After years of water shortages and shrinking harvests, rice farmers in Mpanda, Burundi, are hoping a new $323.75 million regional agricultural project will breathe new life into their fields.
The Burundi–Rwanda Integrated Development Project (BRIDEP) aims to expand irrigation, increase food production and help farmers withstand climate shocks.
Footage from Thursday shows farmers planting rice, water flowing through irrigation channels and traditional performances at the project launch.
“This project comes at the perfect time, as our rice fields were drying up due to a lack of water, which weakened our harvests,” said rice farmer Kabura Radegonde.
Leonard Butoyi, assistant to the Minister of Environment, Agriculture and Livestock, stressed that investment must go beyond building irrigation infrastructure.
“The preparation and development of irrigable zones should not be limited to construction alone; it must serve as the foundation of our agriculture, ensuring sustainable development for our farmers,” Butoyi explained.
For farmers, the prospect of reliable irrigation brings fresh hope for better harvests.
“We cannot find the words to express our thanks. As rice farmers, we are very happy because our production is set to increase,” said rice farmer Riziki Nibitanga.
Backed by the African Development Bank, which is contributing approximately $78 million, the project will also support maize production, livestock farming and cross-border trade.
The initiative is designed to strengthen food security and help farmers in Burundi and Rwanda cope with increasingly unpredictable weather.
Source: Viory
