Agriculture school creates climate-aware approach to help small farmers feed Africa

The Rwanda Institute for Conservation Agriculture (RICA) aims to transform agriculture in Africa by educating students in innovative and sustainable farming practices. Founded in partnership with the University of Nebraska and supported by Howard Buffett, RICA focuses on conservation agriculture and entrepreneurship. Students are trained to become job creators and extension agents, helping local farmers improve productivity. The curriculum emphasizes technical skills, business acumen, and environmental conservation, preparing graduates to address food security challenges in Rwanda and beyond.

What is the primary goal of the Rwanda Institute for Conservation Agriculture (RICA)?

• To focus solely on livestock farming

• To increase urbanization

• To transform agriculture in Africa

• To promote traditional farming methods

Who played a significant role in designing RICA's curriculum?

• Bill Gates

• Elon Musk

• Howard Buffett

• Jeff Bezos

What is one of the main challenges faced by the African continent in agriculture?

• Excessive rainfall

• Too many large farms

• Lack of temperate zones for staple crops

• Overpopulation of farmers

What skills does RICA aim to teach its students?

• Only business skills

• Both entrepreneurial and technical skills

• Only agricultural history

• Only technical skills

What is one of the aspirations of RICA students?

• To become medical doctors

• To work in urban development

• To focus on mining

• To start their own businesses

What is the focus of conservation agriculture promoted by RICA?

• Planting fields without tilling

• Increasing the use of fertilizers

• Expanding urban areas

• Reducing the number of farms

Why is soil considered the most important asset in agriculture according to the video?

• It is easy to replace

• It requires no maintenance

• It is essential for maintaining production and water quality

• It is the cheapest resource