RUKIGA DISTRICT — A strategic investment in irrigation infrastructure financed through the Parish Development Model (PDM) is helping a farmer in Rukiga District increase coffee production, diversify crop enterprises, and strengthen household income.
Mr. Twine Rureebwa Deo, 78, a resident of Kakatunda Village, Nyakabungo Ward in Muhanga Town Council, is among beneficiaries who have used PDM funds to improve agricultural productivity and build resilience against changing weather conditions.
Mr. Twine received Shs1 million under the Parish Development Model in 2023 and supplemented the funds with personal savings to invest in manure, a water pump, irrigation pipes, a water storage tank, and the development of a water source on his farm.
According to Mr. Twine, the investment has transformed his farming operations by enabling year-round production and reducing the impact of prolonged dry spells.
Before receiving the PDM funds, he had approximately 600 coffee trees. Since installing the irrigation system, he has expanded his coffee plantation by an additional 400 trees and diversified into other crops, including groundnuts, beans, pumpkins, bananas, passion fruits, and vegetables.
Coffee remains his principal enterprise and a key source of household income.
From the 400 coffee trees established after the PDM investment, Mr. Twine harvested 288 kilograms of dry coffee during the 2025 season. He sold the produce at Shs6,000 per kilogram, earning about Shs1.73 million. He says harvesting for the current season is already underway and he expects improved yields and higher earnings.
“The irrigation system has enabled me to maintain production even during dry periods. It has improved crop performance and given me the confidence to expand my farming activities,” he said.
Beyond increasing coffee production, the investment has enhanced food security through crop diversification and provided additional income streams for the household.
However, Mr. Twine identified limited access to capital as one of the remaining challenges, particularly in hiring labour to support farm operations. Despite this, he remains optimistic and plans to continue expanding his agricultural enterprises.
He credited the Parish Development Model for enabling him to invest in productive infrastructure that has strengthened both farm productivity and household welfare.
The Parish Development Model is one of government’s flagship programmes aimed at moving households from subsistence production into the money economy through investment in income-generating enterprises.
Mr. Twine’s experience highlights how targeted investments in agricultural infrastructure can improve productivity, increase incomes, and support sustainable rural livelihoods.