Rice

The central Plateau is characterized by hills and valleys. The eastern part distinguishes itself by the granitic parent rock material (Granitic Ridge). The Central Plateau is suitable for a wide range of crops adapted to the relatively low temperatures, however, soil conservation of the humus-bearing horizon is essential. Annual rainfall is between 800 to 1,200mm, with generally more rainfall in the West. Mean annual temperature 19-21 ̊C. Dry season lasts for two months, apart from the Southeast, where a dry season of three months is more common.

Altitude varies between 1,250 and 1,600m. Annual rainfall is higher in the Eastern Plateau and Bugesera, ranging between 900 and 1,000mm, while in the Eastern Savanna annual rainfall remains below 900mm and is more erratic of nature. The average temperature is 21 ̊C and the dry season lasts for three to four months. Soils in the Eastern Plateau are humus-rich on the hill tops, but heavily eroded on the steep slopes that characterize the Eastern Plateau. The most suitable soils for agriculture in the Eastern Savanna are found in the large valleys that intersect the sloping landscape of the East.

The Imbo is the smallest Agro-ecological zone of Rwanda, situated in the Southwest. It is located in the drainage basin of the Rubyiro river and comprises the alluvial valleys of the Rusizi and Rubyiro. This zone extends further South into the bordering country Burundi. It is the lowest region of Rwanda, with altitudes of 970 to 1000m and much of the area is covered by marshes. The average temperature is 24 ̊C and the dry season generally lasts for three months (June-August). Annual rainfall varies from 1,050mm in the South to 1,600mm in the North.