Farmers, cooperatives and agribusinesses in Kayonza District have secured more than Rwf730 million in government subsidies to invest in crop dryers, livestock watering systems and fodder equipment, part of an initiative aimed at reducing post-harvest losses and increasing milk production. The support is being extended to 77 farmers, cooperatives and agribusinesses, after successfully pitching business plans for subsidies through Government supported projects including Rwanda Dairy Development Project (RDDPII) and the Kayonza Integrated Irrigation and Watershed Management Project (KIIWP). When members of Twunge Ubumwe Ryamanyoni Cooperative which specialises in maize, soya bean, and beans farming in Murundi sector harvested their crops during the 2026 Season A growing season, they expected higher yields to translate into higher earnings. Instead, according to the cooperative’s leadership, inadequate drying facilities led to significant post-harvest losses. “We had a good harvest, but our drying facilities were too small,” said Liliane Mukamana, a member of the cooperative in Murundi Sector. “Some of the maize produce was damaged before it could be properly dried. We lost four tonnes of harvested produce.” According to officials, Kayonza being a drought prone region, the government aims to address these challenges through expanded investments in climate-smart agriculture and livestock production, designed to strengthen food security and boost productivity through targeted subsidies. Through the initiative, beneficiaries will acquire crop dryers, storage facilities, maize shellers, drying sheds, fodder choppers and livestock watering systems. Andrew Gashayija, Country Director of Kilimo Trust Rwanda, which is coordinating the programme, said: Beneficiaries investing in livestock watering systems will receive subsidies covering 60 per cent of costs, while those purchasing fodder choppers will receive 50 per cent support and mechanised dryers 40 per cent support. Twunge Ubumwe Ryamanyoni Cooperative qualified for a Rwf14.5 million subsidy to construct a larger drying facility capable of handling all its harvests. Gashaija added that: “The overall investment from farmers amounts to Rwf1.6 billion, with farmers and livestock keepers contributing more than Rwf800 million, while government subsidies exceed Rwf730 million,” he said. Women and youth beneficiaries will receive subsidies of up to 70 per cent, while cooperatives will receive 50 per cent support. Agribusinesses target post-harvest losses Agriface, a company that purchases and processes agricultural produce, regularly sources crops from Kayonza but has struggled with limited drying equipment. The company is set to receive support to acquire a crop-drying machine valued at Rwf109 million. “As a company that produces food for children, proper drying is essential,” said Wenslas Bahati, a representative of Agriface. “We also manufacture animal feed, and drying crops during the rainy season has been a major challenge. We often had to transport produce elsewhere for drying, which significantly increased our costs.” The new equipment, he said, is expected to improve efficiency and provide farmers with more reliable access to post-harvest services. For dairy farmers, feed shortages remain one of the biggest constraints to increasing milk production, particularly in Kayonza, where livestock farming is a major source of household income. William Karemera, a dairy farmer in Mwiri Sector, said investments in fodder production and water management are becoming increasingly important as weather patterns grow less predictable. “Last year, drought hit us. Water was very scarce and pastures dried up. My milk production dropped to 40 litres a day, but with the new subsidy scheme I intend to increase production to 200 litres,” he said. “My subsidy includes a dam liner and a chopper machine for silage preparation and storage, and I will pay 40 per cent of the total cost.” Fred Hategekimana, the Acting Mayor of Kayonza District, said the government continues to invest heavily in agriculture and livestock development. “The government is strengthening support for both crop and livestock farming. These interventions are expected to increase milk production by 40 per cent and help enhance food security,” he said. He added that challenges raised by farmers are being addressed on a case-by-case basis, while additional calls for applications are planned. “We believe that if farmers continue making good use of the subsidies, they will become more self-reliant through climate-resilient initiatives and increase productivity,” he said. Hategekimana also noted that the cultivation of improved fodder, the use of high-yield dairy breeds, and the near completion of related livestock infrastructure projects including the semen storage facility will help farmers access quality breeding services, including semen, in a timely manner.
