BACKGROUND
The Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB) is an autonomous body established by LAW N°38/2010 OF 25/11/2010 and Currently, RAB is governed by Presidential Order N° 074/01 OF 09/12/2022 Governing Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB), determining its mission, organization, and functioning. The law specifies that: The mission of RAB is to develop agriculture and animal resources through research, agricultural extension and animal resources extension in order to increase agricultural and animal resources productivity and quality, as well as their derived products.
Email:
info@rab.gov.rw
Toll free:
4675
Mobile:
+250788385312
Address:
Rwanda - Sothern Province, Huye District.
P.O.Box:
5016 Huye - Rwanda
This expectation premises on: physical proximity under one administrative structure, using a common standard operating procedure, which removes institutional boundaries by improving communication, mutual understanding and consensus building between extension, research and policy.
The research-extension-policy nexus is critical for intensifying the focus and increasing the relevance of research and extension to pertinent issues required for acceptable levels of agricultural sector growth and contribution of the sector to overall socioeconomic development process in Rwanda.
Vision : Improved food security and livelihoods of all Rwandans by transforming agriculture from subsistence into modern farming through generating research and extension innovations that generate sustainable crop, animal husbandry and natural resource management.
Mission: The mission of RAB is to develop agriculture and animal resources through research, agricultural extension and animal resources extension in order to increase agricultural and animal resources productivity and quality, as well as their derived products.
Dr. Florence Uwamahoro
Ag Director General
Dr. Florence Uwamahoro is the Ag Director General. Prior to this position, she served as Deputy Director General in charge of Agriculture Development, Acting Director of Research and Innovation for 2.5 years and Lecturer at the University of Rwanda-College of Agriculture, Animal Sciences and Veterinary Medicine (UR-CAVM).
She has been working for the University of Rwanda since 2012. Florence is a researcher with interests in all aspects of plant health including plant disease epidemiology, plant-pathogen interactions, biology of the plant pathogens and integrated pest management. She has been involved in different interdisciplinary research projects.
She has a PhD in Biology with specialisation in Plant Pathology from The Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), an MSc degree in Plant Pathology from the University of Agricultural Sciences (UAS) Bangalore in India, and a BSc degree in Crop Production and Horticulture from the former National University of Rwanda.
Mrs Clarisse UMUTONI
Chief Finance Officer
Clarisse is a seasoned finance professional with over 20 years of diverse experience in financial management, accounting, auditing and strategic leadership across multiple sectors. Currently serving as the Chief Finance Officer at the Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB), she plays a pivotal role in ensuring the financial sustainability and growth of the organization.
With qualifications including a Master of Arts in Finance and Economics, Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Investment Professional (CISI), and Certified Public Finance Management Accountant (CPFMA), Clarisse brings a wealth of expertise to her role. Her leadership has been instrumental in managing budgets, driving financial efficiencies, and maintaining the financial integrity of RAB.
Prior to her current role, Clarisse held key positions in various sectors, including the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources (MINAGRI), where she served as Director of Finance & Administration. During her tenure, she successfully managed multi-million-franc budgets and played a critical role in overseeing financial management strategies for donor-funded projects.
Clarisse also brings valuable experience from her time in the Capital Market Authority, where she served as Finance and Administration Manager, and from her roles in the banking sector, including positions at prominent financial institutions (I&M Bank and BPR). Her diverse background has equipped her with a comprehensive understanding of financial markets, regulatory frameworks, and risk management practices.
Beyond her professional roles, Clarisse is actively involved in professional organizations such as the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Rwanda (ICPAR), where she has served as a member of the Governing Council and currently contributes as a member of the Disciplinary Commission. Her commitment to promoting ethical practices and advancing the accounting profession reflects her dedication to excellence and integrity.
Driven by a passion for excellence and a commitment to driving positive change, Clarisse continues to make significant contributions to RAB's mission of promoting sustainable agriculture and economic development in Rwanda.
Best employee of the Year 2024/25
Mr. Clement GASHEJA
Accountant, RAB/Rubona Station
Mr. Clement GASHEJA is a seasoned accountant with over 18 years of experience in financial management and public service. His career in accounting began in 2006 at the former Rwanda Agricultural Research Institute (ISAR) Nyagatare—now RAB/Nyagatare Station—where he laid a strong foundation in institutional finance. In 2009, he transitioned to ISAR Kinigi—now RAB/Musanze Station—further sharpening his expertise in financial operations.
In 2011, Mr. GASHEJA was appointed Accountant for the Northern Agriculture Zone Division, a role that expanded his responsibilities and deepened his understanding of financial management within the agriculture sector. Since 2019, he has been serving as the Accountant at RAB/Rubona Station, where he continues to provide diligent support to agriculture and livestock development through effective financial management.
He holds a Bachelor's degree in Financial Management and Accounting and has successfully completed numerous short-term professional trainings. Beyond his technical competence, Mr. GASHEJA is recognized for his strong work ethic, integrity, and unwavering commitment to service delivery. His reliability and experience have made him a valuable asset to the Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board, and he was proudly recognized as Employee of the Year 2024/25.