PESFIS

Provision of Extension Services to farmers operating in Irrigation Schemes

Project Introduction

Irrigation development in Rwanda is receiving a high priority on the path to Agricultural Intensification and development. In the government’s Strategic Plan for Agriculture Transformation (PSTA4) and NST1, the plan is to increase the irrigated areas from 48,508 ha in 2017 to 102,284 ha by the year 2024. To ensure a balanced development of both infrastructures, sustainable and efficient operation and management of irrigation schemes, the government of Rwanda, through the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources, has established the Irrigation Water Users Associations (IWUAs) as defined by the Ministerial Order No 001/11.30 of 23.11.2011.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources contributed to the development of irrigation schemes countywide. More than 170 irrigation schemes have been developed across the country, but the ownership by the cooperatives operating in the irrigation schemes remain uncertain. For a sustainable management of irrigation schemes, RAB recruited experienced youth companies as service providers including Yalla Yalla Group for building the capacity of Irrigation Water Users Associations (IWUAs) and farmers’ cooperatives in the irrigation schemes of Rwanda.

Through an open competitive model, YALLA YALLA GROUP won the tender for Operation and Management of Irrigation schemes in LOT 1 and LOT 2 located in Nyanza, Huye and Gisagara Districts and also Nyaruguru, Nyamagabe, Nyamasheke and Rusizi Districts for providing extension services to the farmers operating in those irrigation schemes under framework contract where the contract would be renewed every year upon the satisfaction of RAB and the performance showed by YALLA YALLA GROUP.

YALLA YALLA GROUP as a Service Provider is building the Capacity of Water Users Organizations, and farmers cooperatives in terms of operation and management of irrigation schemes through establishment of irrigation calendars, community work mobilization, updating water user lists, farm management, establishment of demo plots and training on good agricultural practices, seasonal preparation meetings, preparing field visits to other irrigation schemes, and organizing training of trainers for farmer promoters.

YALLA YALLA GROUP is also ensuring proper operation and management of irrigation schemes through the collaboration with District Irrigation Steering Committees, Water User Organizations, and farmer cooperatives at the scheme level. In addition, it is responsible for increasing the capacity of farmers to increase agricultural productivity (good agriculture practices, crop management, post- harvest handling and market linkages with potential buyers).

PESFIS project aligns with the National Strategy of Transformation(NST1)’s priority area, emphasizing innovative irrigation system management model and the involvement of farmers and water user groups. The collaboration between the Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB) and the YALLA YALLA Group ensures daily proximity coaching to nearly 30,000 farmers associated with 36 cooperatives and 28 Water Users Organizations (WUOs). The project’s dual lots cover 2,180 hectares and 2,526 hectares respectively, supporting the modernization of Rwandan agriculture through sustainable irrigation practices and community engagement in Nyanza, Huye, Gisagara, Nyamagabe, Nyaruguru, Nyamasheke and Rusizi districts.

Project Objectives

Evaluate the situation of irrigation infrastructures, Irrigation Water User Associations (IWUAs), cooperatives, and individual farmers in new irrigation schemes.

Enhance the capacity and skills of IWUAs, cooperatives, and individual farmers

Establish demonstration plots to showcase best farming practices

Enhance Agricultural Production and Productivity

Improve Post-Harvest Handling and Market Linkage

Enhance Operation and Management of Irrigation Infrastructures

Establish a Proper Reporting System for Farmers' Organizations

Facilitate the Irrigation Schemes Management Transfer Agreement (IMTA)

Key Activities

Activities for Objective 1:

Develop a methodology and strategies for conducting the assessment.
Produce a validated inception report.
Conduct a situational analysis of farmer organizations and irrigation schemes.

Activities for Objective 2:

Develop, validate, and produce training modules.
Conduct in-class training for Scheme Farmer Promoters (SFPs).
Facilitate the registration process for cooperatives at RCA level and IWUAs at the district and RGB levels.

Activities for Objective 3:

Establish Field Farmer School (FFS) demonstration plots within specified areas.
Conduct field exchange visits (study tours) for FFS facilitators, cooperative leaders, and lead farmers.

Activities for Objective 4:

Coach farmers’ organizations to accurately fill recommended books.
Facilitate the elaboration of seasonal financial and production reports.
Provide support for the creation of annual financial and production reports.
Assist in the elaboration and submission of Annual Work Plans and Budgets (AWPB) to the district and RAB.

Activities for Objective 5:

Establish an annual cropping plan for coordinated agricultural activities.
Support cooperatives in negotiating and securing market opportunities.
Facilitate contract farming agreements to ensure market access.

Activities for Objective 6:

Initiate the process of signing the IMTA.
Record the number of IMTAs signed.

