Community-led planning and management for biodiversity and resilient communities in Southern Rwanda
Partner: Trócaire
2020-2024
Location: The buffer zone of Nyungwe National Park, in the Southern Province of Rwanda. Buruhikiro and Uwinkingi Sectors in Nyamagabe District, and Kivu Sector in Nyaruguru District.
Project Partners:
Source: Africa Geographic
Project aim
This project set out to improve the wellbeing and livelihoods of communities living around Nygungwe National Park (NNP). Through tailored training and support to assess, plan and sustainably manage their land and natural resources they have cultivated environmentally and economically sustainable and resilient communities.
Key facts and figures
Biodiversity Conservation and Resource Management
- 950 households adopted agro-ecology practices. This includes 158 woman-headed households and 80 led by men.
Livelihoods
- Family incomes increased by 51.2%, from 154,600 RWF (£90) to 221,600 RWF (£125).
- 400 people started their own small businesses with help from the project.
- 1,356 people joined Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLA) to help manage their money.
Education and Awareness
- 2,486 students learned about biodiversity conservation and environmental protection.
- 3 young men and 3 young women acquired their diploma course in Environmental, Forestry and Tourism Study in the local College of Conservation, Biodiversity and Environmental Management (IPRC Kitabi).
Community Action Plans and Training
- 19 communities developed and implemented resource management plans.
- 950 people were trained in agro-ecological practices.
- 1,960 people were trained in energy-saving cooking technologies.
What was the problem the project set out to address?
Nyungwe National Park (NNP), located in Rwanda’s Southern Province, is home to a rich ecosystem and diverse wildlife. However, the area faces major threats due to human economic activities. Farming, grazing, and illegal activities like poaching, logging and mining have been damaging the park’s environment and biodiversity. Economic pressures force many local people to rely on these unsustainable illegal practices to provide for their families, as legal income-generating activities often fail to meet their needs.
The communities living around the park are densely populated and include some of the most vulnerable groups, such as widows, people with disabilities, unemployed youth, and historically marginalised groups. Without better economic opportunities, these communities have struggled to balance survival with the protection of their environment. The degradation of forests, soil erosion, and the disappearance of local plant and animal species were major concerns that needed urgent attention. Not only do the stated practices damage the local environment, but their unsustainable nature highlights the finite nature of the resources they rely on to survive. Should they continue as they are, they will be left without a source of income in the years to come. This project aimed to address these issues by partnering with the communities to better understand the local context and therefore provide tailored support to equip them with the skills to manage their resources sustainably, while improving their wellbeing and livelihoods.
Activities and outcomes
The project, led by Trócaire, worked in the Nyamagabe and Nyaruguru districts to build environmentally and economically resilient communities. The activities focused on the following key areas:
1. Training Communities in Conservation and Sustainable Livelihoods
- Trócaire trained local farmers in agroforestry practices which helped reduce soil erosion, improved environmental health, and increased biodiversity.
- Community-based Conservation Committees were established and trained to provide technical support and oversee the management of natural resources and oversee implementation of the biodiversity action plans. As a result, 533,000 trees were planted and carefully monitored to ensure they survived and thrived. Tree nurseries expanded forest cover by an average of 10% in plantations and 5% in croplands.
- Also to combat malnutrition and improve food security, the project reintroduced indigenous crops and medicinal plants at the household level.
2. Providing Clean Water and Energy-Saving Solutions
- Wells and water catchments were rehabilitated in six villages, providing clean water and reducing the burden of collecting water for families.
- 1,900 energy-saving cooking stoves were distributed. These stoves reduced the reliance on firewood, slowing deforestation while improving health outcomes by reducing smoke inhalation, particularly for women.
3. Supporting Alternative Livelihoods and Small Businesses
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The project introduced alternative sources of income which helped reduce pressures on natural resources. For example, 1,410 chickens and 300 rabbits were distributed to families, providing eggs and meat while generating a small income. Five beekeeping cooperatives were supported with tools, boosting honey production as another sustainable income stream.
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Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLA) were established to help community members save and loan money. This initiative created 170 small businesses, including those focused on agriculture, livestock, and other income-generating activities. Beneficiaries used their savings for medical insurance, school supplies, and expanding their farms. The long-term success of these businesses were supported through training on business plans and the improving their access to the market. This saw a 51.2% increase in average annual income for beneficiaries, surpassing the target of 15% increase
4. Raising Awareness and Involving Youth
- The project conducted conservation awareness sessions in 19 villages. Community volunteers called ANICOS (Agents of Change) played a crucial role in spreading these messages through outreach activities and a radio drama program which reached 13,300 individuals.
- Environmental clubs were established in schools, engaging 2,486 students in activities such as tree planting, seed collection, and tree nursery management. These efforts not only educated the youth but also empowered them to advocate for conservation in their communities.
5. Training of Trócaire’s Implementing Partners
- Local NGOs who were involved in implementing the project, and who will be continuing to work in the area in various capacities, were trained in agroecology, natural resource management and governance, so that the successes of the project will not be lost but built on.
Challenges and lessons learnt
Environment:
While the project achieved significant successes, it also faced challenges, particularly related to climate variability. A long dry spell during one project year disrupted agricultural activities, and wildfires in August 2024 caused severe damage to Nyungwe National Park. Despite these setbacks, the project partners adapted quickly and achieved fantastic results, proving the resilience of both the community and the project approach.
VSLAs:
Additionally, while the digitalization of VSLAs was intended to improve efficiency, challenges with upgrading software systems caused delays in tracking savings. This highlighted the value of testing and preparing digital tools in advance for future programming.
Inclusion:
One key lesson from the project was the power of community ownership. By equipping communities with knowledge and resources and involving them in decision-making, the project ensured long-term success. The active role played by Conservation Committees, school clubs, and ANICOS community volunteers, as well as strong links forged with National Park authorities and local government demonstrated the value of engaging people at all levels.
Conclusion
Trocaire have successfully implemented a project with a holistic approach to tackling multidimensional poverty and biodiversity conservation, which will contribute to long-term impact through sustainable change. Despite external challenges, they adapted to overcome environmental and technological challenges and ensure impactful results. Their commitment to including community voices in the design and rollout has been integral to the ownership of activities shown by participant communities and individuals, and overall project success. There is great promise that the practices learnt, businesses built and community groups strengthened will continue to support the restoration of Nyungwe National Park's environment and biodiversity, while creating long-term stability.