Kigali, 24 January 2025 – Five to Five Hotel in Kigali hosted the Irrigation Task Force meeting aimed at discussing the results of a feasibility study on a solar-powered irrigation scheme in Butaro under the KungaBu Project. ECORDECO LTD, the firm that conducted the study, presented their findings to members of the task force from ARECO, Burera District, and RAB.
Also in attendance were Jean Baptiste Nshimyimana, Vice Mayor of Burera District in charge of economic development; Dancilla Mukakamari, National Coordinator of ARECO-RWANDA NZIZA; and Dieudonné Mugiraneza, Manager of RAB Rwerere Station.
The primary agenda for the meeting was the review of the feasibility study’s results on solar-powered irrigation in Butaro. The study outlined the potential of developing solar irrigation on 20 hectares in the village of Biyove in Butaro Sector under the KungaBu Project. This Project, also known as Kungahara Burera, is a three-year initiative funded by the EU and jointly implemented by Burera District and ARECO. Its main objective is to boost agricultural production and improve livelihoods in the Kamiranzovu marshland area of Butaro Sector.
The feasibility study revealed several key findings. Biyove soils, at the designated irrigation sites, were found to be good to excellent with no salinity risk and moderately suitable for maize, beans, and various crops with irrigation. Water available at the potential source exceeds the requirements for the planned irrigation scheme. Among the evaluated systems, the hose pipe system was recommended for its affordability and ease of maintenance. Currently, beans, Irish potatoes, and maize are the main crops grown. With the irrigation system, residents plan to grow vegetables such as cabbages, carrots, French beans, and chili peppers during the dry season. The financial and economic analysis demonstrated that the planned irrigation scheme is feasible.
Dancilla Mukakamari emphasized the importance of this irrigation activity within the KungaBu Project, stating that everyone was eager to learn the study’s findings. Dieudonné Mugiraneza highlighted the significant impact this Project will have on agriculture in Butaro and the region, urging attendees to contribute to the study for an accurate and beneficial final report.
In his closing remarks, Jean Baptiste Nshimyimana underscored the importance of thoroughly reviewing the draft study report and contributing to its finalization. He also called on ARECO to expedite preparations for the tender for development works and expressed gratitude to MINAGRI and the EU for their collaboration in establishing the KUNGAHARA Programme. Nshimyimana emphasized the need for the successful implementation and operation of the irrigation system and stressed the importance of all Project activities.
ECORDECO LTD has submitted the draft report, but the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) certificate has not been issued yet. This delay is apparently due to missing documents from the applicant, which were recently requested by RDB. Once the EIA certificate is obtained, the application for the water exploitation permit will proceed.
The findings from the feasibility study provide a solid foundation for the next steps in bringing this sustainable irrigation solution to life.
