Government and Howard G. Buffett Foundation have signed an $24 million (about Rwf18 billion) partnership deal to fund the development of irrigation infrastructure in Kirehe District, Eastern Province. 

This is part of efforts to promote sustainable agriculture to boost crop output, Dr. Geraldine Mukeshimana, the Minister for Agriculture and Animal Resources, said last week.

The project that commences next week in Nasho sector targets to serve over 1,280 hectares of land, Kirehe is one of the drought prone areas in Rwanda, thus providing water for irrigation gives farmers hope and will turn around their fortunes for the better, the minister added.

Mukeshimana said the project, which involves construction of a 3MW solar plant to power the water pumping station, is expected to be completed in the first quarter of next year.

The district is hosting another mega irrigation project worth $94 million (about Rwf70.5 billion) that is due for commissioning next year.

The project in Mahama and Mpanga sectors will cover 9,000 hectares and is being implemented by WAPCOS, an Indian firm that deals in water resources development and management.

The two irrigation projects will enhance crop production in the province and, ultimately, increase household incomes, according to Mukeshimana.

Rwanda received a $120 million credit line from Export-Import Bank of India early this year to fund export-targeted crop irrigation projects.

Statistics from the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning show that over $270 million has been used to support various agriculture projects, especially in the areas of irrigation and water management.

Rwanda’s Irrigation Master Plan targets about 40,465 hectares of potential irrigation areas.

About 500 small irrigation schemes are being developed in water stressed areas, including Bugesera and Kayonza districts in the Eastern Province.

Government is also subsidising the cost of small irrigation equipment by up to 50 per cent to support its agriculture modernisation programme and improve crop production.

Farmers welcome the initiative

Eric Rugambage, a maize farmer in Mahama sector, Kirehe, said the facilities will ease access to water for crop and animals, which will enhance the sector’s productivity and ensure food security.

"Most areas in Eastern Province and Kirehe in particular always experience long drought spells that affect crop production and household incomes.

"Therefore, these irrigation projects are a timely intervention that will change farmers’ fortunes,” Rugambage told The New Times in a telephone interview.

The Howard G. Buffett Foundation is also supporting the establishment of a new agriculture institute in the country.

business@newtimes.co.rw