Rwanda, a country facing both a demographic surge and the daunting challenge of ensuring food security for a burgeoning population while safeguarding its fragile ecosystem, has responded with a groundbreaking initiative. “Meeting the challenge of nourishing a growing population will require producing more nutritious food on less land,” mentions architectural practice MASS Design Group in a press release. "Deforestation has worsened the problem, contributing to climate change, biodiversity loss, crop infestations, zoonotic diseases and soil and water degradation.” In response, the Rwanda Institute for Conservation Agriculture (RICA) emerged as a transformative initiative, poised to revolutionise the country’s agricultural landscape through innovation and sustainability.

Conceived by US-based non-profit organisation MASS Design Group, RICA exemplifies how humanity can thrive symbiotically with nature. The off-grid campus, nestled in the tranquil village of Gashora, coalesces education, conservation and sustainable development. Its African architecture draws from the foundational principles of the ‘One Health System’ and ‘Conservation Agriculture’. The former approach recognises the deep interconnection between human health, animal health and the environment. This holistic view seeks to promote well-being by addressing the root causes of health challenges across their interconnected systems. Meanwhile, the latter prioritises soil regeneration and biodiversity, ensuring the land thrives through natural processes. Together, these principles shape RICA as a living model of balance between human progress and environmental stewardship.

The landscape architecture balances ecological design with functionality, leveraging its tranquil setting beside the expansive Lake Kilimbi shore and within 1,400 hectares of diverse terrain. RICA occupies 40 hectares on the northern slope, strategically positioned for its fertile soils and proximity to grazing lands. Conservation zones, including savannah woodlands and wetland buffers, are connected through ecological corridors that enhance biodiversity and facilitate wildlife movement. Agroforestry techniques further optimise land use, restoring habitats, enriching soil and supporting sustainable farming practices. RICA’s self-sustaining model of regenerative landscape design invites elusive native species back into the environment.

The agriculture institute’s campus design accommodates 69 strategically placed buildings along a central, organic spine, integrating academic, residential and production facilities to foster connectivity and experiential learning. Academic architecture is thoughtfully embedded within agricultural zones, enabling students to engage directly with real-time farming practices. Spanning the gamut of agricultural activities, the layout transitions from mechanised farming operations on the west to smallholder student farms in the east. The academic facilities are dedicated to six distinctive plant and animal-based agricultural enterprises including tree and vegetable, row and forage, dairy, swine and poultry, mechanisation and irrigation and post-harvest processing, reinforcing RICA’s role as a functional model for education.

The campus features a dynamic layout, including an infinity-shaped accommodation block designed for second and third-year students that integrates two circular courtyards reflecting traditional Rwandan architecture and fostering communal interaction. Meanwhile, the semi-circular campus centre, capped with a folded roof, serves as a nucleus for academic and social interaction, extending its functionality to shaded outdoor spaces. “Production facilities, barns and processing spaces are carefully zoned to ensure biosecurity, with clearly defined routes for feed, waste management and circulation,” the press release states.

RICA’s vernacular architecture exhibits a penchant for innovation and environmental consciousness with an earthy material palette. The locally-procured, low-carbon rammed earth, compressed earth blocks and regionally quarried stone acknowledge the country’s native heritage while addressing seismic resilience. The terracotta tiles laid over softwood roof structures are fired using waste coffee bean husks, illustrating the campus’ inventive use of agricultural by-products. Additionally, furniture design, crafted from sustainably sourced clay, timber, textiles and papyrus melds traditional craftsmanship with modern utility.

The educational architecture is touted as a benchmark for sustainable design practices with an on-site solar farm attaining energy self-sufficiency. Water systems draw from available sources, employing filtration and irrigation methods to ensure efficient use. On the other hand, stormwater management utilises bioswales populated with native plants to prevent erosion and enhance biodiversity. At the same time, animal waste is composted into nutrient-rich fertiliser, completing a regenerative cycle. “Together, these systems embody a holistic approach to sustainability, balancing demand with output while minimising environmental impact,” the African architects convey in the official release.

As RICA progresses towards its goal of carbon positivity by 2040, it sets a global precedent for educational institutions. Its model of integrating agriculture, sustainability and conservation provides a roadmap for other regions grappling with similar challenges.

Project Details

Name: Rwanda Institute for Conservation Agriculture
Location: Gashora, Bugesera District, Rwanda
Architect: MASS Design Group
Client: Howard G. Buffett Foundation
Civil Engineering: Arup
SMEP: MASS, Arup
Contractor: MASS, Remote Group, Costwise
Size: 3400 acres
Year of Completion: 2023