MUSANZE: Volcanoes National Park Boosts Livelihoods of Local Communities

Residents living near Volcanoes National Park in Musanze District express their appreciation for the development projects they have benefited from, crediting the park for improving their quality of life. These benefits have motivated them to protect the park from destruction, particularly from poachers, helping to ensure the safety of its wildlife.

Didier Irankunda, a resident of Kinigi Sector, said the park has transformed their lives and encouraged everyone to help conserve it.

He said, “The park has brought us many benefits. We now have new schools, access to clean water, and jobs when tourists come, which allows us to earn a living and even start small businesses.”

Beatrice Uwurukundo, another local resident, said the funds she received because of the park enabled her to start a tailoring business and pay school fees for her children.

She noted, “The money we receive from the park became my capital. Thanks to it, I bought a sewing machine, and now my kids are in school.”

Another community member mentioned support in agriculture, explaining how they were taught to farm efficiently on small plots and have since doubled their harvest. For example, they now harvest 400 kilograms of beans from land that used to yield only 200.

Jean-Guy Afrika, Executive officer of the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), recently stated that efforts have been made over the years to help communities understand the park’s value, and these efforts have paid off.

He said, “Over the past 20 years, we’ve worked closely with local communities to raise awareness about the importance of the park. Each year, 10% of tourism revenue is invested in development projects in the area, including agriculture, livestock, education, and more. This is a clear example of how tourism drives community development.”

In 2024, tourism generated over USD 647 million for Rwanda, with a goal of reaching USD 1 billion annually.

The 2025 Kwita Izina ceremony drew over 10,000 participants, including government officials, locals living around the park, and international guests. Today, Volcanoes National Park remains one of the top tourist attractions in Rwanda.

By Libos Ndayishimiye