New report explores the business ecosystem for smallholder irrigation in Rwanda
Interview: Mapping and Analysis of the Business Ecosystem Map in Rwanda
Of Rwanda’s roughly 600,000 hectares of irrigable land, only 10% is currently irrigated. With a more developed irrigation industry, farmers would be able to take advantage of three growing seasons, rather than one, enabling better food security and income. However, there are gaps in knowledge needed to advance the industry.
Seeking to make these advancements accessible, staff at the Daugherty Water for Food Global Institute (DWFI) have completed a study which maps and analyzes the business ecosystem for smallholder irrigation in Rwanda. The Rwanda smallholder irrigation ecosystem map shines a light on farmer-led irrigation – the distribution and use of small irrigation pumps and associated equipment by individual farmers or shared between a few farmers – and analyzes the business ecosystem for providing those goods and services.
To accomplish the study, the DWFI team held discovery interviews with dozens of farmers, irrigation entrepreneurs, agronomists, policymakers, and investors.
The study found that most irrigation pumps are imported into Rwanda and had insights around distribution chains and government subsidy programs.
Based on these findings, the team laid out several challenges, opportunities and recommendations for the industry, including adjustments to the SSIT subsidy program, opportunities for retailers to provide repairs and spare parts, and opportunities for youth entrepreneurship.
“This can be a tool for anyone interested in the irrigation industry,” said Natacha Akaliza, DWFI program consultant who researched and co-wrote the report. “I think it could speed up the process of advancing the Rwandan irrigation industry because it is adapted to local policies and culture. It can also serve as a blueprint to be adapted for other countries where there is interest in investing in agriculture. It can provide a lot of knowledge.”
FY 2022 Annual Report
- Overview
- Letter from the Executive Director
-
Research and Policy
-
Nebraska + Regional
- DWFI offers suite of tools to improve irrigation water use and agricultural productivity
- Understanding groundwater markets and transfers in Nebraska
- Water management for improving water use, sustainability
- Research looks to control nitrate leaching, protect Nebraska groundwater
- DWFI researching solutions, fostering communication regarding AltEn environmental crisis in Mead, Nebraska
- Nitrate Strategy Groups release calls for action
- Mapping geographic heat inequities in urban areas
-
Global + National
- New report explores the business ecosystem for smallholder irrigation in Rwanda
- Visit to Nebraska results in water management partnership with Brazil
- New study shows economic impact of the irrigation equipment and services industry
- DWFI and Mammoth Water launch report of water market readiness
- USDA partnering with Nebraska Water Center to enhance modeling system
- Faculty Fellows
-
Supported Students
- Water for Food Research Forum showcases exciting student work
- DWFI welcomes new round of student support recipients
- Student's fertigation startup awarded first Husker Venture Fund investment
- Four DWFI supported students receive doctoral degrees
- Nebraska researchers are following the water
- Heeren Inspires Students through Irrigation Field Course
-
Nebraska + Regional
-
Communication, Education + Outreach
- DWFI reconnects with international partners and projects
- Nebraska Water Center seminars focus on hydro-tourism, economic development in Nebraska
- Nebraska Water Center conference held in Scottsbluff
- Virtual forum broadens institute’s reach
- Aquifer recharge project in Nebraska featured in international publication
- Digital growth: Water for Food Podcast and online engagement
- Development
-
Photo essays
- DWFI discusses water management with delegation from Kenya
- DWFI and Nebraska Water Center engage with attendees at UNL East Campus Discovery Days
- DWFI and Nebraska Water Center participate in UNL Sustainability Kickoff event
- DWFI hosts students Faculty Fellow for fall welcome event
- DWFI sponsors annual Earthstock event on University of Nebraska Lincoln campus
- Resources
- Search
FY 2022 Annual Report
- Overview
- Letter from the Executive Director
-
Research and Policy
-
Nebraska + Regional
- DWFI offers suite of tools to improve irrigation water use and agricultural productivity
- Understanding groundwater markets and transfers in Nebraska
- Water management for improving water use, sustainability
- Research looks to control nitrate leaching, protect Nebraska groundwater
- DWFI researching solutions, fostering communication regarding AltEn environmental crisis in Mead, Nebraska
- Nitrate Strategy Groups release calls for action
- Mapping geographic heat inequities in urban areas
-
Global + National
- New report explores the business ecosystem for smallholder irrigation in Rwanda
- Visit to Nebraska results in water management partnership with Brazil
- New study shows economic impact of the irrigation equipment and services industry
- DWFI and Mammoth Water launch report of water market readiness
- USDA partnering with Nebraska Water Center to enhance modeling system
- Faculty Fellows
-
Supported Students
- Water for Food Research Forum showcases exciting student work
- DWFI welcomes new round of student support recipients
- Student's fertigation startup awarded first Husker Venture Fund investment
- Four DWFI supported students receive doctoral degrees
- Nebraska researchers are following the water
- Heeren Inspires Students through Irrigation Field Course
-
Nebraska + Regional
-
Communication, Education + Outreach
- DWFI reconnects with international partners and projects
- Nebraska Water Center seminars focus on hydro-tourism, economic development in Nebraska
- Nebraska Water Center conference held in Scottsbluff
- Virtual forum broadens institute’s reach
- Aquifer recharge project in Nebraska featured in international publication
- Digital growth: Water for Food Podcast and online engagement
- Development
-
Photo essays
- DWFI discusses water management with delegation from Kenya
- DWFI and Nebraska Water Center engage with attendees at UNL East Campus Discovery Days
- DWFI and Nebraska Water Center participate in UNL Sustainability Kickoff event
- DWFI hosts students Faculty Fellow for fall welcome event
- DWFI sponsors annual Earthstock event on University of Nebraska Lincoln campus
- Resources
- Search
Related Articles
Heeren Inspires Students through Irrigation Field Course
A summer irrigation lab and field course led by DWFI Faculty Fellow Derek Heeren helps his students ground their class lessons through in-person farm and industry visits.
Nebraska researchers are following the water
Graduate student Caner Zeyrek and his advisor, Troy Gilmore, are learning a lot about Nebraska’s water flows.
Virtual forum broadens institute’s reach
With international travel remaining a challenge in Fall 2021, DWFI pivoted plans away from a 2-day, in-person Water for Food Global Conference.
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