RAB Leads Harmonization of Irrigation Management Manuals under the OMIS Project
The Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB), in collaboration with HoReCo and YEAN under the OMIS Project, successfully conducted a five-day workshop in Musanze from 4–8 May 2026 to harmonize and validate training manuals for the Marshland Irrigation Management Model.
The manuals are based on the WAMCAB Model developed under the WAMCAB I Project implemented by JICA in Rwanda and are intended to strengthen sustainable irrigation management while enhancing farmer capacity development across project intervention areas.
The workshop brought together technical experts and key stakeholders, including RAB staff led by Jerome Hitayezu, HoReCo senior management represented by Richard Bucyana, teams from YEAN, and staff from the WAMCAB II Project. Their participation reflected a shared commitment to improving irrigation governance, increasing agricultural productivity, and ensuring the long-term sustainability of irrigated marshlands in Rwanda.
During the workshop, participants reviewed and harmonized training modules focusing on irrigation strategies, strengthening Water Users Organizations (WUOs), water management, financial management, and Operations and Maintenance (O&M) systems. Discussions emphasized the need for training materials that are practical, user-friendly, context-specific, and adaptable to the realities faced by farmers, cooperatives, and WUOs managing marshland irrigation schemes.
The workshop also served as a platform for technical discussions aimed at ensuring consistency in terminology, methodologies, and technical approaches across all training modules. This harmonization process is expected to improve the quality and effectiveness of farmer training and capacity-building activities under the OMIS Project.
Speaking during the closing session, Jerome Hitayezu highlighted the importance of the workshop outcomes in strengthening irrigation systems and farmer empowerment.
"The successful harmonization and validation of these training manuals marks an important milestone in strengthening sustainable marshland irrigation management in Rwanda. Through this collaborative effort, we are equipping farmers and Water Users Organizations with practical knowledge and skills that will improve irrigation efficiency, enhance productivity, and ensure the long-term sustainability of irrigation infrastructure," he said.
He further appreciated the strong collaboration and commitment demonstrated by all partners and stakeholders throughout the workshop.
The validated manuals will serve as key reference tools for farmer training and technical support activities under the OMIS Project. The initiative is expected to strengthen irrigation management practices, improve governance within WUOs, and enhance the resilience and productivity of irrigated agricultural systems, ultimately contributing to sustainable agricultural transformation in Rwanda.
