An artificial lake that will be used for irrigation is being constructed under the KIIWP 2 (Kayonza Irrigation and Integrated Watershed Management Project) at a cost of Rwf 2,116,000,000.
The water from this lake will be used to irrigate 200 hectares of farmland in the sectors of Rwinkwavu and Kabare in Kayonza District.
Residents of Kayonza District have often spoken about how prolonged dry seasons prevent them from farming successfully and producing enough food for their households.
Some residents of Rwinkwavu and Kabare sectors say that irrigation farming is the only lasting solution to increasing agricultural production.
Sebazungu Alexandre, a resident of Kabare Sector living near the site where the irrigation lake is being constructed, said that they are already seeing the project take shape and are ready to make the most of it.
He said: “I have often faced problems where my crops dried up, but now the irrigation project seems to be becoming a reality. We have attended training sessions and study tours where they showed us how the irrigation project will work. I am very happy about this and I thank the Government of Rwanda. I am ready to grow avocados and mangoes so that I can even supply the market.”
Nyirahategekimana Alphonsine, an agricultural advisor from Rwinkwavu Sector, said they had earlier been informed about the irrigation project, though they thought it would take longer to materialize. She expressed joy that efforts to bring water closer to farmers are now underway and will lead them toward sustainable development.
She said: “Normally, farming conditions here have been very difficult. For example, you could cultivate one hectare with beans and another part with sorghum, but because of the dry weather, you would harvest only about 50 kilograms of beans. But when we heard that the KIIWP irrigation project is coming to help irrigate our farms, we were very happy.”
Ngaboyamahina Papias, who is overseeing the construction of the lake, said the project began last year and is expected to be completed in June 2026. About 200 hectares of land are expected to be irrigated using water from this lake.
The Acting Mayor of Kayonza District, Hategekimana Fred, said that several irrigation projects are set to be implemented and could transform the lives of residents by expanding irrigated land and improving livelihoods in this area, which is often affected by low rainfall.
KIIWP 2 is a project jointly implemented by the Government of Rwanda in partnership with the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), through the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources (MINAGRI), and carried out under the Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB).
