Agriculture is the heartbeat of local communities in the lush hills and fertile plains of Kagera, a region in northwestern Tanzania. This landscape, rich in potential, is dominated by smallholder farmers who rely heavily on the land and increasingly on groundwater to grow crops like maize, beans, cassava, and bananas. While Kagera benefits from fertile soils and a temperate climate, it faces significant challenges in water availability, especially during dry seasons.
For
years, farmers in the region struggled with erratic rainfall. Short rainy
seasons followed by long dry spells led to repeated crop failures and food
insecurity. But a solution, long overlooked, lay beneath their feet:
groundwater.
The Rise of Groundwater Irrigation
Though
Kagera sits atop aquifers capable of supplying water year-round, groundwater
remained underutilized until recently. As awareness of this resource grew,
farmers began to tap into it initially through shallow wells and boreholes.
Early adopters, equipped with hand-dug wells or small pumps, demonstrated the
benefits of groundwater irrigation. Word spread, and more farmers followed
suit, using water pumps to irrigate crops that are sensitive to water stress,
such as vegetables and maize.
These
shallow wells often built by villagers serve multiple purposes, from providing
drinking water to irrigating vegetable gardens. They have become essential to
local livelihoods, especially for households that lack access to more modern
irrigation technologies.
Groundwater
access has revolutionized farming in Kagera. With a steady and reliable water
supply, farmers can now grow crops year-round. This has not only increased
yields but also allowed diversification into high-value crops like tomatoes and
onions. In many parts of the region, farmers now harvest multiple times a year,
even during the dry season—something unimaginable with rain-fed agriculture
alone.
Environmental Pressures and
Unsustainable Practices
However,
the region is also facing serious environmental challenges. As water levels
decline in both surface and underground sources, many farmers are moving closer
to riverbanks and wetlands, violating Tanzanian laws and local bylaws. This
shift has led to significant environmental degradation.
In
the mountainous areas surrounding key water sources, such as the Mabawe
Mountains in Ngara District, deforestation and unsustainable cultivation have
become common. The destruction of native trees, planting of water-hungry
eucalyptus, and encroachment into protected zones threaten the very aquifers
that support agriculture.
To
tackle these issues, local authorities, agricultural organizations, and NGOs
are promoting sustainable groundwater management. Efforts include regular
monitoring of water levels, training on efficient irrigation techniques, and
education on water conservation. Rainwater harvesting is also being encouraged
to ease pressure on aquifers.
Unlocking Irrigation Potential
According
to the National Irrigation Commission, Kagera holds immense potential for
irrigation agriculture. With fertile land and rivers that flow year-round, the
region is well-placed to expand irrigation using both groundwater and water
from Lake Victoria.
Several
irrigation schemes have already been established across the region, including
Mwisa (Karagwe), Kyamyorwa, Buhangaza, Buyaga (Muleba), Kyakakera, Nkenge
(Misenyi), Bigombo (Ngara), and Mwiruzi (Biharamulo). Preliminary studies have
also been conducted in the Burigi and Ngono river basins, where large-scale
irrigation projects are planned pending funding.
Despite
these efforts, many farmers especially in places like Byamtemba village in
Misenyi District struggle to access modern irrigation tools due to high costs.
“We are told to farm 60 meters away from water sources, but that’s where the
drought begins,” said Mr. Kagisha Juston Vitalis. “We don't have the resources
for modern irrigation.”
He
urged the government to support farmers with equipment or loans, saying this would
help reduce illegal farming near water sources.
The Role of Government and Community
Action
Ngara
District Agriculture Officer Mr. Remigius Kawishe told Mazingira Africa
that the government is taking steps to control unsustainable practices through
education and, when necessary, enforcement. He noted that farmers often rely on
valley farming, which depends on drying rivers and is no longer sustainable.
Kawishe
emphasized the need to prevent farming near water sources and promote the
planting of water-friendly trees. His department works closely with natural
resources and environmental authorities to curb deforestation and educate
communities on safe pesticide use and water conservation.
Ngara
District Environment Officer Mr. Athanasio Andrew added that the depletion of
water sources is mainly due to environmental degradation and climate change.
His department collaborates with entities such as the Lake Victoria Basin Water
Board, urban and rural water authorities, and the Tanzania Forest Services
(TFS) to combat these threats.
Economic Empowerment and Gender
Inclusion
The
economic impact of groundwater use has been transformative. As productivity has
grown, so too have farmers' incomes. Many have reinvested in better tools and
expanded their operations, creating jobs and supporting local agribusinesses
processing maize flour, cassava chips, and dried vegetables.
Local
markets have flourished, and women in particular have benefited. With access to
small-scale irrigation, many women have begun cultivating vegetables and
managing their own plots, gaining economic independence and stronger voices in
their communities.
The
Kagera Sugar irrigation scheme in Misenyi District, for instance, uses a
combination of river and groundwater to sustain sugarcane production highlighting
how groundwater can supplement large-scale farming when surface water alone is
insufficient.
Environmental Sustainability: A
Balancing Act
Despite
its benefits, the increasing reliance on groundwater raises sustainability
concerns. Over-extraction, especially from unregulated boreholes, is already
leading to falling water tables in some areas. Without proper management, the
long-term viability of this crucial resource is at risk.
To
ensure groundwater remains a sustainable lifeline, experts recommend widespread
adoption of modern technologies like drip irrigation, as well as
community-based water governance and aquifer monitoring.
Looking Ahead
Groundwater
is now more than a hidden resource it is a lifeline that is transforming
agriculture in Kagera. With responsible use, it offers a pathway to climate
resilience, food security, and rural development not only in Tanzania but
across the broader Nile Basin.
While rainfall has traditionally been the backbone of African agriculture, irrigated farming particularly during dry seasons is fast becoming a major source of income for farmers in the Kagera River Basin. The journey ahead depends on a balanced approach that nurtures both the land and the water beneath it.