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By Annonciata Byukusenge
Farmers who benefited from the SAIPII project say that they have gained valuable knowledge that helped them transition into professional farming. According to them, the project has brought noticeable improvements to both their livelihoods and crop yields. Through training sessions and group discussions focused on sustainable agriculture and food self-sufficiency, they were able to shift their mindset and adopt better farming practices.
These testimonies were shared on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, during a sharing session on sustainable farming, bringing together farmers from Nyamagabe District who participated in the SAIPII project. The gathering provided an opportunity for farmers to reflect on what they had learned and how it had impacted their work.
Généreuse Nyirahirwa, a maize farmer working in the Muzirantwago marshland, explained that the discussions deepened her understanding of sustainable farming.
“The knowledge and lessons I’ve gained, I’m ready to put into practice. Especially when it comes to caring for crops from the time they are planted all the way to the market. I now clearly understand that without proper attention and care, farming cannot produce good results.”
Ignace Kubana, another beneficiary of the SAIPII, also shared how farming has transformed his life.
“I encourage my fellow farmers to take their work seriously. If you don’t give farming the attention it deserves, you won’t get a good harvest. It’s also important to participate in agricultural programs and attend the meetings organized by agricultural officers, because that’s how we continue improving our productivity.”
Ignace further explained that the SAIPII project covered 50% of the total cost of his farming investment. His project was valued at 840,000 Rwandan francs, and the support enabled him to purchase an irrigation pump. He also received pipes to help channel water to his fields, making irrigation much easier and more efficient.
The Vice Mayor of Nyamagabe District in charge of Economic Development, Thadée Habimana, expressed appreciation for the SAIPII project, noting that it played an important role in changing people’s attitudes toward agriculture.
“Even though the project’s budget was limited and could not reach the entire district, those who received training will now help spread the message to others. “Understanding sustainable agriculture and the importance of food self-sufficiency is essential for our community’s development.”
What the SAIP II Project provides
Mutabaruka Ezra, the SAIP project manager at RAB-SPIU, explains that the support goes far beyond training.
“The goal of SAIP II is to expand sustainable agriculture and strengthen food security. To achieve this, we have helped farmers access irrigation systems and small-scale irrigation. Some have also received support in post-harvest handling and adding value to agricultural by-products.”
He adds that SAIP II builds upon the achievements of the earlier SAIP I project. Through SAIP II, irrigation systems have been developed to cover 1,780 hectares of farmland.
“It’s not just about irrigation. We train farmers in proper post-harvest handling, from harvesting to storage and marketing. For fruit and vegetable farmers, we have provided cold storage facilities to ensure their produce reaches the market in good condition.”
Overall, the SAIP project required an investment of approximately 20 million US dollars, while irrigation activities alone accounted for about 5.7 million US dollars.
