Rurangwa Sam, a French bean farmer from Mukarange

A youth-led company, Building & Irrigation Engineering Company Ltd (BIEC Ltd), is showcasing how modern irrigation services provision can be a profitable business with ripple effect transforming agriculture in Rwanda. Founded by young entrepreneur Alphonse Surwumwe, the company has grown with support from the Sustainable Agricultural Intensification and Food Security Project (SAIP) through a matching grant that equipped Surwumwe’s company with modern mobile irrigation systems.

The irrigation equipment, valued at 32 million RWF, was financed through a 70% contribution from SAIP (22.6 million RWF) and a 30% contribution from BIEC Ltd (9 million RWF). With this support, the company acquired 29 irrigation engines, including 27 diesel-powered pumps and 2 solar-powered pumps.

“Because of water scarcity in our district, we decided to invest in modern irrigation systems to provide farmers with affordable and reliable access to water,” explains Surwumwe.

For many farmers in Mukarange Sector of Kayonza District, access to irrigation was once wishful. Farming relied almost entirely on rainfall, restricting production to specific seasons. Yields were inconsistent, market demand was often unmet, and incomes remained low. Without irrigation infrastructure, turning farming into a profitable, year-round venture seemed impossible.

BIEC Ltd has reversed this reality. Farmers can now rent irrigation pumps at 20,000 RWF per day, generating for the company up to 350,000 RWF per month per pump. On average, the company serves at least 15 farmers each month, making irrigation both accessible and affordable for smallholder farmers.

One of the beneficiaries, Rurangwa Sam, a French bean farmer from Mukarange, shared his experience: “Before, I used to face huge losses because I could only harvest second- and third-grade beans, when they were meant for export. On 2.5 hectares, I harvested only 8–10 tons. Now, with irrigation even during the dry season, I can produce first-grade beans and harvest up to 15 tons.”

The impact goes beyond boosting yields and uplifting farmers. BIEC Ltd has created five permanent jobs and plans to expand its fleet of pumps to meet growing demand—creating more employment opportunities and increasing profitability.

From Kayonza District, Surwumwe’s initiative, with multi-dimensional effect, stands as a powerful example of how youth-led innovation in agribusiness and modern technology can empower farmers, strengthen food security, and build more resilient livelihoods in Rwanda.