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By Clementine Nyirangaruye
Some residents of Musaza Sector in Kirehe District, Eastern Province, said that irrigated farming areas have increased crop yields and improved food security, as they now water their crops using solar-powered irrigation systems.
Musabyimana Violette and her colleague affirm that the irrigated fields have been beneficial in increasing their crop yields thanks to the Rwanda Environmental Management Authority (REMA) and the Kirehe District leadership, through the LDCF3 project, which helped them cope with climate change and achieve food self-sufficiency.
Musabimana, 52 years old, a mother of five, living in the Musaza sector, Gasarabwayi cell, Gicuma village, affirms that irrigated fields powered by solar energy have saved them from the constant hunger caused by the intense sun that would dry up the crops they planted.
“We used to grow crops that would be scorched by the sun, and we always faced hunger. What irrigated fields have done for us is that they have made us food self-sufficient because we now irrigate using solar power. As a result, beans and other crops thrive, and we harvest double the yield. We eat to our fill and even sell in the markets.”
Nkuriza Nasoro is one of the beneficiaries farmers. He says that solar-powered irrigation has increased crops.
“We appreciate the partnership between our district and REMA, which brought us the project that helped us with irrigation. Irrigated fields have made us food self-sufficient because the yield of beans, maize, and other crops has increased compared to how things were before the LCDF project brought us Solar-powered irrigation methods. Some people used to leave and go to other districts because we didn’t have irrigation to help us grow crops.”
A staff member at the Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA) and the project manager for LCDF 3, Charles Sindayigaya, states that they are assisting residents in irrigating crops using solar energy to enhance the productivity of those affected by climate change.
“This is a project aimed at helping the population cope with climate change, with a significant focus on improving the livelihoods of those affected. We assist them with solar-powered irrigation because we will be working on 120 hectares, and we plan to expand this area. It has a positive impact on the yield of beans, vegetables, maize, and potatoes, as production will increase. The livelihoods of the people will also improve significantly, as they will be food self-sufficient.”
According to the Mayor of Kirehe District, Rangira Bruno, solar-powered irrigated fields have brought about changes in crop production and food self-sufficiency.
“This project came to help us have a prosperous district, and the changes are evident because, in the past, residents couldn’t farm if there was no rain, but now they can irrigate crops throughout all seasons, and the production has increased. Rangira noted
LDCF3 Project under REMA’s implementation is funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) through the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). Its intervention areas are Gakenke and Kirehe Districts.
