Irrigation Program

This program aims at increasing agricultural productivity for poverty reduction which is achieved through turning irrigation potential into irrigated land, facilitating farmers to exploit land regardless of unreliable rain seasons. In Rwanda irrigation practices comprises of pressurized, surface (gravity) irrigation, and small scale irrigation technologies.

In light of the fact that the Rwandan government, through MINAGRI/RAB, developed strategies to boost agricultural production by decreasing reliance on rain-fed agriculture and launched marshlands, hillside, and small-scale irrigation projects to achieve the goal set by the NST1, which is 102,284 Ha by 2024, the program executes projects which are domestic and external funded.

1. 1 Domestic funded projects

  • GFI (Government Funded Irrigation) which focuses on marshlands rehabilitation, Irrigation project studies and Operation, Management and Maintenance of irrigation schemes.
  • SSIT (Small Scale Irrigation Technology) which provide subsidy to farmers (50 or 75% depending on the type of project.

1.2 External Funded project

  • ETI (Export Targeted Modern Irrigation) which is developing irrigation system in Kirehe District (Mpanga, Mahama 1 and Mahama 2 irrigation schemes) and Mechanization Center of Excellence. This project is funded through a loan from Exim Bank of India.
  • Exim Bank India New Line of Credit which will fund the development of Rweru and Mugesera Irrigation Projects.
  • WAMCAB: The Project for Water Management and Capacity Building in Rwanda funded by Japan through JICA.

RAB, AATF Host Annual Review and Planning Meeting

On 14-15 October 2026 — The Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB) in collaboration with AATF hosted a two-day joint Annual…

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PM Launches the 2027A Agricultural Season in Rulindo as Farmers Target Higher Yields

On 10 October 2026 — From harvesting 2 tonnes of maize per hectare to achieving 6 tonnes, farmers organised under KOYAKIRU Cooperative in Rulindo…

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RAB Technician Honoured for Contribution to Bean Research

Decades of dedication to bean research and development have earned Mr. Edouard Murwanashyaka, Senior Research Technician at the Rwanda Agriculture and…

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Farming Without Ploughing: How RAB Is Shaping Conservation Agriculture

Rubavu District, Rwanda — In the fields of RAB’s Tamira Station in Bugeshi Sector, Rubavu District, a different approach to farming is taking shape.

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Stronger Together: Protecting People, Dogs and Wildlife Around Volcanoes National Park

Musanze, Rwanda — 21–28 September 2026 — In communities surrounding Volcanoes National Park, people, livestock and wildlife live in close proximity.…

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Giseke Irrigation Project Set to Transform Agriculture in Gisagara

Gisagara District, 23 September 2026 — For farmers in Gisagara District, the arrival of reliable irrigation water could change more than the way crops…

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From Parched Slopes to Prosperity: How Watershed Care and Irrigation Are Rewriting Kayonza’s Story Thanks to KIIWP2 Support

For years, violent rains and prolonged dry spells spelled disaster across Kabeza Village, Ruramira Sector of Kayonza District. Every downpour stripped…

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RAB, World Bank Review Key Agriculture Projects

Kigali, Rwanda — 14 September 2026 — RAB and the World Bank launched a joint mission to review progress and future investment opportunities across key…

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RAB Participates in the 19th Rwanda Agricultural Show

The Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB) participated in the 19th edition of the Rwanda Agricultural Show, held at the…

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