KOICA-Backed Initiative in Gatsibo: Advancing Climate-Resilient Agriculture and Green Jobs in Rwanda

Gatsibo District has officially marked a major milestone with the launch of the Agricultural Climate Resilience and Green Jobs Creation for Youth in Rural Communities (CRCSP) project, a transformative initiative backed by a total project budget of USD 17,165,000. The project is set to redefine agriculture, strengthen climate resilience, and unlock thousands of economic opportunities for rural communities.

The project, implemented by the Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB), is funded through a strong partnership between the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), the Government of Rwanda, and the World Food Programme (WFP). At its core, the initiative focuses on the rehabilitation and development of the Mishenyi marshland, spanning over 500 hectares across Gitoki and Kabarore sectors an area long challenged by unreliable water supply and low agricultural productivity.

The CRCSP project introduces a new era of year-round farming, ensuring consistent water access and significantly improving crop yields. This four-year initiative (2026–2029) is designed not only to boost agricultural production but also to build resilience against climate change while creating sustainable green jobs, particularly for youth and women. More than 6,250 households are expected to directly benefit from this ambitious investment.

The launch ceremony brought together high-level leaders and development partners, including Dr. Jeanne Nyirahabimana, Executive Secretary of Eastern Province; Gasana Richard, Mayor of Gatsibo District; Kim Jinhwa, KOICA Country Director; Nyiramutangwa Sarah, RAB-SPIU Cross-Cutting Program Manager; Andrea Bagnoli, WFP Country Representative; Jinhoon Jo, KOICA Project Management Consultant; and Bucyana Benjamin, CRCSP Project Manager. Their presence highlighted the shared commitment to driving inclusive and sustainable rural development.

For local farmers, the project is a long-awaited solution to persistent challenges. NYIRABIHOYIKI Claudine, a rice farmer from Mishenyi village in Kabarore sector, described how water shortages have limited her production for years. Cultivating 40 ares of land, she harvested only seven sacks far below her expectations.

“In truth, we have long suffered from water shortages in this marshland, and our yields have been very low,” she explained. “With this rehabilitation, I strongly believe production will increase, and our lives will improve.” She added that for women, the project represents a renewed opportunity to work with confidence, knowing that their efforts will yield tangible results.

Her optimism is shared by Samuel Niyibishaka, a father of three who has struggled with the unpredictability of rain-fed agriculture. He expressed hope that the rehabilitation of Mishenyi marshland will bring stability, improved food security, and the ability to save for his family’s future.

Local cooperative leaders see the CRCSP project as a turning point. Leopord Munyambibi, president of the cooperative operating in the area, emphasized the contrast between past hardships and the new promise of structured investment.

“Farming conditions were extremely difficult, with low yields and limited support,” he noted. “Today, with irrigation and organized investment, we are confident that production will increase significantly and transform livelihoods across our community.”

Gatsibo District Mayor, Gasana Richard, praised the Government of Rwanda and its partners for their continued dedication to improving citizens’ welfare. He emphasized that the project will address critical challenges such as poverty and food insecurity while boosting rice production on a large scale.

“This project will solve many challenges, including poverty in families and food shortages in our country,” he stated. He further revealed that complementary initiatives including livestock distribution for organic fertilization, construction of drying facilities, and improved market access will create additional employment opportunities, especially for youth and women.

He called upon residents to take ownership of the project and ensure its sustainability through active participation and protection of the infrastructure.

Dr. Jeanne Nyirahabimana, Eastern Province Executive Secretary, highlighted that the project goes beyond infrastructure development by equipping farmers with modern agricultural skills and post-harvest management techniques. She noted that similar marshland rehabilitation projects across Eastern Province have already demonstrated significant improvements in productivity, and Mishenyi is expected to follow the same path.

KOICA Country Director Kim Jinhwa urged beneficiaries to embrace unity and collaboration as key drivers of success. “When people come together, nothing is impossible,” he said, expressing confidence that the project will become a life-changing solution for the community.

Nyiramutangwa Sarah, RAB-SPIU Cross-Cutting Program Manager, reaffirmed that marshland development is part of a broader national strategy to combat climate change and increase agricultural output across Rwanda.

“This investment reflects the Government and partners’ strong commitment to building climate-resilient agriculture systems,” she stated. “When marshlands like Mishenyi are properly developed and managed, they become highly productive and reliable sources of food and income for communities.”

She further emphasized the long-term vision of the initiative, adding: “Beyond increasing yields, this project is about empowering farmers especially youth and women with sustainable opportunities and skills that will secure their future and strengthen national food security.”

CRCSP project takes root in Gatsibo district, it carries the hopes of thousands of families. More than just an agricultural initiative, it represents a bold step toward resilience, empowerment, and sustainable development where innovation meets opportunity, and where today’s investment lays the foundation for a more prosperous and food-secure future.