Nyagatare: RindaFarm and BazaFarm in New Modern and Technology Farming

 

Nyagatare: RindaFarm and BazaFarm in New  Modern and Technology  Farming

Introduction

        Agriculture in Nyagatare District, Eastern Province of Rwanda, has entered a new era—one defined by innovation, sustainability, and resilience against climate change. Once plagued by droughts, pest invasions, and unpredictable yields, local farmers are now harnessing advanced smart agriculture technologies to double, and in some cases triple, their harvests.

        In Nyagatare District thee are two  modern farms including  Rinda-Farm and Baza-Farm, two groundbreaking solutions developed by STES Group Ltd and supported by the Rwanda Development Organization (RDO) with funding from Rwanda Green Fund (FONERWA), have transformed maize and vegetable farming in the region.

1. The Technologies Transforming Nyagatare Farming

    1.2 Rinda-Farm: Smart Pest Control

               RINDAFARM TECHNOLOGY (Nyagatare District)

To provide an effective solution for insect control in crop fields, RindaFarm intervene by a solar powered as a sustainable solution for insects. The device recognizes the patterns of insects and pests and creates a plan for controlling and managing them. STES Group's solar-powered bug trap is an entirely automated, cost-effective, and environmentally responsible gadget.

Rinda-Farm uses an innovative solar-powered lamp and pesticide basin to trap harmful insects, especially the notorious Fall Armyworm (FAW). The light attracts nocturnal pests, which are then eliminated before they can damage crops.

Adult bugs are drawn to the RindaFarm light and become caught in the yellow basin's fluid. One acre has two RindaFarm devices fitted to guarantee effective pest control.

Sustainable Farming in Rwanda: A Guide—Learn more about eco-friendly practices for smallholder farmers.

Pests Controlled:

                    (i) Fall Armyworm,

                    (ii) Leaf-folder moths,

                    (iii) Stem borer moths,

                    (iV) Fruit bored Aphids,

                    (v) Whiteflies,

                    (vi) Crop beetles

Impact:

Farmers have drastically reduced pesticide costs—from Rwf 30,000 a week to Rwf 5,000—while protecting their maize and vegetables more effectively.

The advantages of RINDAFARM

(1) In the wild, 300–400 insect populations and their offspring are decreased when one adult bug is controlled.
(2) Aids in the development of pest management and control plans by identifying the patterns of insects and pests. 

(iii) It is less expensive and uses less chemical pesticides.
(iv) Aids in keeping an eye on and managing dangerous insects and pests.
The product generated has a lower chemical impact, protecting both the environment and human health.
(v) The gadget may be operated without the need for energy or labor.
RindaFarm steers clear of the potential for capturing helpful insects.

 1.2. Baza-Farm: IoT-Based Smart Irrigation

                  Baza-Farm IoT sensor installed in a maize field (Image: Nyagatare District )

   What is BAZAFARM

A solar-powered Internet of Things gadget called BAZAFARM is installed on farms to assess soil temperature, water level, and fertility in real time. The farmer can view the data on their PC, tablet, or smartphone over the Internet and use it to inform their decision-making. The tool gives farmers information on what the soil requires for the ideal crop-growing conditions and assists them in achieving high crop yields. 

                    BAZAFARM Nyagatare District (Image: BazaFARM Nyagatare)

How BazaFarm does it work

In order to transmit data to the master, which then sends it to the Internet, BazaFarm devices employ Internet of Things technology and a network of sensor nodes. One solitary device that can measure and transmit data to the Internet can be utilized on a farm that is less than five hectares.

Advantages of BAZAFARM

(i) Optimized water use,

(ii) Year-round crop cultivation (three growing seasons instead of two),

(iii) Increased yields  of maize, soybeans and vegetables,

(iv) Reduced water wastage

2. Real Farmer Success Stories

• Muhamad Ngarukiye (70 years old)—Increased maize yields from 2–3 tons to 5 tons per hectare, earning Rwf 1.1 million per season while saving Rwf 600,000 in expenses.
• Dismas Rutanga—Boosted maize production from 1.5 tons to up to 8 tons per hectare.
• Teya Mukakalisa—Improved her harvest from 2 to 3 tons on just 0.5 hectares and invested in home improvements like buying a television.

                Nyagatare farmers harvesting maize

3. Why This Matters in 2025

With climate change intensifying in Rwanda, the ability to maintain high productivity despite droughts and pests is critical. Nyagatare’s adoption of smart farming aligns with Rwanda’s Vision 2050 for agricultural modernization, food security, and rural development.

Climate-Resilient Crops for East Africa – Discover the best crop varieties for drought-prone regions.

4. Best Practices for Adopting Smart Agriculture

1.    Start Small—Implement technology on a small plot before scaling up.

2.    Leverage Cooperative Support—Work within groups like KOBUKA and KABOKU for cost-sharing and technical assistance.

3.    Integrate Data – Use collected IoT data for decisions on irrigation, fertilization, and pest control.

4.    Train Continuously—Stay updated on technology usage and maintenance.

 Rwanda Green Fund (FONERWA)—Supporting green growth in Rwanda.

Rwanda Development Organization (RDO)—Empowering rural communities through innovation.

            Conclusion

            The success of smart agriculture technologies in Nyagatare proves that innovation, when paired with local knowledge, can overcome the challenges of climate change and food insecurity. As more farmers adopt RindaFarm and BazaFarm in 2025, Rwanda’s path toward sustainable and profitable agriculture becomes clearer than ever.

       Motivation

           Smart agriculture is more than just technology—it’s a lifeline for rural communities. In Nyagatare, it offers farmers the power to overcome unpredictable weather, limited resources, and fluctuating markets. By embracing innovation, they are not only increasing harvests but also improving food security and community well-being. This transformation shows that with the right tools and knowledge, even smallholder farmers can compete in modern markets, protect the environment, and create a brighter future for the next generation. It’s a story of hope, resilience, and progress rooted in the heart of Rwanda.