Kayonza District has launched a dam-based irrigation project worth more than Rwf4.5 billion aimed at tackling recurrent drought in the area.
According to district authorities, Rwf3 billion will be invested in building irrigation infrastructure, while the remaining funds will support seed distribution and maintenance over a three-year period.
The project is expected to benefit residents in Rwinkwavu and Kabare sectors, areas frequently affected by prolonged dry spells.
In Rwinkwavu Sector, irrigation will cover 5,000 hectares, while 200 hectares will be irrigated in Gishanda.
Théogène Uwitonze, project manager of the Kayonza Irrigation and Integrated Watershed Management Project (KIIWP), which is overseeing the dam’s construction, said about 560 residents will directly benefit from the initiative. The dam will have a storage capacity of one million cubic meters of water (1,000,000 m³).
“We will use solar-powered pumping systems to lift stored water to higher ground. From there, it will flow through turbines and pipelines installed in farmers’ fields to facilitate irrigation,” he explained.
Uwitonze added that construction of the dam has already begun, alongside the installation of irrigation pipes. Most of the required materials are being imported and are expected to arrive within a month, paving the way for full-scale works to commence.
He noted that the project will support irrigation of both food crops and fruit trees grown under integrated farming systems, calling on residents to actively participate in its implementation.
Kayonza District Mayor Fred Hategikimana said farmers operating in the Gishanda marshland will receive capacity-building support for three years to ensure effective utilization of the irrigation scheme.
“The project details are still being refined, but we are also continuing to engage residents and reassure them that the government will sustain support for irrigation,” he said.
The mayor further revealed that additional irrigation projects are underway in Ndego, Kabarondo, Ruramira and Nyamirama sectors as part of broader efforts to boost food security and climate resilience in the district.
The dam-based irrigation initiative is expected to cushion farmers against recurring drought caused by prolonged dry seasons, enabling more stable and productive agricultural output.
