Prime Minister Dr. Justin Nsengiyumva has called on farmers in Rwanda to take ownership of maintaining agricultural infrastructure. He made the remarks during the launch of the 2027 Season A agricultural campaign at Nyarububa Wetland in Rulindo district. Nsengiyumva emphasized that government investments in infrastructure, such as the Nyarububa Wetland, must be complemented by community efforts to ensure these facilities continue to serve farmers and support higher yields.
The Nyarububa Wetland, covering 97.27 hectares, is cultivated by 1,302 farmers organized under Koyakiru Cooperative. Developed in 2008 through the Second Rural Sector Support Project (RSSP II), the wetland aims to increase agricultural production through farming in wetlands and on hillsides. For the 2027 Season A, farmers have planted maize on 85.77 hectares, Irish potatoes on 10 hectares, and vegetables on 1.5 hectares.
Nsengiyumva encouraged farmers to use income from their agricultural activities to maintain shared facilities or organize communal work through Umuganda to prevent infrastructure from falling into disrepair. He also asked residents to work together to make better use of other development projects and facilities available in their communities.
The Prime Minister called on farmers to improve their farming methods and prepare their land for the coming rainy season to increase yields and protect their crops. He advised farmers to construct terraces and trenches to manage runoff and reduce the risk of damage. Rwanda has been promoting improved farming methods, better land management, and designated agricultural production zones as part of efforts to increase agricultural output.
Rulindo district Mayor Judith Mukanyirigira highlighted the importance of maize in household food security, noting that it is a staple food for many households. She emphasized that ensuring maize is available in sufficient quantities is crucial for food security, and disruptions to its supply can leave households vulnerable to food shortages.
Nsengiyumva also called for stronger efforts to reduce malnutrition and stunting, asking residents to pay greater attention to nutrition and community health. He encouraged residents to help stop the consumption of illicit alcoholic beverages, raising public health concerns alongside his message on agricultural development.
At Nyarububa, sustaining agricultural production will depend not only on planting crops but also on protecting farmland against erosion, maintaining infrastructure, and improving farming methods. The Prime Minister emphasized that government investment and community involvement must go hand in hand to ensure that agricultural facilities continue to serve farmers and support higher yields.
Key points
- Prime Minister Dr. Justin Nsengiyumva urges farmers to take responsibility for maintaining agricultural infrastructure.
- The Nyarububa Wetland in Rulindo district has been developed to increase agricultural production through farming in wetlands and on hillsides.
- Farmers in Rwanda are encouraged to improve their farming methods and prepare their land for the coming rainy season to increase yields and protect their crops.
