Ivan Damascene Iradukunda
On Thursday, June 4, 2026, farmers and livestock keepers in Kayonza District received subsidized equipment. The support mainly consists of tools for agriculture and livestock farming, including equipment for irrigation, land preparation, drying and storing produce, as well as modern livestock farming tools.
The activity was preceded by bilateral discussions where agreements were also signed between the KIIWP2 project and the farmers and livestock keepers.
Mukamana Liliane, the representative of TUBUMWE RYAMANYONI Cooperative operating in Akanyerezo Village, Ryamanyoni Cell, Murundi Sector, said the subsidy came at a critical time.
She said: “This subsidy we received as a cooperative is a good initiative. After signing agreements as our cooperative, we had high yields but lacked proper drying facilities, which caused us to lose 4 tons of produce in the 2026A season due to heavy rains.”
She added: “We are now confident that our produce will no longer be damaged because we have been given modern equipment for drying and storing it well. This will help us protect our produce from rain and other damaging factors.”
Another resident said: “We used to face many losses due to lack of irrigation and land preparation equipment. We are now going to work professionally and we expect to increase production.”
The Acting Mayor of Kayonza District, Hategekimana Fred, said:
“This subsidy will continue to strengthen efforts in production and post-harvest handling before products reach the market. So we can say it is a great opportunity that comes to boost the agriculture and livestock farming they were already doing.”
The Director of the KIIWP2 Project, UWITONZE Theogene, explained why they chose to operate in Kayonza District, saying it is one of the districts that was severely affected by drought in Rwanda.
He said: “We chose Kayonza District as one of those that was hit by drought in Rwanda. Looking back since we started in 2020, we see that the project has already achieved something in addressing climate change impacts and building citizens’ capacity.”
He added that the project was initially set to end in 2028 but has been extended by 3 years, meaning it will now close in 2031.
Initially, 48 farmers and livestock keepers signed agreements with the KIIWP2 project and RDDP2. Meanwhile, 77 projects have been approved to receive this subsidy, mostly from cooperatives, private individuals, and companies involved in agriculture and livestock farming.
Acting Mayor of Kayonza District, Hategekimana Fred, highlights the importance of the subsidy in boosting production and improving post-harvest management.
Beneficiaries sign partnership agreements with the KIIWP2 Project before receiving support, reinforcing their commitment to sustainable agriculture and livestock farming.
Farmers, livestock keepers, local leaders, and development partners gather during the subsidy distribution event aimed at strengthening climate-resilient agriculture in Kayonza District.
Mukamana Liliane, representative of TUBUMWE RYAMANYONI Cooperative, says the support will help farmers protect their harvests from losses caused by inadequate drying and storage facilities.
RUSAGARA MUVUNANKIKO Valens
Muhire Obed
