About RICA
Rwanda’s leading voice for conservation agriculturE
What is RICA?
RICA is Rwanda’s only accredited, internationally recognized institute of higher learning focused on conservation agriculture innovation and impact. Our unique English-language institution combines research, education, and extension services to train Rwanda’s next generation of leaders in agriculture, while supporting national priorities for agricultural and economic development. RICA students earn a Bachelor of Science in Conservation Agriculture degree with specialization in one of seven enterprise areas.
RICA’s Hands-On
Approach
Our campus is custom-made to train future innovators using a hands-on, experiential approach. RICA students learn the principles of conservation agriculture and One Health, with an emphasis on communications, leadership, and entrepreneurship. Students gain exposure to the entire agriculture value chain during their course of study, working in both smallholder operations and commercial agribusinesses. They also engage closely with local farming communities through on-site extension education and through the Nasho Irrigation Cooperative to ensure research insights are informed by local needs and knowledge is transferred to benefit local communities.
Vision
To be a world leader in experiential education for conservation agriculture and sustainable food security.
Mission
To educate and inspire a new generation of innovators transforming agriculture.
Our Pillars
Innovation
We are leading the way in experiential education, entrepreneurship and conservation agriculture.
Community
INTEGRITY
We are trusted and ethical in all our practices and services.
Impact
Innovation
We are leading the way in experiential education, entrepreneurship and conservation agriculture.
Community
We hold relationships in the highest regard and model our beliefs through service.
Integrity
We are trusted and ethical in all our practices and services.
Impact
We are a transformative partner in the lives of our students, communities, country and world.
What is One Health?
The concept and science of One Health recognizes that human health, animal health and ecosystem health are intertwined. RICA’s curriculum and campus are designed to facilitate students learning about these interrelationships, and how to manage crop and livestock systems to minimize detrimental effects on ecosystem, human, and animal health.
Design and preserve the One Health landscape by integrating the built and natural environments, balancing human, ecological, and animal health
Use chemical agricultural inputs responsibly
Control of zoonotic diseases in human and animal populations
Implement and reinforce biosecurity measures in our farms
Ensure safety of all animal and agricultural products
Use antibiotics in animals responsibly to prevent resistance in animal and human populations
Protect natural diversity to maintain healthy ecosystems that clean water, purify air, maintain soil integrity, regulate climate, and recycle nutrients
Use appropriate animal feeds formulation to limit digestive waste that cause damage to the environment
Preserve and regularly monitor water and soil quality
Promote animal welfare
Support community on One Health issues through extension and community outreach
Establish strong networks with relevant stakeholders
Train students to become leaders in One Health
Manage animal, vegetable, and human waste appropriately to prevent spread of pathogens and recycle nutrients
RICA’s Story
As one of the fastest growing economies in Africa, Rwanda has a distinct need for leaders and innovators in agriculture. RICA was founded by the Howard G. Buffett Foundation in partnership with the Rwandan government.
Howard G. Buffett, a philanthropist, businessman, and farmer, has dedicated his life to developing numerous agriculture, conservation, and food security initiatives around the world. He firmly believes that today’s young people will be the drivers of future change and impact in agriculture.