From Principles to Practice DIGITAL

Rwanda Institute for Conservation Agriculture2019-2023 Iwan BaanEastern Rwanda Presented by MASS DesignThe Rwanda Institute for Conservation Agriculture (RICA) integrates education, research and practice to equip the next generation of agricultural leaders with the skills needed for climate-resilient, conservation-driven farming. In 2019, the Howard G. Buffett Foundation, the Government of Rwanda and MASS Design Group launched RICA. Located on a 1,378 hectare site in eastern Rwanda, RICA’s design emphasizes sus- tainability, using local materials and labour to build a carbon-positive campus. The project prioritizes environmental conservation through ecosystem restoration, renewable energy solutions and sustainable water management practices. The campus serves as a living labo- ratory where students engage hands-on in regenerative agriculture and livestock management. The design also reflects Rwanda’s cultural and ecological context, incorporating traditional construction techniques, locally sourced materials and regional architectural styles. The project has provided training and employment to hundreds of local workers, including 16% women, and has strengthened Rwanda’s capacity for sustainable building practices. Since the completion of its first phase in 2019, RICA has wel- comed its first cohort of students and is continuing to develop as a centre of excellence for agricultural education. The project rep- resents an integrated model of sustainability, governance and local engagement, positioning Rwanda as a leader in conservation agri- culture in Africa. HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE DBQS GOVERNANCE ENVIRONMENT CONTEXT SENSE OF PLACE SIZE 3,400 acres COST $75 million