Revived Cyohoha Lake Brings Hope to Bugesera Farmers

By Rosine NTAWURIKURA

Residents living near Cyohoha Lake and Murago wetland in Rwanda’s Bugesera District are expressing gratitude to the government for restoring the once-dried-up water body, which is now playing a vital role in irrigation and farming activities.

Cyohoha Lake, nourished by Murago wetland, had previously dried up, causing severe water shortages and exposing surrounding communities to recurring droughts. Local farmers who rely on agriculture for their livelihoods say the lake’s revival has made a significant impact on their productivity and well-being.

“When the lake dried up, it was a catastrophe. We didn’t have water for crops or even domestic use,” said Rwabanda Aloys.

Christine MUKARUTARE, a local farmer, said that when the lake had dried up, they used to grow maize only during the planting season, but afterward, they could no longer farm. Today, they are able to grow crops all year round.

“Before we started irrigating, our fields couldn’t support crops like you see now. Today, we irrigate even during the dry season without any problem. Down there, we have solar-powered systems that help us pump water through pipes. Now it’s easy,” she said.

The Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA) spearheaded the restoration through a national wetlands and lakes conservation program. The initiative aimed to protect water ecosystems by halting harmful human activities around the wetlands and promoting sustainable land use.

Uwera Martine, a REMA official in charge of integrating environmental concerns into national programs, says the project is part of broader efforts being implemented countrywide.

“Our work goes beyond just Bugesera. We are making sure that wetlands and biodiversity across Rwanda are preserved and that environmental sustainability is mainstreamed into national planning,” she said.

According to REMA, these efforts have yielded promising results. Between 2010 and 2020, the protected wetland area in Rwanda increased by 23%, contributing significantly to the reduction of harmful CO₂ emissions and improvement of the country’s climate resilience.

The renewed Cyohoha Lake, now rich in aquatic plants and wildlife, stands as a testament to how environmental restoration can transform communities, protect biodiversity, and support sustainable agriculture.