More than 3,000 hectares of farmland in Nyagatare District are set to benefit from a new irrigation system drawing water from the Muvumba Multipurpose Dam, as Rwanda steps up efforts to expand climate-resilient agriculture and strengthen food security.
The irrigation scheme is designed to cover approximately 3,073 hectares across Nyagatare, Karama, Tabagwe, Rwempasha and Rukomo sectors. It is being developed downstream of the Muvumba Multipurpose Dam as part of the wider Muvumba Multipurpose Water Resources Development Programme.
The project targets one of Rwanda’s areas most vulnerable to prolonged dry spells, where farmers have traditionally relied heavily on rainfall for crop production. The new irrigation infrastructure is expected to support more reliable production, increase agricultural productivity and strengthen farmers’ resilience to climate variability.
Nyirishema Richard, Director of Operations at the Rwanda Water Resources Board, said the first phase of the Muvumba project is focused on developing the dam and hydropower facilities, which will provide the foundation for subsequent water-use activities.
“The Muvumba project was divided into phases. The first phase focuses on construction of the dam and electricity generation, and these works are expected to be completed in 2027,” Nyirishema said.
The wider Muvumba project is designed to serve several purposes, including irrigation, domestic and livestock water supply, hydropower generation and other productive uses. The 39-metre-high dam is designed to store about 55 million cubic metres of water.
Dr. Uwamariya Florence, Acting Director General of the Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB), said the availability of irrigation infrastructure would help increase agricultural output in Nyagatare.
“Having a dam and irrigated land is an important contribution to increasing agricultural production,” she said.
The irrigation project includes extensive infrastructure such as concrete-lined canals, pumping stations, sprinkler and centre-pivot systems, as well as irrigation facilities for rice production. The planned system also includes 75 livestock watering troughs to support farmers who combine crop production with livestock keeping.
The project is expected to contribute to Rwanda’s broader efforts to expand irrigated agriculture under the second National Strategy for Transformation (NST2). Rwanda aims to increase irrigated farmland to about 133,000 hectares by 2029, up from roughly 75,000 hectares currently developed.
The African Development Bank approved additional financing of about Rwf80 billion in April 2026 to accelerate development of the climate-resilient irrigation system covering more than 3,000 hectares downstream of the dam. The broader programme is expected to improve food and nutrition security, increase farmer incomes and create more than 4,700 direct jobs.
For farmers in Nyagatare, the project is expected to reduce dependence on unpredictable rainfall, protect crops during prolonged dry periods and create opportunities for more consistent agricultural production.
The Muvumba Multipurpose Dam and associated infrastructure are expected to be completed in 2027, while work continues to develop the irrigation network that will deliver water to the targeted farmland.
