A major restoration initiative has begun in Kamonyi District to rehabilitate the degraded Kayumbu wetland and its surrounding watershed, with a focus on erosion control, smart irrigation, and sustainable land management. The project, financed by the Rwanda Green Fund, covers 140 hectares of uphill land through progressive terracing, introduces solar-powered irrigation across 10 hectares of marshland, and involves the planting of 25,000 agroforestry trees and 5,000 fruit trees. ALSO READ: Govt to save 1,700 ha Bugarama arable wetland from floods The Kayumbu watershed has long faced critical challenges, including land degradation, severe soil erosion, and limited agricultural activity during Season C. Climate change has worsened these problems, particularly for smallholder farmers who depend on rain-fed agriculture. Kamonyi Mayor Sylvere Nahayo said the initiative will boost agricultural productivity while creating new income opportunities. “Farmers’ cooperatives will benefit. Green jobs will also be created,” he noted. Community benefits The project will directly support 500 farmers-60% women, 20% youth, and 20% men—while another 4,500 community members will benefit indirectly through training in best farming practices, erosion control, market access, and disaster preparedness. ALSO READ: Solar-powered irrigation in Rwanda to cover over 1,140ha by 2029 The solar-powered irrigation system, which includes a dam, water intake, and pipeline network, is expected to enable year-round farming on 10 hectares of land, engaging 150 farmers in climate adaptation. Vegetable cultivation in Season C, traditionally unproductive due to water scarcity, will now become possible, strengthening food security and drought resilience. To complement these efforts, dam sheets with a total water storage capacity of 690 cubic metres will be built. Farmers will also receive 3,200 kilograms of fertilisers and 3,000 kilograms of improved, climate-resilient vegetable seeds. ALSO READ: Will new solar powered irrigation scheme end farmers' woes? According to Paul Murenzi, President of ARDE/KUBAHO—the NGO implementing the project with funding of over Rwf300 million—the initiative will especially benefit women and youth. “Sixty per cent of the beneficiaries will be women cultivating high-demand vegetables. It will help households graduate out of poverty,” he said. Boosting incomes Project developers expect farmers to see a 15% rise in income, with each household earning between Rwf50,000 and Rwf80,000 annually from vegetable sales. By the third year of fruit tree maturity, households could generate an additional Rwf150,000 from fruit sales, significantly improving economic security, especially for women-headed families. Farmers’ cooperatives also expect gains Emmanuel Munyankindi, president of a cooperative that grows maize and soybeans on 20 hectares, said the lack of irrigation has limited them to two farming seasons. “Not exploiting Agricultural Season C has led to losses. With irrigation, we will grow vegetables such as cabbages, carrots, and peas during this season. Land restoration will also help reduce erosion during the rainy season,” he explained. ALSO READ: Rural women make use of solar-powered irrigation under UN agencies support Farmer Petronille Ingabire, whose cooperative includes 210 members—118 women, 87 men, and five youth—said they are optimistic about higher incomes. “We can also grow onions during Agricultural Season C,” she added. The project supports Rwanda’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), aligning with the country’s goals on climate-smart agriculture, renewable energy use, and sustainable land management. Progressive terraces are projected to reduce erosion, improve soil fertility, and increase crop yields by 20–30% annually.
