Model Villages Shield Communities from Climate Chaos in Kirehe and Gakenke

By Justin Kayiranga

Residents of Gakenke and Kirehe are experiencing a significant turnaround thanks to the LDCF 3 project by the Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA), which has improved their lives by facilitating their relocation from high-risk zones to climate-resilient settlements.

For many of the beneficiaries, life before the intervention was marked by fear and loss.

Before moving to the Muzo IDP model village in Gakenke district, Twizerimana Florida lived in constant fear of seasonal floods.

“When it rained, especially in the evening, we felt unsafe,” she recalls. “I would run from my home, fearing that the floods would sweep us away.”

Her experience is echoed by Jean Baptiste Gahamanyi, who estimates that over 40 residents lost their lives in floods and landslides before the project began. “Now, even when it rains, we sleep soundly,” he states.

The impact of LDCF3 extends far beyond Gakenke. In Kirehe district, residents of the Nyabigega IDP model village share similar stories of renewal and resilience. Here, the project has focused on rehabilitating homes and providing critical resources such as livestock and water tanks.

Speaking about their lives before the renovation of their houses, Mukandutiye Vestine revealed that “we were living a very difficult life, our houses had no doors, then this project came and renovated our houses, they even gave us livestock and water tanks, now our lives are better.”

“We are now thinking about our future development, unlike before the project renovated these houses, when we were worried that our houses might collapse on us because they were not in good condition.” Added Mbarushimana Dieudonne.

Beyond constructing homes, the LDCF3 project has stimulated the local economy through job creation and skills training. According to Charles Sindayigaya, the project’s national coordinator, over 56,000 green jobs have been created so far across Gakenke and Kirehe.

 “In order to enhance long-term self-reliance, there are plans to establish animal shelters, a local market and a Crafts Production Center (locally known as Agakiriro) all to assist residents especially youth engage in self-development activities.”

Both Mukandayisenga Vestine, the mayor of Gakenke district and Bruno Rangira, the mayor of Kirehe district hail project’s contribution to improving the welfare of rural communities and urged residents to take ownership of the developments and ensure their sustainability beyond the project’s duration.

Defined as Ecosystem/Landscape Approach to Climate Proof the Rural Settlement Programme of Rwanda, LDCF3 Project is a six-year initiative aimed to putting Rwanda’s Rural Settlement on a climate-resilient pathway.

It is implemented by the government of Rwanda through the Rwanda Environmental Management Authority (REMA) and stakeholders with support of the Least Developed Countries Fund (LDCF) and Global Environment Facility (GEF) through the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).