77 projects have been approved to receive matching grant support in Kayonza District, Rwanda under the IFAD-funded Kayonza Irrigation and Integrated Watershed Management Project Phase II and Rwanda Dairy Development Project Phase II — and the work is now officially underway.
With RWF 1.06 billion expected to be disbursed, these investments are targeting some of the most critical gaps in Rwanda's agricultural value chains — post-harvest losses, storage, and processing infrastructure.
The approved projects include maize drying shelters, mechanical dryers, rice paddy drying slabs, chopper machines, and dam sheets — practical, high-impact investments that will help cooperatives and smallholder farmers preserve more of what they grow.
The programme is implemented by the Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board in partnership with Kilimo Trust and other partners including Cordaid and Rwanda Youth in Agribusiness Forum (RYAF)with support from IFAD.
Kayonza District Mayor Fred Hategekimana welcomed the investments and called on all partners to act with urgency:
"There is a limited timeframe for implementing these grants. I encourage all partners and beneficiaries to fulfill their respective responsibilities to ensure successful and timely implementation."
— Fred Hategekimana, Mayor, Kayonza District
As our Rwanda Team Leader Andrew Gashayija noted;
"The investments being supported are strategic and offer a unique opportunity for Kayonza District. They will help strengthen and accelerate agricultural productivity and value chain development."
— Andrew Gashayija, Rwanda Team Leader, Kilimo Trust
We look forward to walking this journey with our partners and the communities of Kayonza. The work starts now. 💪