Irrigation Push Aims To Cut Rwanda's Fruit Import Dependence

Kigali, August 7, 2026 - Rwanda is expanding irrigation for fruit production as part of efforts to reduce reliance on imports from neighboring countries and raise yields in crops including avocados and nuts.

Fruit production has been constrained by unreliable rainfall, limited irrigation and traditional farming methods. The government is addressing those gaps through the Sustainable Agricultural Intensification and Food Security Project II, implemented by the Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board in 20 districts from 2024 to 2026.

The program has invested about Rwf11 billion in irrigation, supporting farms of up to 10 hectares with equipment, solar-powered systems and technical assistance. At Musha Agricultural Farm in Rwamagana District, irrigation has helped expand avocado cultivation from one hectare to four hectares.

Agriculture officer Nzabahimana Charles said the farm now harvests twice a year, compared with once annually before irrigation. A solar-powered system draws water from Lake Muhazi, supported by irrigation equipment worth about Rwf72 million.

The farm has 1,282 avocado trees, with output expected to rise as the trees mature. A recent harvest produced 260 kilograms, while another is expected to reach about one tonne, and the farm is targeting markets outside Rwanda.