Agricultural landscape of Kayonza District is undergoing a profound shift from subsistence farming to a commercial enterprise through the Kayonza Irrigation and Integrated Watershed Management Project Phase Two known as KIIWP2. This strategic initiative jointly funded by the Government of Rwanda and the International Fund for Agricultural Development targets approximately 40,000 rural households representing 180,000 beneficiaries.
The project specifically prioritizes inclusivity with 50 percent of the beneficiaries being women and 30 percent being youth and young adults. Through the promotion of the high-yielding Rukundo sweet potato variety and modern training through Farmer Field Schools the project is addressing years of unpredictable harvests caused by prolonged drought.
Impact of this intervention is clearly reflected in the lives of farmers within the KOPUAIM Cooperative in Mwiri Sector which consists of 253 members cultivating 17 hectares of land.
Mukunde Florence a farmer from Gasarabwayi Village in Nyamugari Cell shared her journey of transformation noting the stark difference in market value and production quality. “Before KIIWP arrived, we cultivated sweet potatoes, but the yields were extremely low. We barely harvested anything meaningful. At the market, a large heap of sweet potatoes could sell for as little as 200 Rwandan francs. Today, buyers purchase one kilogram at 300 francs, which gives us hope for a better future,” she explained. Florence added that this increased income is now enabling her to renovate her old house and improve her overall household conditions. “My house is old, and I had no means to renovate it. Now, I believe the income from sweet potato farming will help me improve my living standards. I finally see a path out of poverty. The quality seeds and fertilizers provided by KIIWP have made a real difference,” she said.
The shift from local varieties like Gahungezi and Wadada to improved seeds has also addressed food security concerns within the community.
Yankurije Gratia another farmer benefiting from the project emphasized that the new seeds changed everything for the local population. “The seeds we received from KIIWP changed everything. Farmers in surrounding areas are now eager to buy planting material from us. Previously, we cultivated local varieties such as Gahungezi and Wadada, which produced very small tubers. Today, yields are much higher, thanks to improved seeds, fertilizers, and training. Even at my age, I am confident about improving my livelihood,” she said.
The cooperative members are now producing an average of at least four 100 Kilograms of sweet potatoes per acre which is a significant milestone for the 17 hectares under cultivation.
Technical oversight remains a cornerstone of this success as the project focuses on sustainability and market integration.
Dan Mandela the Value Chain Development Specialist at KIIWP2 explained that the project aims to empower farmers through skills and quality inputs. “We support farmers with improved seeds, fertilizers, and continuous training through the Farmer Field Schools (FFS) approach. This helps them adopt good agricultural practices, soil conservation techniques, and climate-smart agriculture. We also promote farming as a business, particularly through cooperatives, so agriculture becomes a profitable enterprise rather than merely subsistence farming,” he said. In addition to sweet potatoes the 253 members also grow maize and beans as part of their strategy to diversify income and enhance food security.
This progress builds on the foundational work of the first phase of the project known as KIIWP1 which was approved on May 2 2019 and became effective on December 10 2019 marking the official launch. The second phase KIIWP2 became effective on April 5 2022 building upon the achievements and lessons of the first phase. Managed by the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources and executed by the Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board KIIWP2 continues to prove that strategic investment in climate-resilient farming can effectively eradicate poverty.
As farmers like Florence and Gratia move from harvesting little to selling vine bundles at 1,500 Rwandan francs each the story of Mwiri Sector becomes one of resilience and measurable prosperity.
