Abstract
Evaluating irrigation schemes contributes to the identification of performance gaps and this may lead to implementation of necessary improvements for enhancing agricultural productivity. In Rwanda, despite significant investments in irrigated agriculture, most of the irrigation schemes are performing far below their planned capacity. This study aimed at benchmarking the performance of Rugeramigozi 1 and Rugeramigozi 2 irrigation schemes located in Rugeramigozi marshland, Rwanda using irrigation indicators developed by the International Water Management Institute (IWMI). The study showed that land productivity for both the two irrigation schemes was generally low. Rugeramigozi 2 irrigation scheme had superior performance than Rugeramigozi 1 in terms of water productivity due to adoption of deficit irrigation strategies that promoted water conservation. The performance indicators for water service delivery showed that water use was more sufficient in Rugeramigozi 1 compared to Rugeramigozi 2 irrigation scheme. The water delivery capacity performance for both schemes revealed that the existing irrigation canals were sufficient to meet the irrigation water requirements at peak demand. The analysis of financial performance in both schemes indicated that the collected irrigation fees were inadequate to cover the operation and maintenance costs. Similarly, the gross returns on investment were low in both irrigation schemes due to low crop yields that generated low revenue for farmers. Overall, the performance indicators showed that both Rugeramigozi 1 and Rugeramigozi 2 irrigation schemes were in need of intensive management and infrastructural improvements in order to increase productivity and enhance sustainability of the schemes.
Highlights
Agriculture contributes significantly to the economy of Rwanda (Bayisenge et al, 2019)
This could mean that the Kenya irrigation schemes had sound operation and maintenance that allowed for better irrigation water adequacy than Rugeramigozi 1 and Rugeramigozi 2 irrigation schemes evaluated in the current study
This study conducted performance evaluations of Rugeramigozi 1 and Rugeramigozi 2 irrigation schemes in Rwanda using irrigation performance indicators developed by the International Water Management Institute (IWMI)
Summary
Agriculture contributes significantly to the economy of Rwanda (Bayisenge et al, 2019). Population growth in Rwanda was reported to be among the highest in Africa, increasing at about 3.5% per annum. This phenomenon has resulted in scarcity of arable land resources since many areas in Rwanda are generally hilly (Diao et al, 2010). Farmers in the country are left with no option but to cultivate these non-productive hilly areas and this has contributed to environmental degradation. All these challenges forced the government of Rwanda to increase investments in the agricultural sector in order to increase productivity and ensure the country’s food self-sufficiency. The major focus by the government was to develop small and medium scale irrigation schemes in
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