Partners working through the Joint Action Development Forum (JADF) in Gisagara District invested more than Rwf 52.3 billion in projects aimed at improving the livelihoods and economic well-being of local residents over the past five years.
According to figures presented by JADF, a total of Rwf 52,357,169,935 was invested between the 2021/2022 and 2025/2026 financial years. The investments supported a wide range of sectors, including healthcare, education, social protection, agriculture, environmental conservation and economic development.
The figures highlight the growing role of partnerships between Gisagara District, development organizations and local communities in accelerating sustainable development.
The highest annual investment was recorded in the 2021/2022 financial year, when partners contributed Rwf 20,768,136,325. This was followed by Rwf 6,009,408,187 in 2022/2023, Rwf 9,277,392,509 in 2023/2024, Rwf 7,802,740,742 in 2024/2025 and Rwf 8,499,492,172 in 2025/2026.
Beyond the financial contribution, JADF partners have supported projects that have delivered tangible benefits to communities across the district.
Over the five-year period, 35 health posts, 27 girls’ rooms, one Early Childhood Development (ECD) centre and 32 classrooms were constructed. Partners also provided 1,003 improved cooking stoves and 4,500 solar lighting systems, helping households access cleaner and more affordable energy solutions.
In the area of social protection, 639 houses were constructed for vulnerable families. Four small-scale affordable markets and two greenhouses were also established to strengthen household livelihoods and local economic activities.
Agriculture received significant support, including the development of 19 hectares of radical terraces and 258 hectares of progressive terraces. A total of 21,262 livestock animals were distributed to residents, while three irrigation systems and one cooling chamber were established to support agricultural production and post-harvest management.
Speaking about the role of development partners, Jerome Rutaburingoga, Gisagara district mayor urged them to strengthen their engagement with communities and ensure that projects respond directly to the needs of residents.
“Partners need to stay close to the people, understand the challenges they face and invest in solutions that can generate lasting results,” He said.
He emphasized that closer engagement with communities is becoming even more important as the district prepares to intensify efforts to help vulnerable households move out of poverty.
According to the Mayor, every resident living in poverty is expected to receive up to Rwf 1.5 million through programmes implemented across the district, with the money intended to help beneficiaries establish income-generating activities and build sustainable livelihoods.
He added that young people will receive up to Rwf 700,000 to help them start or expand businesses and other income-generating activities.
“Our responsibility is not simply to provide support, but to ensure that the support enables people to create sustainable sources of income and become economically independent,” he said.
The mayor said the role of partners will therefore remain critical, particularly in helping communities make productive use of these opportunities and ensuring that investments translate into long-term improvements in household incomes.
In agriculture, investments in terracing, irrigation, livestock distribution, markets and support to farmers have helped strengthen productive capacity while contributing to soil and environmental conservation.
In healthcare and social welfare, the construction of health posts and other community infrastructure has brought essential services closer to residents. Meanwhile, new classrooms and ECD facilities have helped improve access to education and create a more conducive learning environment for children.
JADF officials say the achievements demonstrate that the forum is more than a platform for bringing development partners together. It provides a mechanism through which the district, partners and communities can coordinate resources and implement initiatives that directly improve people’s lives.
As Gisagara continues to prioritize poverty reduction, youth empowerment, job creation and household economic development, stronger collaboration between JADF partners, the district administration and communities is expected to remain a key pillar of sustainable development.
The investments made over the past five years demonstrate the potential of coordinated partnerships to turn financial resources into practical interventions that reach communities and create lasting impact.
