Irrigation facilities under the ETI Project are enabling farmers to afford the food they need

For generations, the Mpanga sector in Kirehe District was defined by a relentless struggle against drought. Farmers battled unpredictable rains, and poor harvests often forced people to seek livelihoods elsewhere, as the land could no longer sustain its communities. Today, a remarkable transformation is underway. Funded by a $120.05 million Line of Credit from the Exim Bank of India, the Export Targeted Modern Irrigated Agricultural (ETI) Project is systematically turning this once-arid region into a prosperous and sustainable food basket.

The project’s foundation lies in a sophisticated, large-scale irrigation infrastructure that replaces reliance on rainfall with a guaranteed water supply. This shift is most visible in the now-provisionally commissioned Mpanga Irrigation Scheme, a cornerstone of the project's core achievement: the development of over 6,832 hectares of irrigable land.

The most immediate impact has been a dramatic increase in crop yields and diversity. Where drought once threatened survival, the soil now yields a rich and varied harvest. Over 360 hectares are dedicated to legumes like peas and beans, while more than 40 hectares produce fresh vegetables, alongside significant tracts of Irish potatoes, fruits, and bananas.

This agricultural boom is powered by critical infrastructure, including advanced center pivots and sprinkler systems. For farmers like Twizerimana Jean Baptiste, this has been life-changing. "Our past was a constant battle against drought," he recalls. "We used to spend everything on fuel for generators, just praying for a successful harvest. Now, the irrigation facilities brought by the ETI Project have defeated that struggle. My tomato yields have skyrocketed from two tonnes per hectare to five or six."

The project’s impact goes beyond providing water; it actively fosters modern agribusiness. Mohmed Hakizimana, who cultivates maize and fresh beans on 22 hectares, highlights the comprehensive support. "ETI didn't just bring us water; it brought us knowledge," he says. "With guidance from RAB and HoReCo on good agronomic practices and crop rotation, agriculture has become a profitable and reliable business." This professional approach has unlocked new opportunities, allowing Hakizimana to export his fresh beans through partners like Souk Farms.

The transformation catalyzed by the ETI project extends far beyond the fields, generating widespread socio-economic benefits. The construction and operation of the schemes have created a multitude of jobs, empowering locals like never before.

Jean Baptiste’s story of increased yields is also one of significant job creation: "I now employ up to 200 people a day on my farm. This project has turned our fading dreams, which were once shattered by drought, into tangible prosperity." Similarly, Hakizimana's expanding operation provides jobs for a hundred people daily, a number that swells to over three hundred during the harvest season.

The positive ripple effect supports livelihoods far beyond farming. Valentine Yamababariye, a cleaning supervisor at the ETI Mpanga scheme, testifies to this broader change. "Before I came here, life was a struggle," she shares. "Now, my income allows me to reliably pay for my family's health insurance and my children's school fees. I am a proud contributor to my family's future and to Rwanda's development."

While challenges such as ensuring a stable power supply are being actively addressed, the overall progress is undeniable. Through its modern infrastructure, knowledge transfer, and profound community impact, the ETI Project is more than just an irrigation program—it is a powerful catalyst for change, successfully fostering a resilient agricultural economy and ensuring food security for the nation.