Rwanda has over 417,000 hectares of land with irrigation potential that remains undeveloped, and the government stated it is essential to bridge this gap to enhance food security and climate resilience. Minister of Agriculture and Animal Resources Théresphère Ndayambaje said the country has a total of 493,050 hectares of irrigable land, but only 75,223 hectares (approximately 15%) have been developed. According to the National Transformation Strategy (NST2), by 2028/29, the irrigated area in swamp zones is expected to reach 42,473 hectares. Priority development zones include Mwesa and Nyamata in Bugesera District, Mwangi in Gikonge District, and Mvogo in Nyabanza District. These areas have abundant water resources, making them suitable for dam construction and gravity or pump irrigation, while also being well-connected to markets.
