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By Clementine Nyirangaruye
Gakenke District is a region characterized by high mountains and heavy rainfall, which often leads to floods and landslides. These disasters put residents’ lives at risk, as landslides destroy homes and many people lose their lives.
The Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA), is implementing the LCDF3 project funded by the Global Environment Facility through the United Nations Development Programme and in collaboration with the Rwanda Housing Authority, Meteo Rwanda, and the districts of Gakenke and Kirehe.
As one of the components of the LCDF3 Project, residents of the Muzo Sector were relocated to Kagano IDP Model Village to help them cope with the impacts of climate change and be resilient.
Jean Baptiste Gahamanyi is one of the residents who was relocated to the Kagano IDP Model Village. He says that before the relocation, he and his family lived in extremely poor conditions due to recurring natural disasters caused by climate change.
“Before being relocated here, we fetched dirty water from swamps. At one point, 40 people were killed by disasters, our livestock died, and our crops were washed away by floods. We lived in extremely poor conditions due to recurring natural disasters caused by climate change.” Gahamanyi Shared
After being relocated to the model village, Gahamanyi’s life and that of his family changed dramatically.
“When we arrived in the village that was built for us, we got clean water and electricity, and we now sleep peacefully without fear of disasters. We thank the government for other projects as well, such as building livestock shelters and helping us farm using terracing techniques to prevent soil erosion. “He added
Marie Grace Uwingabire, 38, also confirms that relocating to the model village transformed her life.
“Where we used to live, rain would destroy our homes, and we constantly moved from place to place. The soil kept eroding, and we couldn’t farm. Life was extremely hard. We’re grateful for the relocation to Kagano IDP Model Village. We now have clean water. We also got jobs in road and house construction within the village, which help us support our families.”Uwingabire shared
Charles Sindayigaya, the coordinator of the LCDF3 project implemented by the Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA), said the project involves climate change adaptation activities such as tree planting, riverbank protection, and sustainable farming.
“After settling these people in the model village, we planted trees to fight climate change, and terraces were built to stabilize hillsides and indigenous trees were planted to combat soil erosion. These efforts have reduced the risk of landslides. The LDCF3 Project’s holistic approach to building resilience has transformed the Muzo sector into a model for other vulnerable communities in Rwanda.” He said
The Mayor of Gakenke District, Vestine Mukandayisenga, urged relocated residents to maintain the infrastructure provided to them.
“A citizen who was removed from a life-threatening environment must take good care of the house they were given, ensure that the planted trees grow well, and maintain the terraces. We are educating them so they understand the importance of safeguarding what has been achieved. “She said
For the residents of Muzo, the journey from vulnerability to resilience is just beginning. With access to new opportunities and a more secure environment, they are ready to create a stronger, more sustainable, and resilient future.
The success of the Muzo initiative highlights the impact of holistic development projects. As more communities embrace this model, Rwanda edges closer to its vision of becoming a resilient, climate-adaptive nation.
