As climate change continues to have severe effects on the lives and livelihoods of communities, the Rwanda Red Cross has launched a new initiative aimed at empowering citizens to tackle these challenges. The project focuses on promoting sustainable farming practices, environmental conservation, and creating profitable ventures to help communities adapt to climate-related difficulties.
Funded by the Austrian Red Cross, this project will be implemented in the Karongi and Nyamasheke districts, where it will offer lasting solutions to climate-related issues. Key activities will include addressing soil erosion, providing clean water, promoting climate-resilient agriculture, and educating communities on crop insurance and future planning.
On behalf of Rwanda Red Cross Society, Mr Mazimpaka Emmanuel, the Head of Communications, Fundraising and Humanitarian Diplomacy Department in Rwanda Red Cross, comended the Austrian Red Cross and Austrian Climate ministry for the huge support to RRCS which will facilitate the National Society to perfectly reach its auxiliary role to the Government.
Emmanuel Mazimpaka, emphasized: “We want communities to realize that they can create solutions themselves, rather than waiting for external aid. This project focuses on educating people about sustainable living, offering training on crop insurance, improving agricultural yields, and water conservation during dry seasons.”
The project aims to empower citizens by offering training on micro-financing, with a special emphasis on women and youth, helping them create profit-generating projects that can mitigate the effects of climate change.
Abraham Gossay, the Austrian Red Cross Representative in Rwanda, stressed the importance of local participation in the project’s success.
He stated, “Our partnership aims to help communities not just rely on aid, but to think critically and implement sustainable solutions to climate change. We want this project to have a visible impact and create positive changes in people’s lives.”
Aligned with national government initiatives such as Rwanda’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) and the Green Growth and Climate Resilience Strategy, the project will help address the challenges posed by climate change.
The project is set to run for four years, benefiting over 100,000 people by providing them with quick, sustainable solutions to climate change. It aims to enhance their capacity for self-sufficiency and improve their long-term well-being.
Muzungu Gerard, the Mayor of Karongi District, expressed the community’s excitement about the project.
He stated, “We are thrilled to have this project in one of the sectors in our district, as it provides an opportunity for our people to access development projects that will help lift them out of poverty. We urge the residents to take full advantage of the support and ensure they make the most of what has been provided.”
MUTARUGERA Munanira Dieudonne, the Advisor to Nyamasheke District Executive Committee, who represented the district mayor, added that the project’s impact on local farmers would be invaluable, especially in addressing the unpredictable weather patterns that disrupt agriculture.
He said, “The project is timely, as it will help our people deal with the changing climate, particularly in agriculture, and it will also positively affect employment opportunities.”
The project, which has a budget of 1.5 million euros (approximately 2.1 billion Rwandan Francs), is set to run from January 1, 2025, to December 31, 2028, and will cover four sectors in both Nyamasheke and Karongi districts.
The partnership between the Austrian Red Cross and Rwanda Red Cross began in 2016, supporting community development and climate change adaptation projects. This new initiative marks the third phase of the collaboration, having already reached over 100,000 citizens through previous efforts.
By Carine Kayitesi
