Rusizi rice farmers to receive compensation after heavy rains destroy 80 hectares

By The Inspirer.

Rice farmers in Bugarama sector, Rusizi district, are set to receive compensation after heavy rains and hail destroyed over 80 hectares of crops at the end of January 2026.

The storm, which struck after a prolonged dry spell, wiped out rice fields in the Bugarama valley, leaving farmers facing significant losses. Members of the local rice cooperative told RBA that normally productive areas, yielding over 100 tons, were completely ruined.

Farmer Munyanyikindi Callixte described the devastation: “We had been waiting for rain for months, and when it finally came, it arrived with hail that destroyed everything. Rice is our main crop and primary source of income. Now the harvest is completely lost.”

Despite the setback, farmers are optimistic about receiving compensation, as their crops were insured. They also urged fellow farmers to insure their crops to protect against future risks.

COPRORIKI cooperative president Hamenyimana Oscar said the damage was immediately reported to the insurance company, and teams began assessing losses. “We are now measuring each farmer’s plot to ensure fair compensation,” he said.

The storm also destroyed five homes and caused flooding from overflowing rivers, damaging more fields and settlements in the area.

Rusizi district mayor Sindayiheba Phanuel said the district will begin constructing the Ruhwa and Rubyiro canals in April to protect an additional 500 hectares of rice and improve flood management in the valley.

Other sectors also suffered losses, with 45 hectares destroyed in Gikundamvura, 23 in Bugarama, 13 in Nyakabuye, and over 5 in Muganza.

The ministry of disaster management (MINEMA) urged residents to maintain disaster preparedness and take preventive measures to reduce the impact of future storms.