Twenty families in Byimana Sector of Ruhango District ensure that they no longer struggle to access water and firewood after receiving water tanks and improved cooking stoves.
The families received the equipment in July 2025, through the project “Protect your Environment, protect your Life, accelerate” implemented by Réseau des Femmes Oeuvrant pour le Développement Rural (Réseau des Femmes) in partnership with ACORD Rwanda, with support from AFD and Terre Solidaire.
Hitumuremyi Deo and Mukandayisenga Esperance, one of the 20 families, affirm that they have already started making good use of the support.
“If there is something I am truly happy about, it is this water tank. As soon as I received it, I immediately put it to good use.” Said, Hitumuremyi
He explains that the benefits include being able to grow vegetables, even during the dry season, allowing the family to be self-sufficient and even share the surplus with neighbors.
“As you can see, all my vegetables are fresh and healthy. They never lack water. Even during the dry season, I always have vegetables, that I even share with my neighbours.” He spoke.
Mukandayisenga Esperance also emphasizes that the stove they received has greatly helped them in terms of firewood use.
“In this area, there is not enough firewood. I used to go to collect it today and return tomorrow, but now, what I gathered today can be used today, tomorrow, and even the next day.” She said.
This stove also came with another material that keeps food warm, known as runonko.
Mukandayisenga explains that this allows her to cook only once a day. “ After cooking, I put the food in the runonko and it stays warm, so in the evening we simply eat the same food.” She added.
These facilities, complemented by training provided to the couples on sharing household chores, have also reduced the time and burden that women previously carried alone in doing such chores.
Mukarurangwa Marie Grâce says this has enabled women to find time to engage in other activities, including taking on leadership roles.
“I am now a leader in charge of social affairs within the women’s council at the cell level. Before, this would not have been possible because household duties used to take up all my time.” She said.
The second phase of the project “Protect the Environment, Protect Your Life” is coming to an end.
The project coordinator, Nayiravugwa Grâce, emphasizes that, thanks to the training provided, there is confidence that the project’s activities will continue to have an impact even after the project ends.
“We equipped them with sufficient knowledge on environmental protection and on promoting gender equality and complementarity. We believe they will continue to apply this in their households and also support other neighbouring families.” She said.
Among other forms of support, the project also provided beneficiaries with training on making organic compost, establishing tree nurseries, and practicing environmentally friendly agriculture.
