By Gerald Atampugre, Olufunke Cofie, Benard Musana, Seifu Admassu Tilahun and Diane Uwanyirigira
In reversing land degradation from soil erosion in Rwanda, communities are embracing a powerful vision, one that connects environmental responsibility with resilience, economic stability and a better agrifood system. The Rwanda Water Resources Board (RWB), in collaboration with the International Water Management Institute (IWMI) and ARCOS’s Umusave Fund, is pioneering transformative works in the Nyamasheke and Rusizi districts of Rwanda. These efforts aim to restore critical ecosystems in the Kivu Lake and Rusizi Transboundary River Basin while empowering local stakeholders to become champions of sustainability.
The inclusive landscape management plan (ILMP) in Nyamasheke is a sign of hope, offering a participatory and inclusive approach to environmental restoration and community development for agrifood system transformation. By targeting vital villages and catchment areas, the plan envisioned a well-managed Rubyiro sub-catchment to support prosperous, inclusive, and resilient communities, with economic actors safeguarding and being accountable for the health of ecosystems.
As part of the plan’s pilot, farmers in the Nyamasheke and Rusizi districts were identified to plant coffee seedlings as part of catchment protection strategies.
IWMI and the Rwanda Water Resources Board capitalized on an existing initiative of the Umusave Fund, a financial resource established by ARCOS, to support sustainable catchment restoration activities. to ensure the continuity of conservation efforts, strengthen local livelihoods and promote a harmonious balance between land and water systems in Rubyiro’s sub catchment area. The RWB ensured that sufficient coffee seedlings were prepared in nurseries, guaranteeing they would be ready for planting at the optimal time. This approach aligns agricultural growth with ecosystem restoration, creating a win-win scenario for communities and the environment. Farmers in the Nzahaha (Rusizi) and Karengera (Nyamasheke) Sectors received comprehensive training on the Umusave Fund’s role in sustaining restoration projects and its governance and monitoring mechanisms. They were also trained on the criteria for fund-eligible activities, focusing on landscape and catchment protection.
Participants received guidance on forming community groups and crafting actionable plans that align with the fund’s goals. These efforts ensure that local communities are not just beneficiaries but active stewards of their environment.
Towards a resilient future
The work in Nyamasheke and Rusizi aligns seamlessly with Rwanda’s Vision 2050, a bold roadmap toward sustainable development. By combining education, financial support, and community collaboration, these initiatives lay the groundwork for a resilient future. It is not just about addressing today’s environmental challenges but about inspiring a cultural shift toward sustainability.
As stakeholders work together to safeguard Rwanda’s precious ecosystems, their efforts stand as a model for other regions. The collaboration between the RWB, IWMI, and the Umusave Fund proves that when communities, organizations and governments unite with a shared commitment, meaningful change is not just possible—it is inevitable.
This story of Rwanda’s journey is a testament to the power of community-driven environmental stewardship. As the nation continues to champion sustainability, it offers a powerful lesson for the world: that resilient ecosystems and empowered communities go hand in hand.
