Communities in Kivu-Rusizi Catchment Collaborate on Landscape Restoration Through an Innovative Exchange Initiative
TOP AFRICA NEWS Reporter
Rwanda – From August 26 to 27, 2024, over 70 farmers from the Rutsiro, Rusizi, and Karongi districts of Rwanda participated in an innovative Community-to-Community Exchange initiative. This event was designed to foster the sharing of knowledge and strategies for landscape restoration and community development.
The exchange featured in-depth discussions on agroforestry, tree planting techniques, sustainable agricultural practices, and soil and water management. Participants also visited a group of Rutsiro farmers who have been collaborating with ARCOS for over five years, witnessing firsthand their tangible achievements. Among the practical skills shared were methods for producing organic manure and fertilizers from indigenous trees species, and medicinal applications, among other activities.
Organized under the Landscape Restoration for Sustainable Socio-Ecological Systems and Resilience to Climate Change project, the event provided a platform for participants to collaborate on effective restoration techniques and sustainable development practices.
The Community-to-Community Exchange initiative is a key component of the broader landscape restoration “Kivu-Rusizi Catchment Restoration Project” aiming to enhance local actors’ capacity, empower grassroots structure, create restoration of model sites in Rwanda, Burundi and Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and promote knowledge sharing and networking. ARCOS obtained funds from Bezos Earth Fund to implement this project in Kivu-Rusizi Catchment from 2023-2028.
Joselyne Barakagwira, Project Coordinator, highlighted the importance of this initiative: “The exchange is more than just an exchange of ideas; it is a celebration of the power of community-driven restoration. By coming together, sharing our experiences, and learning from one another, we are building a stronger foundation for sustainable development and climate resilience in our regions.”
Participants from both districts expressed their enthusiasm and optimism about the Community-to-Community Exchange potential impact.
Karangwayire Maria Goretti, a community leader from Rutsiro district, reflected on the day’s activities: “The exchange has given us new insights and practical skills that we can immediately apply to our own restoration efforts. It has also strengthened our connections with our neighbors in Karongi, which will be invaluable as we work together to overcome shared challenges.”
Similarly, Mudahemuka Daniel, a participant from Karongi district, spoke about the benefits of learning directly from other communities: “The field visits were particularly eye-opening. Seeing how others have successfully implemented restoration projects gives us confidence that we can achieve similar success. This program has truly equipped us with the tools and knowledge we need to make a difference.”
A SWOT analysis helped identify areas for improvement, while training on sustainable value chains aimed to enhance economic opportunities. The exchange also reinforced the ARCOS BEST approach to ensure effective, sustainable restoration efforts.
