Tea Farming
Contact information
Tea Farming
Bronze
Jean Bosco
SINGAYIRIMANA
Male
Gatsibo-Muhura
Kigali
Rwanda
+250791908561
Shipping address
Gatsibo-Muhura
Kigali
Rwanda
The tea farming business in Gatsibo District is an emerging part of Rwanda’s expanding tea sector. While most of the country’s tea is traditionally grown in the western highlands, national strategies have encouraged expansion into eastern districts such as Gatsibo. The area is largely agricultural, and tea is being established on higher-altitude slopes and well-drained plots that are suitable for its growth. A typical tea farm in Gatsibo may range from smallholder plots of less than a hectare to larger consolidated fields owned by private investors or cooperatives. Farmers begin by establishing nurseries for seedlings and then practice contour planting to manage soil erosion. Routine activities include pruning, fertilizer application, soil management, and pest control, with harvesting carried out mainly by hand-picking the top leaves and bud.
Once harvested, the fresh tea leaves are sold to nearby processing factories or cooperatives that handle CTC and orthodox processing, although some farms may also attempt small-scale on-site processing where possible. Black tea is the dominant product, but opportunities also exist for green, white, and organic teas, especially for niche export markets. The business not only provides income for smallholder farmers but also creates seasonal employment for laborers. However, challenges remain, including high establishment costs for seedlings and terraces, the need for reliable access to processing factories, and risks linked to climate variability and soil erosion.
Despite these challenges, tea farming in Gatsibo offers significant opportunities. Farmers can benefit from government and NAEB support programs that provide seedlings, training, and subsidies, as Rwanda continues to prioritize tea expansion. Linking with cooperatives or nearby factories ensures a stable market, while focusing on quality and niche markets such as organic tea can yield higher returns. With proper soil conservation practices, record-keeping for traceability, and investment in sustainable agronomy, tea farming in Gatsibo has the potential to grow into a profitable and reliable source of livelihood for local communities.
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