By Seif Gracien Hasingizwimana/Kigali,Rwanda,
The establishment of Water User Associations is emerging as a key factor behind the success of irrigation farming in Rwamagana District, where farmers have doubled agricultural production and strengthened food security through improved water management.
The achievements were showcased during a knowledge-sharing session organized by the Second Sustainable Agricultural Intensification and Food Security Project (SAIP II) on June 23, 2026, bringing together farmers, cooperative leaders, and Water User Association representatives through RAB in collaboration with Eastern Province, Rwamagana and Kirehe districts to learn from the experiences of the Cyaruhogo and Kanyonyomba Irrigation Schemes.
Speaking during the visit, the President of ABAHIZI ba Rwamagana Water Users Association, Mukashema Olive, said farmers previously experienced severe challenges caused by drought, excessive sunshine and inadequate water supply before irrigation infrastructure was developed.
“Farming in these marshlands started in 1980, but before they were developed, farmers suffered heavy losses due to drought and insufficient water. At that time, a farmer could harvest only three tonnes per hectare. Today, after the development of irrigation infrastructure, production has doubled to six tonnes per hectare,” she said.
According to Mukashema, the transformation has not only increased agricultural production but has also changed the economic outlook of farming communities. To ensure sustainability, farmers established savings mechanisms dedicated to supporting irrigation activities and maintaining infrastructure.
She noted that farmers contribute financially to irrigation services, while additional revenues are generated through activities such as the sale of grass cultivated around water reservoirs. These collective efforts have enabled the association to maintain irrigation systems and invest in new infrastructure projects, including the construction of a small dam worth more than RWF 10 million.
Mukashema explained that the growing success of irrigation has encouraged more farmers to embrace modern agricultural practices and actively participate in Water User Associations. Community ownership of irrigation facilities has become a key factor behind the sustainability of the project.
For farmers such as Niyomugabo Eliezel, access to irrigation has completely transformed farming from a subsistence activity into a profitable business.
“In the past, I was not farming professionally. I used to work as a motorcycle taxi operator, but I discovered that agriculture offers better opportunities when done properly,” he said.
Niyomugabo revealed that by investing RWF 450,000 in agricultural production, he generated approximately RWF 1.6 million in returns, illustrating the financial benefits of irrigated farming.
He also praised SAIP II for helping farmers acquire practical knowledge through study tours and training programs.
“SAIP has been like a parent to us. Through these learning visits, we have gained valuable knowledge that continues to improve our farming activities,” he said.
The importance of irrigation in addressing climate-related challenges was further emphasized by Mporana JulesJules Mporana, Water Users Organization Specialist under RAB and SAIP II, who explained that irrigation has become an essential tool for ensuring food security, particularly in Rwanda’s Eastern Province where rainfall is often unpredictable.
“Irrigation is one of the most important agricultural solutions for farmers in this region. As climate change continues to affect rainfall patterns, irrigation allows farmers to maintain production, achieve food security, and supply markets with surplus produce,” he said.
He added that the creation of Water User Associations has played a crucial role in solving water management challenges that many cooperatives previously faced, particularly in areas vulnerable to water shortages.
According to Mporana Jules, irrigation is helping farmers maintain production despite climate change while ensuring that markets continue to receive surplus agricultural produce.
Today, the Rwamagana Water Users Association manages irrigation across 300 hectares within four cooperatives and serves 1,179 farmers, including 400 women. The association’s experience is now serving as a learning model for farmers and cooperative leaders visiting the Cyaruhogo and Kanyonyomba Irrigation Schemes through the knowledge-sharing activities organized under SAIP II.
The program was organized by the Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB) through the Sustainable Agricultural Intensification and Food Security Project (SAIP II), a Global Agriculture and Food Security Program (GAFSP)-funded project supported by the World Bank. It aims to strengthen the capacity of farmers and Water User Associations through practical learning, peer-to-peer knowledge exchange and exposure to successful irrigation management practices. The project objective is to increase agricultural productivity, market access, and food security of the targeted beneficiaries in the project intervention areas.
