This recognition came on Wednesday, November 27, 2024, during a visit by World Bank representatives and donors to SAIP II-supported projects in Rwamagana District.
SAIP II is implemented under the Single Project Implementation Unit (SPIU) of the Rwanda Agricultural and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB).
Some of the projects visited include the Gwiza Rw34 cooperative, which utilizes water from the Nyirabidibiri dam for irrigation and greenhouse farming, as well as an avocado farm spanning eight hectares.
Jean Hitimana, the SAIP II manager, revealed that the initiative, along with its predecessor SAIP I, had received a total of $52 million in funding. He emphasized that the project aims to boost agricultural productivity in Rwanda, with a particular focus on crops such as maize, beans, potatoes, vegetables, and fruits.
'The primary goal is to improve nutrition, which is why we are working with farmers on various initiatives, including distributing chickens for egg production, teaching kitchen gardening, and supplying mushroom cultivation kits. These efforts all contribute to improving the diets of local farmers,' Hitimana said.
He added that World Bank officials and other donors were pleased with the positive outcomes their support had produced in the community, urging citizens to maintain the infrastructure in place and use the funding responsibly.
'The donors observed the progress made and were pleased to see that the funding was being used effectively. Farmers shared their progress and outlined their plans for future growth, showing that the funding is continuing to deliver positive results,' he added.
Fidele Dushimirimana, president of the Gwiza Rw34 cooperative, which farms across 215 hectares in the Mwulire, Rubona, Nzige, and Gahengeri sectors, explained that before the introduction of irrigation infrastructure, farmers relied on unpredictable rainfall, which often led to crop losses.
'Now, we can farm even without rain. We grow crops like chili peppers, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, carrots, and potatoes, while also practicing crop rotation with maize, beans, and soybeans. Many of us now have a stable income, as tomato farmers, for example, can sell their produce regularly in the market,' Dushimirimana said.
He expressed his gratitude to the Rwandan government for facilitating such effective partnerships with donors, which have quadrupled the benefits farmers are experiencing and allowed them to farm sustainably throughout the year.
Josiane Mukansanga, a farmer from Kigarama in the Nzige sector, shared her success story of growing vegetables, tomatoes, and sweet potatoes.
'Previously, we farmed just for subsistence, but now we have access to markets where we sell our produce regularly. In one season, I earned over 300,000 Rwandan Francs, which enabled me to renovate my house and buy livestock,' Mukansanga said.
Oliver Mutesi, the Director of Agriculture and Natural Resources for Rwamagana District, praised the SAIP for its support, including the provision of solar-powered irrigation systems and other vital resources.
She urged the World Bank to continue supporting such initiatives, recognizing the profound impact they have on farmers' livelihoods. Mutesi also assured that the district would continue to monitor and support farmers in maintaining the infrastructure provided to them.
Currently, the SAIP II is operational in 20 districts across Rwanda, helping farmers increase productivity in crops such as potatoes, beans, maize, vegetables, and fruits.
The project emphasizes improving nutrition, facilitating small-scale irrigation on small plots, and supporting smallholder farmers through infrastructure development and value addition.
Théophile Niyitegeka
