GENERAL INFORMATION

WELCOME MESSAGE

Dear Students,

A very warm welcome to the Agricultural Extension and Policies module at the University of Rwanda, College of Agriculture, Forestry and Food Sciences, Department of Crop Sciences.

AIM OF THE MODULE:

This module is designed to bridge the gap between agricultural science, policy, and practice—providing you with the knowledge and tools needed to shape Rwanda’s agricultural future. Through a blend of theory, case studies, and field-based learning, we will explore:

• Extension approaches that empower farmers and strengthen rural livelihoods.

• National and regional agricultural policies shaping Rwanda’s transformation.

• Climate-smart and inclusive strategies for sustainable food systems.

• Communication, leadership, and digital tools for effective extension delivery.

As future leaders, researchers, and practitioners, your engagement is key to making this module meaningful and impactful. Whether you aspire to work in government, NGOs, agribusiness, or academia, this course will equip you to contribute thoughtfully to Rwanda’s journey toward food security, sustainability, and resilience.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

Upon successful completion of this module, students will be able to:

1. Analyze and critique national and regional agricultural policies, including Rwanda’s PSTA IV and global frameworks, and evaluate their impacts on smallholder farmers, food security, and sustainable development.
   
   

2. Design and apply participatory extension approaches and tools (e.g., Farmer Field Schools, digital advisory systems) to effectively communicate agricultural innovations and promote climate-resilient farming practices.
   
   

3. Assess the role of agricultural extension in bridging research, policy, and practice, and propose strategies for enhancing farmer adoption of improved technologies and sustainable intensification methods.
   
   

4. Develop a policy brief or extension proposal that addresses a contemporary agricultural challenge in Rwanda, integrating evidence-based recommendations, stakeholder analysis, and ethical considerations.

   Learning and Teaching Strategies

   1. Interactive Lectures

   • Method: Facilitated lectures with embedded discussions, Q&A sessions, and real-time polling.

   • Tools: PowerPoint, case study videos, policy documents, guest speaker sessions.

   • Purpose: To introduce key theories, frameworks, and policies while encouraging critical thinking and engagement.

   2. Case-Based Learning

   • Method: Analysis of real-world cases from Rwanda and beyond (e.g., Crop Intensification Program, One Cow per Family, terrace adoption).

   • Tools: Case study packets, group worksheets, guided reflection prompts.

   • Purpose: To connect theory with practice and develop problem-solving and analytical skills.

   3. Simulations and Role-Playing

   • Method: Role-play scenarios such as farmer–extension officer interactions, policy negotiation simulations, stakeholder meetings.

   • Tools: Scenario cards, role descriptors, debriefing guides.

   • Purpose: To build communication, negotiation, and empathy skills in real-world contexts.

   4. Field Visits and Practitioner Engagements

   • Method: Organized visits to farmer cooperatives, extension offices, MINAGRI, or RAB stations.

   • Tools: Field journals, guided observation checklists, post-visit reflection reports.

   • Purpose: To provide firsthand exposure to extension systems and policy implementation.

   5. Group Projects and Collaborative Tasks

   • Method: Small groups develop extension campaigns, policy briefs, or community engagement plans.

   • Tools: Online collaboration platforms (Google Workspace, Teams), peer review rubrics.

   • Purpose: To foster teamwork, project management, and co-creative learning.

   6. Digital and Blended Learning

   • Method: Use of online modules, discussion forums, and digital tools (e.g., AKILIMO app, e-extension platforms).

   • Tools: UR e-learning platform (Moodle), WhatsApp groups, recorded expert talks.

   • Purpose: To enhance accessibility, digital literacy, and self-paced learning.

   7. Reflective Practice

   • Method: Regular reflective journals, blog entries, or portfolio entries linking personal experience to module content.

   • Tools: Learning diaries, guided reflection templates.

   • Purpose: To deepen personal and professional insight and integrate learning across contexts.

   8. Policy Debates and Dialogues

   • Method: Structured debates on contentious policy issues (e.g., land consolidation vs. agroecology, input subsidies vs. organic systems).

   • Tools: Debate guidelines, moderation by instructor or guest, peer assessment.

   • Purpose: To develop argumentation skills, critical thinking, and ethical reasoning.

   9. Guest Lectures and Panels

   • Method: Invited speakers from MINAGRI, RAB, FAO, NGOs, and farmer organizations.

   • Tools: Pre- and post-lecture Q&A preparation, networking sessions.

   • Purpose: To expose students to diverse perspectives and career pathways.

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   Assessment-Linked Strategies

   • Formative: Quizzes, peer feedback, draft policy briefs, presentation rehearsals.

   • Summative: Case study reports, policy analysis papers, extension project designs, final presentations.

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   Inclusive and Context-Sensitive Approaches

   • Language Support: Use of both English and Kinyarwanda in discussions and materials where appropriate.

   • Gender-Responsive Pedagogy: Ensuring equal participation and addressing gender dynamics in extension and policy cases.

