Kamonyi District – A major environmental and livelihood initiative aimed at combating the effects of climate change has officially begun in the Kayumbu watershed, Kamonyi District. The two-year project, implemented by ARDE/KUBAHO with funding from the Rwanda Green Fund (FONERWA), is already underway with activities in progress across the targeted communities.
Titled “Enhancing resilience to climate change for food security, livelihoods improvement and sustainable land use management of Kayumbu watershed in Kamonyi District,” the project seeks to protect the environment, improve agricultural productivity, and strengthen community resilience.
Key interventions include constructing and maintaining progressive terraces on 140 hectares of hillside farmland, installing a solar-powered irrigation system to cover 10 hectares of marshland, and planting 25,000 agroforestry trees alongside 5,000 fruit trees. These measures are designed to curb soil erosion, increase water retention, and ensure year-round farming.
Terrace digging in Nyarubaka
So far, farmers in Nyarubaka and Musambira sectors have already started engaging in terrace construction and tree planting, while preparations for the installation of the solar irrigation system are ongoing. The project will directly benefit 500 farmers—60% women and 20% youth—while an estimated 4,500 community members will gain from training in climate-smart agriculture, market access, and employment opportunities.
The project aligns with Rwanda’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), Vision 2050, and the National Strategy for Transformation (NST1), focusing on sustainable land management, renewable energy adoption, and inclusive community development.
With activities now in full swing, the Kayumbu watershed is expected to become a model of climate-resilient farming, showcasing how communities can adapt to climate change while improving food security and economic stability.
