Twenty families from Byimana sector in Ruhango District, who had been facing challenges accessing water and cooking fuel, are now grateful after receiving water tanks and improved cooking stoves.
Each family received a 3,000-liter rainwater harvesting tank and improved cooking stove that reduces firewood consumption by 80%. These materials were provided by the Réseau des Femmes organization in collaboration with ACORD Rwanda, through their ongoing environmental protection project called “Protect the Environment, Protect Your Life, accelerate.”
Nyirinkindi Theogene, one of the beneficiaries, expressed readiness to make good use of the equipment.
“We will now have water for irrigating crops, watering animals, and providing clean drinking water for livestock. The new stove will help us cook with less firewood, which contributes to environmental conservation and helps us fight drought.” He spoke.
Ayinkamiye Violette explains that women used to suffer from tasks like fetching water and collecting firewood, but now they have found a way to overcome these challenges.
“A woman used to get struggling often due to the heavy workload she has at home. Even just fetching water was really hard. But now, we are happy because the burden on mothers has significantly decreased.” she shared.
Uramutse Gilbert, another recipient, emphasized that the support will help his family grow crops and protect the environment.
“We used to burn a lot of firewood, but now that will be reduced. Also, the fruit trees we planted will now get enough water, so we won’t face any problems.”
Uwimana Xaverine, Legal Representative of Réseau des Femmes, explained the motivation behind giving families these tanks and stoves:
“The water tanks help families have water nearby, which in turn protects the environment because collecting rainwater reduces soil erosion. With water readily available, hygiene practices also become easier.”
Twiyubahe Fortuné, a representative from ACORD Rwanda, added that this initiative will ease the burden on families who used to spend a lot of time and effort collecting water and firewood:
“Fetching water and firewood, and spending long hours cooking, used to consume much of their time and energy. We believe giving them tools that ease these tasks allows them to focus on other development activities.”
Mukabadege Sarah Delphine, the Ruhango District official in charge of coordinating partners (JADF) thanked the organizations involved:
“These partners started by helping families shift their mindset and teaching them conflict prevention, because ignorance is often the root of disputes within families. This partnership is valuable because the projects chosen directly address the challenges facing Rwandan families.”
The project ‘Protect your Environment, protect your Life, accelerate’ usually support 20 couples from two villages in Byimana Sector, Ruhanga district, with the aim of enhancing gender equality by empowering them in environmental protection and resilience to climate change for sustainable social economic promotion.
