The government must manage the existing 417000 hectares of irrigable land which remains undeveloped for agricultural purposes because it protects both food security and climate resilience efforts according to official statements.
Minister of Agricultural and Animal Resources, Dr. Telesphore NDABAMENYE explained
“Rwanda has a total of 493050 hectares of irrigable land but only 75223 hectares about 15 percent have so far been developed.”
He added that 123164 hectares of marshlands and 280351 hectares of hillsides plus 89535 hectares which support small-scale irrigation technologies remain untapped. The developed irrigation system already covers 37273 hectares of marshlands 10159 hectares of hillsides and 27791 hectares under SSIT. The area of land that receives irrigation has experienced a nearly twofold increase since 2016/17 when it measured 36544 hectares to more than 70000 hectares which is expected in 2024/25.
On the government targets for the next few years Ndabemenye said:
“The 2029 target aims to boost irrigated territory by 85 percent to reach 132961 hectares which will result in a land area that effectively doubles irrigation throughout six years. The share of irrigated land will increase to 27 percent of total irrigable land from 15 percent”
The National Strategy for Transformation NST2 targets marshland irrigation expansion to 42473 hectares by the conclusion of 2028/29. The strategy designates Mwesa and Nyamata as well as Gicumbi and Mwogo in Nyanza as priority locations for water resources which support both dam storage and irrigation systems that use gravity or pump methods. The strategy involves constructing new dams while raising existing ones to extend irrigation networks across adjacent hillside areas and restore operational irrigation systems throughout districts such as Nyagatare and Nyanza.
Irrigation Key to Reducing Food Insecurity
Beline Uwineza who serves as the deputy speaker of parliament explained how irrigation serves as a vital component for maintaining food security.
“Expanding irrigation could significantly reduce food insecurity, particularly as climate change continues to affect rainfall patterns. New measures are needed to increase food production and addressing the impacts of climate change is key”
According to The Comprehensive Food Security and Vulnerability Analysis CFSVA states that 83 percent of Rwandan households maintain food security. The 551000 households in the country experience moderate food security challenges while 35523 households face severe food security difficulties.
The government has officially established 600000 hectares of land as consolidated areas which will function as dedicated spaces for professional food production. The Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board RAB conducted a pilot operation of food basket sites throughout 45304 hectares during Agriculture Season A of 2026 which resulted in the establishment of 13379 locations across the entire nation.
Key Irrigation Projects
Multiple significant irrigation projects currently proceed with their development activities throughout the region.
The Muvumba multipurpose dam project will take place during 2023 and it will cost €121.5 million while it will store 55 million cubic meters of water to provide irrigation for 9640 hectares of land.
The Nyabarongo multipurpose dam project will provide irrigation solutions to an area exceeding 20000 hectares.
The Exim Bank of India has provided $120 million in funding for schemes that will irrigate 7000 hectares of land across the Mahama Mpanga and Nyamugali sectors. The Mahama area will require additional power supply from the Rusumo hydropower plant to implement further irrigation projects.
Another $100 million Exim Bank package supporting irrigation of 3500 hectares in Mugesera and 3000 hectares in Rweru.
The Giseke Dam and Irrigation Project in Gisagara will receive funding from Exim Bank of China to construct a system which will provide irrigation services to 3500 hectares by 2026.
The Gako Irrigation Project will operate between the years 2017 and 2025 to provide irrigation services across 2377 hectares while the Gabiro Agribusiness Hub Project will provide irrigation services across 5600 hectares during its initial phase between 2019 and 2026.
The World Bank has financed irrigation systems to cover 17600 hectares while land husbandry programs operate on 11000 hectares.
The KOICA-supported SAPMP project will establish sustainable agricultural productivity across 1100 hectares while SAIP II will establish 800 hectares of small-scale irrigation systems.
The KIIWP-II project will implement its second phase to cover 2285 hectares through its Kayonza Irrigation and Integrated Watershed Management initiative.
Rwanda will enhance its agricultural output and climate resilience capability through the implementation of small-scale irrigation technology projects which will cover an additional 15358 hectares of land.
Source: The New times :https://www.newtimes.co.rw/article/33040/news/agriculture/govt-eyes-major-irrigation-push-to-boost-food-security