By Seif Gracien Hasingizwimana/Kigali,Rwanda,
58 farmers from cooperatives, Water User Groups and individual farmers from Kinoni I, Kinoni II, and Nyamugari irrigation schemes in Kirehe District, conducted a study tour to Cyaruhogo irrigation marshland in Rwamagana District to learn from the experience of their peers in irrigation water management.
The three-day study tour was organized by the Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB) through the Sustainable Agricultural Intensification and Food Security Project (SAIP), funded by the Global Agriculture and Food Security Program (GAFSP) through the World Bank. It aimed to strengthen the capacity of farmers and Water User Groups through learning from achievements, sharing experiences, and exploring best practices for managing irrigation schemes.
For many farmers from Kirehe who participated in this tour, the key lesson learned was not just about the irrigation infrastructure itself, but rather how farmers organize themselves to ensure water is distributed equitably and how everyone contributes to maintaining the developed infrastructure.
In some sectors where irrigation schemes operate in Kirehe District, water-related conflicts frequently arise because farmers located near the water sources or main channels tend to access more water than those further away. This leads to uneven yields and conflicts among farmers.
In the Cyaruhogo marshland of Rwamagana District, farmers established a system where water distribution starts with the farmers furthest from the irrigation network before reaching those closer to the dam. This ensures that every farmer receives an equal opportunity to irrigate their crops.
Angelique Nyiranzimenshi, a member of the Imbaraga mu Iterambere Cooperative in Kirehe District, noted that their marshland often faces the issue of individuals prioritizing their own interests.
He said: “In our irrigation scheme, everyone tends to look out for their own benefit. Those close to the water usually take it first, while those further away lack it. This causes losses because crops cannot grow well without sufficient water.”
After visiting Cyaruhogo, she stated that they and their companions found an excellent way to resolve that issue.
She said: “What pleased us the most is that they have a clear water distribution schedule. They start with the farmers furthest away before approaching the dam. This ensures that everyone benefits from the irrigation scheme equally. We want to implement this method when we return home.”
Nkurunziza Vincent, a farmer from the Kinoni I irrigation scheme in Kirehe District, stated that this approach could transform agriculture in his area.
He said: “One of the major challenges we face is water scarcity during the dry season. Farmers near the water channels usually get enough, while those further away face difficulties. Here, we learned that water distribution starts with the farmers at the end of the channel before moving closer to the dam. This ensures equity and prevents conflicts.”
He further mentioned that another aspect that impressed him was how farmers, cooperative leaders, and members of the water user committees sit down together before making decisions.
He said: “Because everyone participates in decision-making, members support the approved programs and are willing to contribute to the maintenance of the infrastructure. This is a great lesson we are taking back home.”
The tour also highlighted the critical role of water user associations in maintaining irrigation infrastructure and protecting investments made in agriculture.
Mukashema Olive, President of the Water User Association in the Abahizi ba Rwamagana Cooperative, explained how the farmers’ participation and shared responsibilities helped transform agriculture in the area.
The association manages irrigation infrastructure that supports 1,179 farmers, including 400 women, across an area of 300 hectares.
Mukashema stated that production doubled following the rehabilitation of the irrigation infrastructure and the strengthening of its management system.
She said: “Before this infrastructure was rehabilitated, farmers harvested three tons per hectare. Now, production reaches six tons per hectare. The reason is the constant availability of water and proper management of the infrastructure.”
She added that farmers pay fees for infrastructure maintenance every season and have a specific fund for repairing the infrastructure when damaged.
She said: “Development projects phase out, but the infrastructure remains. We learned that its sustainability requires the farmers themselves to be prepared to maintain and protect it. Today, we can repair damaged infrastructure without waiting for external support.”
She also mentioned that the association introduced fish farming in the water storage ponds used for irrigation, which helps them generate additional income, contribute to food security, and develop the community.
Mporana Jules, a specialist in water user associations working with SAIP, stated that the tour was organized to enable farmers to learn from peers who have achieved best practices and to understand what works effectively.
He said: “Climate change is causing rainfall to be unpredictable, especially in the Eastern Province of Rwanda. Crop irrigation is becoming increasingly essential for agricultural productivity. However, building infrastructure alone is not enough. Farmers must know how to manage water efficiently, maintain the infrastructure, and work together.”
Jules mentioned that water user associations were established to ensure that irrigation infrastructure continues to function effectively even after development projects end.
He said: “When farmers learn from other farmers, the lessons are better understood and more effective. They see that it is possible because they observe it from people facing challenges similar to theirs.”
He also stated that SAIP supported more than three thousand smallholder farmers through promoting irrigation schemes, building capacity, and helping them transition to market-oriented agriculture.
The participating farmers stated that they returned with lessons that will help them reduce conflicts, improve water management, maintain infrastructure, and strengthen collaboration between cooperatives and water user associations.
The tour began at the Cyaruhogo irrigation scheme in Rwamagana District and will continue to the Kanyonyomba irrigation scheme in Gatsibo District, where farmers will continue to gain knowledge on water management, infrastructure maintenance, and promoting sustainable agriculture.
SAIP: Sustainable Agricultural Intensification and Food Security Project (SAIP) is the Global Agriculture and Food Security Program (GAFSP) funded project through the World Bank
The project objective is to increase agricultural productivity, market access, and food security of the targeted beneficiaries in the project intervention areas.
SAIP II Study Tour to Cyaruhogo and Kanyonyomba Irrigation Schemes
One of the key objectives of the Second Sustainable Agricultural Intensification and Food Security Project (SAIP II) is to facilitate the exchange of knowledge and learning experiences among its beneficiaries on new agricultural technologies and practices through study tours, workshops, and field days.
