On July 31, 2026 — The Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB), in partnership with One Acre Fund, has graduated 311 agricultural extension professionals under the second cohort of the Extension Centre of Excellence (ECoE).

The graduates, comprising 234 Site-Based Extension Agents (SBEAs) and 77 One Acre Fund Field Officers, received nationally recognized competency certificates during a ceremony held at the RAB Mulindi Agriculture Expo Grounds.

The newly certified professionals will strengthen agricultural advisory services and support the implementation of the Food Basket Site (FoBaSi) model by promoting improved production, facilitating market linkages, and translating agricultural policies and technologies into practical solutions for farmers.

The initiative supports Rwanda’s PSTA5 and NST2 priorities and contributes to the professionalization of agricultural extension services. Through capacity building, quality assurance, research and innovation, market development, and institutional strengthening, the ECoE is helping build a more professional, responsive, and farmer-centred extension system.

As Rwanda advances towards a private-sector-led extension model, the ECoE also strengthens collaboration between public and private-sector actors, ensuring that skilled extension professionals are better equipped to contribute to increased agricultural productivity and improved farmer livelihoods.