By Seif Gracien Hasingizwimana/Kigali,Rwanda,
Rwanda – In Rwamagana District, access to irrigation is enabling farmers to maintain agricultural production beyond the rainy season, turning farms that once struggled with prolonged dry conditions into more productive and commercially oriented enterprises.
The change is particularly evident among farmers cultivating high-value crops, who are now able to manage water availability more reliably, increase production, supply markets and create employment.
At Nyirabidibiri Irrigation Scheme, managed by Gwiza Cooperative, more than 700 cooperative members are benefiting from improved irrigation systems across an 800-hectare command area, including 215 hectares of public land.
For nearly twelve years, cooperative members have specialized in export-oriented crops such as French beans, chili peppers and other high-value horticultural products.
Rukundo Jackson, Manager of Gwiza Cooperative, said irrigation has changed agriculture from mainly producing for household consumption into an income-generating activity.
“Our members have received training on irrigation technologies and modern farming practices. Agriculture is no longer simply about producing food for household consumption; it has become a business that generates income and improves livelihoods,” he said.
The cooperative has also benefited from irrigation equipment, including pumps, pipelines and other infrastructure that support efficient water management throughout the year.
“The support has enabled farmers to use water more efficiently while maintaining production in every season,” Rukundo added.
A similar transformation is taking place at Nyumbayire John’s farm in Kagarama Cell, Musha Sector, where Nzabahimana Charles, the farm’s agronomist, oversees a four-hectare avocado plantation with 1,282 trees.
Nzabahimana said unreliable access to water had previously been the biggest obstacle to expanding production.
“Water scarcity was a major challenge. After receiving support through SAIP II, we gained reliable access to irrigation water. Although the last rainfall was in May, our avocado trees remain healthy because we can irrigate whenever necessary,” he said.
Before the irrigation system was installed, expanding avocado production was difficult because of the farm’s hilly terrain and frequent drought conditions.
“Everything has changed. Production has increased significantly, and we are now harvesting for the second time with encouraging results. We produce enough food for our families while supplying surplus produce to the market,” he added.
The farm’s irrigation system had to overcome the challenge of bringing water from a source located approximately 700 metres away, across steep terrain.
Water outlets installed every 55 metres now help distribute water efficiently across the farm.
The farm currently employs 11 permanent workers in crop and livestock production, while another 20 seasonal workers are hired during peak agricultural periods.
Farmers have also been equipped with modern production techniques, including orchard management, irrigation practices and market access.
During the initial harvest, the farm recorded an average yield of approximately 450,000 avocados, with production expected to exceed one million avocados during the current season.
Alongside avocados, the farm grows maize and beans, helping provide food for households while supplying surplus produce to local markets.
“We appreciate the Government of Rwanda for investing in practical solutions that help farmers increase production despite changing weather patterns,” Nzabahimana said.
The irrigation infrastructure on the farm required an investment of more than RWF 96 million. Beneficiaries contributed over RWF 23 million, while SAIP II financed more than RWF 72 million.
The wider irrigation expansion is being supported by the Sustainable Agricultural Intensification and Food Security Project (SAIP II), implemented by the Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB) through the Single Project Implementation Unit (SPIU).
Through the Small-Scale Irrigation Technologies (SSIT) component, SAIP II has expanded farmers’ access to irrigation technologies designed to support production throughout the year.
According to Innocent Nzabamwita, Irrigation Engineer Specialist at RAB-SPIU, government subsidies are helping farmers meet the cost of modern irrigation equipment.
“Farmers cultivating between 0.5 and 10 hectares receive government support covering 50 percent of irrigation equipment costs, while beneficiaries contribute the remaining 50 percent,” he explained.
Additional incentives are available to farmers adopting solar-powered irrigation systems.
“Farmers cultivating between 5 and 10 hectares using solar-powered pumps contribute only 25 percent of the investment, while the Government finances the remaining 75 percent,” he said.
Nzabamwita said the subsidies are helping remove financial barriers that previously prevented many farmers from investing in irrigation technologies.
The Vice Mayor of Rwamagana District in charge of Economic Development, Kagabo Richards Rwamunono, said irrigation remains important for a district that is frequently affected by prolonged dry seasons.
“We highly value our collaboration with MINAGRI because Rwamagana is among the districts frequently affected by prolonged dry seasons. Expanding irrigated land has always been one of our priorities, and projects such as SAIP II are delivering significant benefits to our farmers,” he said.
Rwamagana has more than 3,800 hectares with irrigation potential, but only about 11 percent of public marshlands are currently irrigated.
“Continued investment in irrigation remains essential if we are to unlock the district’s agricultural potential and improve farmers’ resilience to climate change,” he added.
Under the SSIT component, SAIP has invested RWF 4 billion during its first phase to expand irrigation across Rwanda, while the ongoing second phase is expected to invest an additional RWF 6 billion.
For farmers in Rwamagana, the irrigation investments are providing a way to maintain production during dry periods, expand commercial agriculture, create employment and strengthen resilience to climate change.
