Nearly 5000 affected by drought in eastern Rwanda

About 47,306 residents have been affected by drought in eastern Rwanda, which led to crop failure, the government said on Monday.

Authorities said five districts were impacted by the drought, including Nyagatare, Gatsibo, Kayonza, Kirehe and Ngoma.

An assessment conducted by government indicates that nearly 23,488 hectares of crops were affected in the districts, with Kayonza district the worst hit.

Authorities said the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources has taken necessary measures to distribute food to families with food shortages using the National Strategic Grain Reserves set around the country.

In total 1,212.1 metric tons of maize and 801.7 metric tons of beans were distributed to 18,308 households.

Addressing journalists in Kigali on Monday, Agriculture Minister Gerardine Mukeshimana assured that the Government has enough capacity to handle the impacts of drought.

"Our strategic grains reserves were set to manage those kinds of issues," she said.

She explained that affected households will benefit from interventions until the next harvest season.

According to Minister Mukeshimana, long-term strategies and plans are in place where a storage campaign should be carried out to all levels.

She also committed to mobilize farmers in improving their pasture and store the fodder for the dry season cow feeds.

Meanwhile, a government statement said besides the food distribution, small scale irrigation was carried out in the affected districts where 1,314 hectares of maize and beans were protected against the drought.

On the livestock side, 28 dam sheets were installed to save 22,000 heads of cattle whose lives were at risk. Endit