Project description
The project Promoting Sustainable Agriculture in a Changing Climate in Rweru Sector, Bugesera District was implemented by the Rural Environment and Development Organization (REDO) with funding from UNDP under support of GEF-SGP to strengthen the resilience of smallholder farmers facing recurrent drought and declining productivity. The initiative promotes innovative climate smart agriculture by building the capacity of local communities in compost production, conservation agriculture, organic Integrated Pest Management, push pull technology, and the use of solar powered hillside irrigation systems on 5.7 hectares. It further supports agroforestry expansion through the planting of fruit and agroforestry trees in the Rweru Lake buffer zone, introduces drip-irrigation demonstrations for water use efficiency, and enhances maize and horticulture production. Working closely with two cooperatives TWITEZIMBERE alongside district and sector authorities, the project also strengthens market linkages through partnerships with private agro-business companies. Ultimately, the project aims to empower communities to adapt to climate change, increase agricultural productivity, improve livelihoods, and contribute to long term environmental sustainability in Bugesera District.
AChievements
The project successfully implemented climate smart agriculture practices in Rweru sector, Bugesera District, including the installation of one solar powered hillside irrigation systems and cultivation of 5.7 hectares of land, which contributed to increasing maize production from three tonnes per hectare to five tonnes per hectare. Drip irrigation was demonstrated to promote efficient water use, and twenty cooperative members and extension officers were trained in climate smart agriculture techniques, compost production, integrated pest management, and agroecological practices. Two Farmer Field Schools were established to provide practical demonstration and learning opportunities. In addition, ten thousand fruit and agroforestry trees were planted around the Rweru Lake buffer zone and smallholder farms, helping to restore degraded land and reduce soil erosion. The project also strengthened market linkages by partnering with GAB Ltd, provided a maize fresher machine to improve post-harvest handling, and contributed to increased household income through higher crop yields and diversification. Beyond agriculture, the project created employment opportunities, reached seven thousand five hundred fifty indirect beneficiaries, enhanced social cohesion, and ensured sustainability through the establishment of a Friends of Environment platform and the training of beneficiaries in tree management, crop production, and maintenance of project results.
Project area: Bugesera district,Rweru sector, Batima cell
Status: Completed
Project duration: 2022-2023
In Collaboration with
