Nyanza: Improved marshland boosts rice production tenfold

By The Inspirer.

Farmers grouped under the Koprori Ntyazo Cooperative, located in Ntyazo Sector of Nyanza District, have announced that their rice production has increased nearly tenfold following the development of the Nyiramageni marshland under the Sustainable Agricultural Productivity and Market Linkage Project (SAPMP), which also provided them with training in modern farming practices.

The President of Koprori Ntyazo Cooperative, Uyisabye Emmanuel, said that before SAPMP rehabilitated the Nyiramageni marshland, rice yields were extremely low due to poor land management.

“Before SAPMP intervened, we harvested only about 10 tonnes of rice per season. After the marshland was properly developed and we received training in modern agriculture, production has risen to 100 tonnes per season,” he explained.

Uyisabye added that in the past, crops were often destroyed by flooding, but farmers now benefit from progressive terraces and erosion control measures, which have significantly improved productivity.

Similarly, Nizeyimana Jacky, President of the Tubeho Neza Gikonko Cooperative—which grows maize and beans in Gikonko Sector, Gisagara District—reported a substantial increase in yields.

He attributed this growth to training provided by SAPMP on producing organic fertilizer, as well as study tours to South Korea, where members learned professional composting techniques.

“Previously, we harvested about 300 kilograms per hectare, but now our yields have increased to four tonnes per hectare,” he said.

SAPMP also constructed office facilities for the cooperative, valued at over RWF 20 million.

Farmers say that although production has already increased significantly, they expect even better results once the rehabilitation of the 600-hectare Nyiramageni marshland is fully completed by 2026.

These activities are part of the Sustainable Agricultural Productivity and Market Linkage Project (SAPMP), which aims to enhance agricultural productivity and improve farmers’ access to markets.

The Mayor of Gisagara District, Rutaburingoga Jérôme, stated that more than 700 farmers in the district have been trained in modern agricultural practices. He added that storage facilities have been built, fruit trees planted, and various soil erosion control measures implemented.

SAPMP officials noted that over 3,000 members from five cooperatives surrounding the Nyiramageni marshland have received training in improved farming methods, fertilizer production, and other capacity-building initiatives.

The SAPMP project is funded by the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) in partnership with the Government of Rwanda. It has a total budget exceeding RWF 16 billion and is scheduled for completion in 2026.