The funding agreement signed on Tuesday 14th March 2023 through Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Project: GGP/Kusanone is expected to benefit over 3000 farmers growing rice in the marshland.

The funding will reinforce interventions by the project run by Japan International Cooperation (JICA) to build three dams, and waterways to carry water to farmlands in sectors touching the marshland including Munyaga, Kigabiro, Rubona and Mwurire.

Japanese Ambassador to Rwanda, Isao Fukushima has said that the grant is aimed at supporting the country’s journey to modernize agriculture because irrigation helps to increase agricultural yields.

He also expressed optimism that farmers will benefit a lot from the funding.

Irrigation is practiced on 348 out of 400 hectares comprising Cyaruhogo Marshland.

Following interventions from JICA, it was observed that more small dams are needed to distribute water to more 134 hectares. The new funding is meant to cover this gap.

The Mayor of Rwamagana District, Radjab Mbonyumuvunyi said that existing support extended to farmers increased arable fields and agricultural yields.

He disclosed that increased yields are expected to go hand in hand with farmers’ improved livelihoods and food sufficiency.

Before JICA built dams, farmers used to harvest 4500 tonnes of rice Cyaruhogo but the produce has increased to 6500 tonnes per year.

It is expected that GGP/Kusanone will also provide funding to other non-government organizations, grass root leadership levels, support the education and health sectors among others.

Amb. Fukushima and Mbonyumuvunyi signing the grant agreement.

Amb. Fukushima has said that agriculture plays a significant role in Rwanda's economic development.

The funding is allocated for development of agriculture in Rwamagana.

Mbonyumuvunyi has said that irrigation will help farmers achieve food sufficiency.