   • Localized Content: Emphasis on Rwandan and East African policy contexts, challenges, and successes.

Module indicative contents

Part 1: Foundations of Agricultural Extension

1. Introduction to Agricultural Extension

   • Evolution and philosophy of extension

   • Roles and functions of extension services

   • Extension approaches: top-down, participatory, and farmer-led models

2. Communication for Extension

   • Interpersonal and mass communication methods

   • Use of ICTs in extension (e.g., mobile platforms, radio, digital advisory tools)

   • Overcoming barriers to communication in rural contexts

3. Adult Learning and Farmer Education

   • Principles of andragogy in farmer training

   • Farmer Field Schools (FFS) and participatory learning

   • Gender-sensitive and inclusive extension practices

Part 2: Agricultural Policy Frameworks

4. Introduction to Agricultural Policy

   • Concepts, objectives, and types of agricultural policies

   • Policy formulation, implementation, and evaluation cycles

5. National Agricultural Policies: Rwanda in Focus

   • Vision 2050, PSTA IV, and NST1

   • Crop Intensification Program (CIP) and land use consolidation

   • Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) and Green Growth strategies

6. Regional and International Policy Frameworks

   • CAADP (Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme)

   • UN SDGs and the Paris Agreement

   • Trade policies and regional integration (EAC, COMESA, AfCFTA)

Part 3: Extension Systems and Institutional Linkages

7. Models of Extension Delivery

   • Public, private, NGO, and pluralistic extension systems

   • Decentralized vs. centralized approaches

   • Innovation platforms and multi-stakeholder engagement

8. Linkages Between Research, Extension, and Farmers

   • Agricultural Knowledge and Innovation Systems (AKIS)

   • Bridging the research–extension–farmer gap

   • Role of universities, RAB, and innovation hubs

9. Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning in Extension

   • Indicators for extension performance

   • Participatory M&E tools

   • Adaptive management and feedback loops

Part 4: Contemporary Issues in Extension and Policy

10. Climate Change and Resilience Building

    • Extension for climate adaptation and mitigation

    • Promoting CSA technologies and practices

    • Disaster risk management and early warning systems

11. Digital Agriculture and Precision Extension

    • IoT, drones, sensors, and AI in extension

    • Data-driven advisory services

    • Ethical and accessibility considerations

12. Inclusive and Transformative Extension

    • Gender and youth mainstreaming

    • Nutrition-sensitive agriculture and biofortification

    • Social equity and pro-poor policy design

Part 5: Policy Analysis and Advocacy

13. Tools for Policy Analysis

    • Stakeholder analysis, SWOT, PESTLE

    • Cost-benefit analysis and impact assessment

14. Writing for Policy Influence

    • Policy briefs, position papers, and advocacy strategies

    • Engaging with policymakers and media

15. Ethics in Extension and Policy

    • Professional conduct, integrity, and accountability

    • Ethical dilemmas in extension practice and policy implementation

Part 6: Integrating Theory and Practice

16. Field-Based Learning and Case Studies

    • Rwandan case studies: terrace adoption, One Cow per Family, irrigation schemes

    • International comparisons: Kenya’s extension reforms, India’s KVKs, Brazil’s Agroecology Policy

17. Capstone Project: Designing an Extension–Policy Intervention

    • Identify a local agricultural challenge

    • Develop an integrated extension strategy and policy proposal

    • Present to peers and invited practitioners

Key Teaching and Learning Materials

• Readings: Journals (Journal of Agricultural Education and Extension, Food Policy), policy documents (MINAGRI, FAO, World Bank)

• Multimedia: Documentary films, recorded interviews with policymakers, virtual field tours

• Digital Tools: Policy simulation software, online discussion forums, e-extension platforms

Teaching Team and contacts:

1. Dr. Ir. Habimana Sylvestre

Position: Senior Lecturer & Coordinator of Industrial & Academic Linkage
Department: Crop Sciences
College: College of Agriculture, Forestry and Food Sciences (CAFFS)
Email: s.habimana14@ur.ac.rw 
Phone: +250 788 486 031

2. Arsitide Niyonshuti

Position: Ass. Lecturer
Department: Crop Sciences
College: CAFFS
Email: a.niyonshuti@ur.ac.rw
Phone: +250 788 455 056

3. Dr. Turamyenyirijuru Adrien

Position: Lecturer
Department: Crop Sciences
College: CAFFS
Email: a.turamyenyirijuru@ur.ac.rw
Phone: +250 788 213 807

4. Dr. Jean D'Amour Manirere

Position: Lecturer
Department: Crop Sciences
College: CAFFS
Email: jd.manirere@ur.ac.rw
Phone: +250 788 306 916

Let’s embark on this learning journey together—with curiosity, collaboration, and a shared commitment to transforming agriculture in Rwanda and beyond.

Looking forward to a productive and inspiring semester.

Yours in learning,

Dr Habimana Sylvestre

Module Leader
Department of Crop Sciences
College of Agriculture, Forestry and Food Sciences
University of Rwanda