Nyamagabe to host World Food Day 2025, promoting better Agrifood system transformation
Nyamagabe District will host World Food Day 2025 on 24 October 2025, with celebrations focused on transforming Rwanda's agrifood systems to promote food security and economic growth.
The event will highlight government efforts and partnerships with organizations like the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), including a month-long campaign from October 16 to November 15 to raise awareness about healthy diets.
This initiative is part of Rwanda's broader push toward becoming a food-secure, middle-income nation.
To mark World Food Day 2025, the Rome-Based United Nations Agencies the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the World Food Programme (WFP), and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) joined the Government of Rwanda and development partners in celebrating collective progress and strengthening commitments to transform Rwanda’s agrifood systems for a more sustainable and prosperous futureHeld under the global theme “Hand in Hand for Better Foods and a Better Future,”.
The event also marks the 80th anniversary of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) a milestone that highlights the urgency of building resilient, inclusive, and nutrition-sensitive food systems to achieve Zero Hunger (SDG 2).
- Working Together for a Food-Secure Rwanda
“Rwanda continues to make remarkable progress toward becoming a food-secure, middle-income nation,” said Nomathemba Mhlanga, FAO Representative in Rwanda.
“FAO remains a dedicated partner, working hand in hand with the Government to transform agriculture into a driver of inclusive economic growth.”
Through the Hand-in-Hand Initiative, FAO connects data, partners, and investments to ensure that no one is left behind in Rwanda’s journey toward sustainable development.
The country’s Strategic Plan for Agriculture Transformation (PSTA5) envisions a modern and competitive agriculture sector that is market-oriented, climate-resilient, and nutrition-sensitive.
It aims to move farmers from subsistence to sustainable and profitable production, with a focus on empowering them to grow high-value, nutritious crops and livestock.
- Feeding Communities, Nurturing the Future
“Supporting smallholder farmers, promoting home-grown school meals, and creating youth employment opportunities are at the heart of our mission,” said Andrea Bagnoli, WFP Country Director and Representative.
“Through practical action, we can help families overcome poverty, tackle stunting, and ensure that every child receives the nutrition needed to learn and thrive.”
WFP’s work in Rwanda links over 130,000 smallholder farmers to markets, promotes climate-resilient farming, and strengthens nutrition and social protection systems.
Meanwhile, IFAD is scaling up rural finance and private-sector partnerships, investing in irrigation, livestock, and post-harvest systems, and supporting youth- and women-led enterprises to enhance productivity and sustainability.
“Transforming food systems requires bold investments and smart collaboration,” emphasized Dagmawi Habte-Selassie, IFAD Country Director and Representative.
“The private sector plays a crucial role in driving innovation, creating jobs, and building resilient value chains.”
- A Shared Vision for Sustainable Growth
Speaking on behalf of the Rome-Based Agencies, Dr. Ozonnia Ojielo, UN Resident Coordinator in Rwanda, praised the country’s leadership in advancing agricultural transformation:
The Rome-Based Agencies reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the Government of Rwanda and called on all stakeholders — including development partners, the private sector, and local communities — to work together for a food-secure future where every Rwandan has access to safe, nutritious, and affordable food.
- About the Rome-Based UN Agencies
FAO – Leads global efforts to end hunger, improve nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture.
Founded in 1945, FAO works in 194 member countries and the European Union, with headquarters in Rome.
WFP – The world’s largest humanitarian organization, saving lives in emergencies and building pathways to peace, stability, and resilience.
IFAD – A specialized UN agency and international financial institution investing in rural people to reduce poverty, enhance food security, and promote inclusive growth.
Photos
Andrea Bagnoli, Country Director and representative of WFP
Dagmawi Habte-Selassie, IFAD Country Director and representative for Rwanda
Nomathemba Mhlanga, FAO representative in Rwanda.
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