Farmers cultivating in the Ngiryi wetland, which connects Musha and Ndora sectors in Gisagara District, say the wetland has enabled them to continue farming even during dry seasons. They really appreciate that through irrigation, they manage to harvest crops and avoid hunger.
Vincent Nkeramugaba, a farmer from Ndora Sector, Mukande Cell, Nkinda II Village, explained that the wetland has helped them maintain production, although they sometimes face water shortages.
“These beans were planted in August, this wetland helps us a lot because When water is available, we don’t face any problems during the dry season as we continue farming.” He said.
On the government’s side, Jean Paul Habineza, the Vice Mayor of Gisagara District in charge of economic development, said the district is committed to increasing agricultural yields through irrigation and rehabilitation of infrastructure that supports farmers.
“As the Right Honorable Prime Minister, Dr. Justin Nsengiyumva, recently emphasized, the goal is to increase yields per hectare. In the Ngiryi wetland, farmers have an association that helps collect funds used to maintain irrigation infrastructure. We encourage them to keep that culture, so the wetland continues to be productive.” He stated.
Habineza further revealed that Rwanda has a large-scale project with the Government of China aimed at constructing the Giseke dam, which will provide permanent irrigation.
“We have already secured over 45 billion Rwandan francs to develop the Giseke wetland, including repairing all canals and building a reservoir that will ensure sustainable water supply. This project will double agricultural yields.”
Gisagara district leadership says this new infrastructure will help farmers especially those working in wetlands boost production and reduce the negative impacts of prolonged drought.
The Ngiryi wetland is cultivated with different crops, including rice. Some parts, particularly those connecting Musha, Ndora, and Gishubi sectors, are mainly used for vegetables, potatoes, and other fast-growing crops during dry seasons. Gisagara district is largely made up of farming communities, with agriculture serving as the backbone of its economy.
/Venuste Habineza
