As part of efforts to reinforce citizens’ role in safeguarding infrastructure established by the government, the Kirehe District leadership is calling on farmers operating in the Nasho irrigation scheme to actively participate in preventing soil erosion, maintaining internal roads and water channels, and addressing the challenge of hippos that destroy crops.
This message was emphasized on August 18, 2025, during a community outreach program dubbed “Shyashyanira Umuturage” held in Nasho Sector. The initiative aims to bring local leaders closer to residents, help them resolve their concerns, and encourage community participation in sustainable development activities.
The Mayor of Kirehe District, Rangira Bruno, noted that while some issues require government intervention, there are others farmers can handle themselves through collective action—such as clearing water channels, controlling soil erosion, and repelling hippos.
He stated: “As a cooperative, there are matters you must address on your own without waiting for the government to step in… dealing with soil erosion or repelling hippos shouldn’t be beyond your capacity, especially since other areas like Mahama and Mpanga have managed such issues.”
The Nasho irrigation scheme is located in Cyambwe Cell, covering 1,173 hectares of consolidated farmland. It is cultivated by over 2,000 farmers organized under the NAICO (Nasho Irrigation Cooperative). The scheme uses a modern Pivot Irrigation System, powered by solar energy, to enable year-round farming.
Farmers who spoke to the media expressed appreciation for the guidance given by the local leaders and committed to strengthening their efforts in protecting infrastructure, combating erosion, and keeping hippos at bay.
Barekeyo Nikodemu, a farmer from Mpanga and member of NAICO, said: “We thank the Mayor for advising us to be self-reliant. The progress we’ve made today is far beyond where we were in the past. Now we’re going to take ownership of erosion control and hippo prevention; we will make it our responsibility and ensure success.”
Nyirakanyana Judith, a resident of Nasho, acknowledged past limitations but affirmed renewed commitment: “We had started before, but attempts to dig erosion control trenches failed due to waterlogged areas, so we instead installed a senkenge fence to block hippos. Now, we are going to intensify our soil erosion prevention efforts.”
Mukankuranga Emmeline, also a farmer in the scheme, emphasized the need to revive earlier initiatives: “We had dug a trench to stop hippos but later relaxed. Now we will reopen it, intensify community work, carry out awareness campaigns, and improve our efforts. In areas where challenges persist, we hope for government support. But we can handle erosion control ourselves.”
The district leadership continues to encourage farmers to protect and maximize the value of the irrigation scheme through collaboration and a shared commitment to sustainable development.
