Kigali, Rwanda – A joint water management project led by the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has significantly improved the lives of farmers in Rwanda and Kenya, turning flood-prone areas into productive farmland and helping communities bounce back from devastating disasters.
The $1.26 million project, officially concluded on July 17 at Serena Hotel in Kigali, was funded by the Government of Japan through its Mission to the African Union. It aimed to mitigate water-related disasters and optimize the use of excess water for agriculture.
In May 2023, heavy rains caused severe flooding and landslides across Rwanda’s Northern, Western, and Southern Provinces, destroying over 3,100 hectares of farmland. Many communities, especially in Burera and Rutsiro Districts, suffered from poor drainage, soil erosion, and lack of irrigation infrastructure.
In Kenya’s Migori County, runoff from storms routinely flooded roads and farms, damaging property and displacing families.
To address these challenges, FAO worked with local governments and communities to, Rehabilitate flood control systems in Rwanda: canals, ponds, bridges, Construct large water reservoirs (water pans) in Kenya to store runoff, Train farmers and local officials on disaster preparedness and irrigation and Introduce certified hybrid seeds for better crop yields.
In Rwanda, the project benefited 5,775 households (about 28,875 people) across Burera and Rutsiro Districts. Key infrastructure included, 2.25 km of flood canals, Storage ponds and bridges, Treated gullies to stop soil erosion and Irrigation systems that now support farming even in dry seasons
“This project not only prevented disasters but also enabled year-round farming,” said Mehnaz Ajmal Paracha, FAO’s Officer-in-Charge.
In Rutsiro, a pond now irrigates 3 hectares, with potential to expand to 10 hectares. Farmers who once relied on two rainy seasons can now plant during the dry Season C thanks to irrigation.
Farmer Edouard Zirimwabago from Rutsiro shared how the project helped:
“We got jobs, paid for health insurance, and now harvest three times a year. It changed our lives.”
Emmanuel Uwizeyimana, Vice Mayor in charge of Economic Development in Rutsiro, praised the project for protecting the Koko River and improving soil conservation.
In Burera District, erosion from volcanoes once destroyed fields. Now, a 2 km gully has been treated, and a bridge allows safe access and water flow.
🇰🇪 Kenya: Water Pans and Better Seeds
In Migori County, Kenya, FAO built large community water pans that hold 70,000 cubic meters of water. These support irrigation for 500 households, enabling the cultivation of over 40 hectares of farmland.
Joseph Matooko from FAO Kenya said the project focused on youth and women entrepreneurs, offering, Certified hybrid rice and legume seeds, Training on grain processing and pest control and Support for women-led farming groups
Farmer Doris Oseonyango, a widow, explained how her yields improved dramatically:
“We received 10 kg of high-yield rice seeds. I used to get poor results, but now we have enough food, school fees, and health care. Young women are returning to farming because it works.”
Farmer Eli Oyako Peter said he harvested 98 bags of rice from two acres—up from just 30 bags before training.
According to Patrick Karangwa, Director of Agricultural Mechanization at Rwanda’s Ministry of Agriculture, Rwanda loses an estimated 27 million tonnes of topsoil annually, reducing food production by 3 million tonnes. He called for, More irrigation systems, Expansion of terracing and agroforestry and Greater access to weather forecasts for farmers
“This project is a model. Let’s scale it up to protect lives and boost food security,” Karangwa urged.
Toru Sugio, Japan’s Deputy Chief of Mission to the African Union, said the project proves that countries can tackle climate change and food insecurity with shared effort:
“Water disasters are global challenges. Solutions like this must be shared and expanded.”
Country Key Benefits, including, Rwanda 5,775 households supported, 3+ hectares irrigated, 2.25 km canals rehabilitated, job creation and Kenya 70,000 m³ water stored, 40+ hectares irrigated, 500 households supported, hybrid seeds distributed
The FAO-Japan water project has not only protected vulnerable communities from floods and erosion but also empowered them to grow more food, earn more income, and farm all year round. As climate challenges grow, such solutions offer a sustainable path forward for African agriculture.
