World Food Day: farmers urged to prioritise water Resource management

Every year on 16th October, the world marks the World Food Day. In Rwanda, this year's festivities were celebrated on 27th October, in the Eastern Province in Kayonza District, under the theme "Water is Life, Water is Food, Leave No One Behind."

During the event, the Ministry of Agriculture and, the UN’s Rome-based Agencies reminded farmers of the critical role of water resource management in ensuring food security. Given Rwanda's heavy reliance on agriculture, the preservation and sustainable use of water resources are of paramount importance. Officials stressed the significance of implementing effective irrigation systems and promoting water conservation practices.

"Water is life; water is food; we use water in our daily lives; without water, even agriculture cannot survive. We need to protect our water resources and ensure their sustainable use for future generations," emphasized Minister of Agriculture Dr Ildephonse Musafiri. He added that by prioritizing water resource management, Rwanda aims not only to ensure food security but also to mitigate the impacts of climate change on agriculture.

Kayonza district is among the most drought-prone districts in Rwanda, with approximately 75 % of its total area highly susceptible to drought and an additional 25% classified as very highly susceptible.

The World Food Day celebrations in Kayonza included the inauguration of initiatives aimed at extending water resources and infrastructure. This encompassed the construction of 26 valley dams and 20 boreholes, among other climate-resilient projects funded under initiatives like the Kayonza Integrated Irrigation Water Shade Management Scheme.

Claude Tuyisenge, a resident in the Murundi sector, shared his experience: "Personally, my livestock used to suffer during drought periods; we had to travel long distances in search of water, which posed health risks to the animals and hindered their productivity. With reduced stress in finding water sources, we can now focus on implementing modern farming techniques to enhance our livestock practices."

SDG No.6 specifically focuses on ensuring access to clean water and sanitation for all. In line with this goal, the country has implemented various strategies to improve water management, including the expansion of water management infrastructure and providing dam sheets to farmers with subsidies, among other initiatives.

Officials pointed out that Rwanda has received sufficient rainfall to meet its basic demands from simple run-off-river systems. However, the country's hydrological system faces challenges in meeting the growing water needs of its recent development and changing climate. To address this, Rwanda has invested in reservoirs and dam projects.

The implementation of water conservation measures, such as promoting efficient irrigation techniques and encouraging the use of rainwater harvesting systems, has not only improved access to clean water for citizens but has also enhanced the country's resilience to climate change and ensured sustainable water management for future generations. Rwandans are urged to continue their efforts to mitigate climate change by efficiently conserving water use.

During the World Food Day celebrations in Kayonza, the UN Resident Coordinator, Mr. Ozonnia Ojielo stressed on the need for action to meet SDG  Number 6. He emphasized the importance of managing water efficiently through Government partnerships with civil society, academia, and the private sector, fostering collaboration for a water-secure future. Ojielo called for innovative solutions and increased investments in integrated water resources management and infrastructure, concluding with the idea that "we need to produce more food using less water."