Huye Farmers Gain New Opportunities as SAIP Expands Climate-Resilient Agriculture
HUYE, Rwanda – Farmers in Huye District are gaining new opportunities to increase agricultural production and withstand the effects of climate change as irrigation, training, equipment and market-support interventions expand under the Sustainable Agricultural Intensification and Food Security (SAIP) Project.
Huye District Mayor Ange Sebutege says the interventions are addressing some of the key challenges facing farmers, particularly those cultivating small plots and increasingly affected by changing weather patterns.
Speaking about the project’s contribution to agriculture in the district, Sebutege highlighted the importance of partnerships with agricultural institutions, particularly the Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB) and SAIP.
Agriculture and livestock farming remain among the main sources of livelihoods for residents, making investments that improve productivity and resilience particularly important for the district.
According to Sebutege, SAIP is providing farmers with practical solutions that enable them to make better use of their limited land while increasing the number of seasons in which they can cultivate.
“The SAIP project is a solution for farmers, especially those cultivating on small plots. We appreciate what it has already delivered to farmers, and so far, around 29 hectares have been supported to enable farmers to cultivate during three seasons without being affected by challenges caused by climate change.”
The mayor said an additional 20 hectares are expected to receive similar support, further expanding access to irrigation and modern agricultural practices.
For Sebutege, however, irrigation is only one part of the transformation. He also highlighted farmer training, agricultural equipment and stronger links to markets as important interventions helping farmers turn agriculture into a more productive economic activity.
“Among other things we appreciate are training on increasing agricultural productivity, connecting farmers to markets, and providing the necessary equipment. These interventions help address the challenge of food security.”
He also emphasized the importance of improved wetland management as part of Huye’s broader agricultural and environmental priorities.
Better management of wetlands, according to the district, can contribute to reducing soil erosion, protecting natural resources and improving agricultural production. Post-harvest handling is also important in ensuring that farmers can preserve their produce and reduce losses before reaching markets.
Reducing the Cost of Irrigation for Farmers
Meanwhile, Innocent Nzabamwita, Irrigation Engineer Specialist at SPIU-RAB, said government subsidies are helping farmers overcome the financial barriers associated with acquiring small-scale irrigation equipment.
“Farmers cultivating between 0.5 and 10 hectares can benefit from Government support for small-scale irrigation equipment. Under the programme, farmers cover half of the equipment cost, while the Government finances the other 50%.”
SAIP II also places emphasis on farmer groups and cooperatives as a way of expanding access to irrigation and strengthening collective action.
Through organized farmer groups, farmers can collaborate in production, manage irrigation resources, and improve their ability to access markets.
For Huye, expanding irrigation is becoming increasingly important as farmers contend with unpredictable rainfall and other climate-related challenges.
Reliable access to water allows farmers to plan their production more effectively, continue farming during dry periods and cultivate across multiple seasons.
For Mayor Sebutege, the interventions represent more than agricultural infrastructure. They are part of a broader effort to help smallholder farmers overcome climate-related challenges while improving productivity, food security and the economic contribution of agriculture to households across Huye District.
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