Activities for Objective 7:

Conduct daily coaching sessions on best farming practices.
Supporting farmers on crop management.
Produce seasonal reports on farmers’ adoption of good agricultural practices (fertilizer application, pest and disease control, improved seeds).
Link farmers to agro dealers for seeds and fertilizer supply.
Monitor the supply and distribution of subsidized fertilizers.
Mobilize farmers to adopt and use fertilizers effectively.
Identify sample fields for productivity measurement.
Train cooperative leaders on effective productivity measurement.
Assist in the elaboration and submission of Annual Work Plans and Budgets (AWPB) to the district and RAB.

Activities for Objective 8:

Mobilize farmers for community work to contribute to irrigation infrastructure maintenance.
Develop and display a community work calendar in the offices of cooperatives and WUOs.
Evaluate and report on community work efforts.
Set up water users’ lists to streamline irrigation infrastructure management.
Organize farmers’ meetings for determining water fees.
Support WUO committees in collecting water fees.
Mobilize WUOs to rehabilitate damaged infrastructures.
Provide technical support to WUOs for the design and construction of new irrigation structures where necessary.

Expected Results

Baseline survey report detailing the current state of irrigation infrastructures and farmer organizations.

Training manuals/materials produced.

Farmers trained with certificates.

Cooperatives and IWUAs registered at RCA and RGB level respectively

FFS demonstration plots established in irrigation schemes

Reports on study tours conducted

Percentage of farmers adopting best farming practices increased

Increased agricultural productivity measured in MT/ha

Improved post-harvest handling practices and strengthened market linkages

Enhanced management and maintenance of irrigation infrastructures, promoting community participation

Implementation of the Irrigation Schemes Management Transfer Agreement

Establishment of a robust reporting system for farmers' organizations Management Transfer Agreement

List Of Irrigation Schemes Under YALLA YALLA Management

The table below summarizes the number of irrigation schemes assigned to Yalla Yalla Group and their respective area (ha) and location.

No	Irrigation Scheme	Districts	Area (Ha)
Lot 1
1	Budubi	NYANZA	145
2	Nyarubogo	NYANZA	154
3	Burakari	NYANZA	200
4	Agasasa	NYANZA	150
5	Rwabicuma	NYANZA	301
6	Rwamamba	HUYE	60
7	Ruvungirana	HUYE	75
8	Murori	HUYE	55
9	Rwasave	HUYE	120
10	Rusuri-Rwaniro	HUYE	120
11	Akagera	HUYE	160
12	Mwura-Gatare	GISAGARA	110
13	Kibugazi	GISAGARA	108
14	Duwani	GISAGARA	134
15	Migina	GISAGARA	288
Total Lot 1			2,180
Lot 2
16	Agatorove 1	NYARUGURU	75
17	Urwonjya	NYARUGURU	55
18	Agatorove 2	NYARUGURU	80
19	Agatobwe	NYARUGURU	80
20	Muzirantwago	NYAMAGABE	130
21	Mushishito	NYAMAGABE	64
22	Rwondo	NYAMAGABE	72
23	Kamegeli	NYAMAGABE	60
24	Nzavu	NYAMAGABE	80
25	Mugonero	NYAMASHEKE	50
26	Kilimbi	NYAMASHEKE	165
27	Kamiranzovu	NYAMASHEKE	115
28	Bugarama	RUSIZI	1500
Total Lot 2			2,526
Grand Total			4,706

Join Us in Cultivating Progress

Project Team

ISHIMWE Emmanuel

Project Executive Director

HITIMANA Eric

DPC Gisagara

NGIRINSHUTI JEAN CLAUDE

DPC Nyaruguru

NSHIMIYIMANA Ernest

DPC Huye

TWAGIRAYEZU Etienne

DPC Nyanza

NIRINGIYIMANA Pierre

DPC Nyamasheke

HABUMUGISHA Augustin

DPC Nyamagabe

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Why Choose Yalla Yalla Group

Innovative Solutions

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Our team comprises agriculture professionals trained globally, ensuring a wealth of knowledge and a deep understanding of local farming needs, creating a perfect blend of global expertise with a local touch.

Comprehensive Service Portfolio

From machinery services to irrigation solutions, livestock management, and beyond, our comprehensive range of services caters to every aspect of modern agriculture, providing holistic support to farmers.

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Our mission is to empower farmers with knowledge, technology, and resources. We provide training, extension services, and financial support, ensuring that farmers are equipped for success in a rapidly evolving agricultural landscape.

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Commitment to Sustainability

Yalla Yalla Group is dedicated to sustainable agriculture. We prioritize environmentally friendly practices, water conservation, and resource-efficient solutions, contributing to a greener and healthier planet.