Impact of Government-Funded Irrigation Project on National Development in Rwanda: Case Study of Kagitumba Irrigation Scheme in Nyagatare District
Rwakana Karamuka John, Sam Bazimya
University of Kigali, Rwanda
https://orcid.org/0009-0001-1004-2007
Email: rwakanakjohn@gmail.com
Abstract: This study, entitled “The Impact of Government-Funded Irrigation Project on National Development: A Case Study of Kagitumba Irrigation scheme in Nyagatare District, Eastern Province of Rwanda,” assessed the contribution of government irrigation investment to agricultural development, farmers’ livelihoods, food security, and value chain integration. The study was motivated by rainfall dependence, climate variability, and limited access to reliable irrigation systems. Its objective was to assess the impact of the Kagitumba Government-Funded Irrigation Project on national development. It assessed irrigation infrastructure development, examined RAB extension services and agricultural technology adoption, evaluated income generation and socio-economic improvement, and determined contributions to food security and agricultural value chain integration. A mixed-methods research design was adopted. Quantitative findings were obtained from questionnaires completed by 329 farmers and cooperative leaders, supplemented by document review. Findings showed effects of irrigation infrastructure on agricultural performance (mean = 4.01), extension services and technology adoption on crop productivity (mean = 4.03), income generation and socio-economic improvement (mean = 3.97), and food security and value chain integration (mean = 4.00). The study recommends strengthening irrigation maintenance, extension services, market linkages, financing, technology adoption, and cooperative development. It concluded that the project contributes to national development through improved agricultural productivity, livelihoods, employment creation, and food security in Nyagatare District.
