Villages of Hope

Food security remains a significant challenge for families in Rwanda, particularly in the densely populated Nyanza District. Nearly 30%¹ of children under five suffer from chronic malnutrition, exacerbated by limited access to food and adverse environmental factors such as climate change and poor agricultural practices. Many families rely on subsistence farming for sustenance, facing daily struggles exacerbated by economic instability.

Objective

The Villages of Hope project aims to empower communities to achieve long-term self-reliance, improve health, and preserve the environment in Nyanza District, Southern Rwanda. The project seeks to address food insecurity and poverty in rural villages.

Activities

In collaboration with Dufatanye Organization, the project implements an integrated approach focused on capacity-building training and sustainable agriculture. Families receive training in improved agricultural practices and healthy nutrition, including the establishment of vegetable gardens and educational initiatives for children. Financial management skills are enhanced through village savings and loan groups, while sanitation improvements and access to safe drinking water are facilitated. Tree planting initiatives and sustainable agricultural practices promote environmental conservation.

Outcome and Impact

Since 2022, Suyana has supported Dufatanye Organization in improving food security and livelihoods in Nyanza District. Thanks to the implemented transformative agricultural practices, individuals have access to at least two to three nutritious meals daily, fostering a diverse and healthy diet for the community.

Moreover, our Village Savings and Loans Association (VSLA) has significantly improved income stability, empowering families to cover essential expenses such as medical bills and children’s education. This financial security not only alleviates poverty but also addresses pressing issues like school drop-out rates and child labor, fostering a brighter future for the next generation.

Our overarching goal is to cultivate self-reliance, inspiring positive change and fortifying community resilience.

“We were given knowledge about vegetable farming so that even at home as they taught us in the agriculture club, we started to grow them with our parents and we can make some income from them too and as we continue to nurture our gardens and cultivate our future, we are reminded that every seed we plant holds the promise of a better tomorrow.”

Tuyizere Emmanuel- S.2 student at GS Mubuga