Cadasta is pleased to announce our partnership with Landesa and the Rwanda National Land Authority (NLA) on the Agricultural Systems Change Initiative, funded by Co-Impact. This 22-month program started in October 2024 and aims to improve land administration services, strengthen tenure security, and enhance opportunities for smallholder farmers in Rwanda’s Kayonza, Kirehe, and Nyagatare districts.
The initiative focuses on correcting parcel boundary data and updating missing information in Rwanda’s land records. By addressing these critical gaps, the project will support smallholder farmers in securing formal land titles, which are essential for accessing agricultural inputs, financial collateral, and improved governance. Cadasta will collaborate with the Rwanda National Land Authority to train young graduates and provide technical support to ensure smooth data collection, leading to the issuance of e-titles for 43,400 corrected parcels and 32,553 parcels with updated ownership details.
“Our partnership in this initiative represents a significant step toward more secure and equitable land tenure systems in Rwanda,” said Amy Coughenour Betancourt, President and CEO at Cadasta Foundation. “By leveraging technology and collaboration, we’re addressing historical challenges and unlocking opportunities for thousands of smallholder farmers in Rwanda.”
Landesa, the lead implementing partner, emphasised the importance of strengthening land rights:
“Secure land tenure is foundational for reducing poverty and improving livelihoods. Through this initiative, we’re supporting farmers to fully benefit from their land resources,” said Emmanuel Ngomiraronka, Rwanda Program Director at Landesa.
The Rwanda NLA also expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration. “This program aligns perfectly with our vision to enhance land administration services. By working with Cadasta and Landesa, we can resolve long-standing land disputes and empower communities with the tools and data needed to thrive,” shared Sylvain Muyombano, Acting Head of Land Administration and Registrar of Land Titles in Southern Province, Rwanda.
This initiative builds on Rwanda’s national Land Tenure Regularization (LTR) program, addressing gaps in boundary accuracy and missing ownership details that have hindered farmers’ ability to secure their rights and maximize productivity. The project’s success will contribute to a more inclusive, sustainable agricultural system while advancing gender equity and environmental protection goals.