Performance Assessment of Irrigation Systems and Water Management Practices in Selected Irrigated Schemes in Rwanda

This study assessed the current status of irrigation systems and water management practices in Rwanda’s irrigated agricultural zones focusing on Nasho Government Funded Irrigation (GFI) scheme in Kirehe District and Kagitumba Irrigation Scheme in Nyagatare District. A mixed descriptive approach was applied combining field observation with structured questionnaires administered through Kobo Toolbox to 224 respondents in Nasho and 188 respondents in Kagitumba. Field observations were used to evaluate the physical condition and functionality of irrigation infrastructure while questionnaires captured stakeholder perceptions, water management practices, institutional arrangements and operational challenges. Results show that both irrigation schemes are operational but function below optimal efficiency due to multiple constraints. In Nasho, irrigation performance is mainly affected by sedimentation in canals and reservoirs, pump inefficiencies and inadequate maintenance practices leading to unreliable water delivery. In Kagitumba, despite the use of modern center pivot systems performance is constrained by pipeline corrosion, pressure losses, sediment-laden water and uneven water distribution. Across both schemes, more than 80% of respondents reported frequent system failures while over 95% indicated the absence of formal irrigation scheduling practices. Water management remains largely reactive with limited preventive maintenance and weak technical capacity among users and institutions. The study concludes that improving irrigation efficiency in Rwanda requires integrated interventions combining infrastructure rehabilitation, strengthened maintenance systems, improved water governance and farmer capacity development to enhance sustainable water use and agricultural productivity.