Green Amayaga launches second phase to reach 35 sectors in Southern Rwanda

The Green Amayaga project has officially started its second phase, expanding efforts to protect the environment, control soil erosion and improve agricultural production across 35 sectors in seven districts of Rwanda’s Southern Province.

The second phase was launched on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, in Nyanza District during a consultation meeting attended by the Governor of the Southern Province, Kayitesi Alice.

Green Amayaga started in October 2020 and initially operated in four districts in the Southern Province. During its first phase, the project reached 28 sectors.

Songa Remy, the project’s manager, said the achievements recorded during the first phase created a basis for expanding the project and introducing new activities aimed at increasing benefits for local communities.

“Because of the many achievements made by the project despite having a small budget, two other projects were established, including one that will operate in the Mwogo wetland and another in the Akanyaru wetland.”

According to Songa, activities carried out during the first phase helped farmers increase production and improve the way they manage their land.

“After we started encouraging farmers to practice agroforestry and trained them, agricultural production increased. Rubogo wetland used to be flooded by water coming from the hills, which damaged crops, but after we introduced soil erosion control measures, it is now in good condition.”

Second phase expands to more areas

The new phase will cover a wider area and include more activities than the first phase.

Songa said the second phase will be implemented through two projects worth a combined $28 million and will operate in seven districts of the Southern Province.

“There are two other Green Amayaga projects worth $28 million, operating in seven districts of the Southern Province. This new phase will cover 35 sectors.”

The activities will focus on soil conservation, erosion control, increasing forest cover and promoting farming practices that make better use of natural resources.

The project will also support the planting of fruit trees and trees that can be grown together with crops. It will provide clean water to residents of Nyagisozi Sector and distribute water tanks to support soil erosion control activities.

Solar-powered irrigation on hills

Nkurunziza Philbert, who is responsible for environmental protection at the Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA), said the second phase will introduce activities that were not included in the first phase.

“Previously, there were no activities for irrigating the hills. Under this programme, 4,000 hectares of hills will be irrigated using solar energy. The project will also support activities aimed at restoring the Misizi Dam.”

These activities will go hand in hand with continued efforts to control soil erosion and conserve land, while helping communities use their land more productively and sustainably.

REMA has called on local authorities to help provide residents with information about the project so that communities understand the planned activities and take part in them.

Nkurunziza also urged residents to protect the achievements made during the first phase and avoid activities that could damage them.

“We want the achievements of the first Green Amayaga to be protected. Residents should stop destroying what has been planted and instead take care of it. Those who extract sand near areas where trees have been planted should stop. Everyone should understand that this is their responsibility so that what will be achieved in the future is also protected and becomes useful.”

Beyond environmental protection and agricultural development, the second phase is expected to create employment opportunities for young people, particularly in tree planting, land conservation, irrigation and other project activities.

The first phase of Green Amayaga ended in May 2026 after operating in 28 sectors.

The second phase will run for six years and will expand its activities to 35 sectors across seven districts of Rwanda’s Southern Province.