Through a project known as READAA, implemented by AEE-Rwanda in partnership with Tearfund and IIED, women in Ndora Sector of Gisagara District explain that the initiative has helped them improve their livelihoods by providing financial support and changing their mindset toward modern agriculture and other income-generating activities.
Beatha Uwamurera and her colleague Nibagwire Cecile described how the project helped them learn to form savings groups where members pool small amounts of money and later access loans from their collective fund.
“READAA has truly helped us. It taught us to work together in development groups. We are 20 members who combine the little money we have, and once it grows, we lend it to each other. We farm to produce all the food we need, using animal manure we purchased and planting trees that help prevent soil erosion.” Said Beatha.
Cecile Nibagwire added that she once believed growing fruit trees was not something women should do, but after receiving training from the project, she changed her perspective and applied what she learned. Today, she says, it contributes to both her personal progress and her household’s welfare.
“We received various trainings, including how to establish nurseries. They gave us seedlings I received fruit trees and planted them in my field. Before, I didn’t know how to grow fruit trees. After the READAA trainings, I made it my own project. Two years later, the trees are producing. I sell the fruit, earn money to pay school fees for my children, buy health insurance, and we also eat them at home.” She spoke.
Marie Jeanne Mukamurenzi and another beneficiary explained that they no longer struggle to find fertilizer because they received livestock, which improved their harvests. They say they no longer face food shortages and can now save money and start small businesses, improving their standard of living.
“This project found me in poverty, and I was already elderly. But since it came, I earn money from the small livestock they gave us. I get fertilizer and seeds, I eat well, and I no longer lack even basic necessities. When we save, I take a loan and invest in selling sorghum drink. If I earn 7,000 francs a day, I can spend some on food and other needs.”She shared.
Her colleague added that the project taught them how to escape poverty by growing fruit trees mixed with crops and establishing nurseries so they can plant trees that protect their land from erosion.
She emphasized that fruit trees intercropped with food crops not only generate income but also provide nutritious food for their children and families.
Rutaburingoga Jerome, the mayor of Gisagara district said the READAA project has transformed residents’ lives while also protecting the environment.
“We appreciate this project implemented by AEE in partnership with IIED because it addresses both development and environmental protection. It promotes good community relations, agriculture, livestock distribution, and social cohesion, as you saw people singing together. This supports our district performance targets for improving citizens’ welfare.”
He added that environmental protection activities include planting trees mixed with crops to combat erosion, retain water in the soil, and produce edible fruits that contribute to better nutrition and soil conservation.
The project operates in two districts: Gisagara and Huye District. Its broader goal is environmental restoration and rehabilitation of degraded land. These activities were recently visited by Beth Downe, Grants Manager at IIED, who traveled from England.
Overall, 382,915 agroforestry and fruit trees have already been planted. Residents have also received livestock including pigs, chickens, goats, and bees to help them access organic manure. Communities have undergone environmental conservation training, and networks linking local authorities, project staff, and citizens have been established to meet regularly and coordinate environmental protection efforts.
Future plans include increasing the number of fruit and agroforestry trees based on community needs and continuing to help residents adapt to climate change.
By Eloi Isengwe