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ECRA Zamuka Muhinzi
FESY (Friends Effort to Support Youth) is implementing a climate-resilience project aimed at supporting farmers in Kabare and Rwinkwavu Sectors of Kayonza District, Eastern Province of Rwanda. The region faces prolonged droughts, unpredictable rainfall, and declining agricultural productivity, making farming households highly vulnerable to climate change.
This project will enhance community resilience by installing a solar-powered irrigation system on 12 hectares, enabling year-round crop production and reducing reliance on rain-fed agriculture. In addition, 25 hectares of agroforestry and fruit trees will be planted to restore degraded landscapes, improve soil fertility, and protect the environment.
The project provides vocational training in areas such as tailoring, mushroom farming, and digital skills, while also offering psychosocial support to strengthen emotional resilience and social skills. By combining skills development with community engagement, YATEC helps youth become self-reliant, confident, and ready for employment or entrepreneurship. Its ultimate goal is to empower young people to achieve sustainable economic and personal growth.
Know more about ECRA Project
PROJECT SUMMARY
The project aims to strengthen climate resilience for farmers in Kabare and Rwinkwavu Sectors of Kayonza District by introducing sustainable climate-adaptation solutions, modern agricultural practices, and stronger community structures. Located in one of Rwanda’s most drought-prone areas, the project supports smallholder farmers to overcome the impacts of prolonged dry spells, declining crop productivity, and water scarcity.
Key Objectives
Increase access to reliable irrigation through a solar-powered irrigation system covering 12 hectares.
Restore degraded landscapes by planting agroforestry and fruit trees on 25 hectares.
Build farmers’ climate resilience through training, sustainable farming practices, and improved natural resource management.
Strengthen farmer cooperatives to enhance access to agricultural finance, markets, and long-term sustainability.
Promote inclusion of women and youth, ensuring they play a central role in climate-smart agriculture and tree-nursery activities.
What's our Main Intervention ?
Our main intervention is the implementation of solar-powered irrigation, agroforestry, and capacity-building initiatives to enhance climate resilience and agricultural productivity for smallholder farmers.
Solar-Powered Irrigation:
The project will install a modern solar-powered irrigation system to provide farmers with a reliable, year-round water supply. Water will be pumped using clean solar energy and stored in an elevated reservoir. From there, a gravity-based distribution network will efficiently deliver water to all farm plots. This system reduces dependence on unpredictable rainfall and increases crop productivity. Overall, it strengthens climate resilience and supports sustainable, low-carbon agriculture.
Climate-Resilient Water Management
The project will construct a small elevated reservoir in Kabare and Rwinkwavu Sectors of Kayonza District to ensure a steady and reliable irrigation water supply. Efficient distribution lines will deliver water directly to farming plots with minimal loss. This system reduces dependence on unpredictable rainfall in this drought-prone area. Farmers will be able to maintain stable crop production throughout the year.
Agroforestry & Tree Planting:
Community-driven nurseries will be established in Kabare and Rwinkwavu Sectors to grow diverse tree species. Trees will be planted to prevent soil erosion and enhance land fertility. The initiative strengthens ecosystem health and supports biodiversity. It also improves water retention and reduces vulnerability to climate shocks. Overall, it builds long-term environmental resilience for local farmers.
Sustainable Farming Infrastructure
Construction of resilient irrigation systems in Kabare and Rwinkwavu Sectors to mitigate drought impacts. These facilities help stabilize crop production and reduce farmers’ risks. The initiative boosts soil fertility and overall land productivity. It encourages eco-friendly, low-carbon farming practices. Ultimately, it supports long-term agricultural sustainability and climate adaptation.
Solar-Powered Irrigation
12 – Installation of a modern solar pumping system feeding a reservoir and gravity-based distribution network to irrigate 12 Ha of farmland (Bishenyi & Umuyenzi, Kayonza District)
Climate-Resilient Water Management
12 – Construction of a small elevated reservoir and efficient distribution lines to ensure reliable water supply during dry seasons (Bishenyi & Umuyenzi, Kayonza District)
Sustainable Infrastructure
25 – Establishment of community-led nurseries and planting of agroforestry and fruit trees on 25 Ha to reduce soil erosion, improve fertility, and increase climate resilience (Bishenyi & Umuyenzi, Kayonza District)
Capacity Building
263 – Support to 50 households in cooperative formation, access to agri-finances and markets, and training in climate-smart agriculture, with special focus on women and youth (Bishenyi & Umuyenzi, Kayonza District)
"The project is motivated by three main challenges"
The environmental and climate-related factors, including prolonged droughts, irregular rainfall, and soil degradation, threaten agricultural productivity and livelihoods in Kabare and Rwinkwavu Sectors.
Agricultural and livelihood constraints, such as low crop yields, reliance on traditional farming methods, and limited access to modern technologies, exacerbate food insecurity and economic vulnerability.
Social and institutional barriers, including weak farmer organizations, restricted access to financing and markets, and limited participation of women and youth in agricultural activities, hinder the adoption of climate-resilient practices and sustainable resource management.
Our Expectations
The project is expected to enhance the climate resilience of smallholder farmers in Kabare and Rwinkwavu by providing reliable access to water through solar-powered irrigation, promoting agroforestry and tree planting, and strengthening farmers’ organizational and technical capacities.
By increasing land productivity, diversifying crop production, and supporting access to markets and agricultural financing, the project aims to improve household incomes, food security, and overall livelihoods. Special attention will be given to empowering women and youth, fostering cooperative structures that ensure active participation in decision-making and management. Sustainability is ensured through community-led management of irrigation infrastructure, establishment of nurseries for ongoing tree production, continuous capacity-building, and the use of low-carbon, environmentally friendly farming practices.
The project’s approach integrates long-term monitoring, stakeholder engagement, and adoption of climate-smart technologies to guarantee that benefits persist beyond the project lifecycle and continue to strengthen resilience against climate change impacts.