, reflecting strong interest in its innovative approach to agricultural education.

Partnerships and Community Engagement

RICA collaborates with various partners, including the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, to develop its curriculum and research initiatives. The institute also engages with local farming communities through extension services and applied research, ensuring that its work addresses real-world challenges and benefits Rwandan agriculture.