A project aimed at reducing poverty and improving food and nutrition security through sustainable agriculture, nutrition education, and community savings systems in Kitabi and Kaduha sectors.
This project promoted nutrition-sensitive agriculture, supported the production of Vegetable Protein Concentrates (VPCs), improved land protection, and strengthened tontines (community savings systems). Using Farmer Field School (FFLS) and VSLA approaches, the project empowered smallholder farmers to adopt sustainable and nutritious agricultural practices while promoting gender inclusion and youth engagement.
Kitabi and Kaduha sectors, Nyamagabe District, Southern Province, Rwanda
600 households (?2,400 individuals; 70% female, 30% male)
January 1, 2022 - January 1, 2023
$75,000.00
Promote nutrition-sensitive agriculture
Encourage VPC production and consumption
Restore agricultural land
Strengthen community savings and credit systems
Achievements:
3,600+ kitchen gardens established
108 rainwater tanks installed
188 improved stoves built
12,550 agroforestry and fruit trees planted
25 VSLAs mobilized RWF 17M savings
96% of Kitabi and 89% of Kaduha households now prepare balanced meals
Malnutrition eradicated among target households
The project directly supported 600 vulnerable households in Kitabi and Kaduha sectors, reaching approximately 2,400 individuals. It achieved remarkable progress in nutrition-sensitive agriculture, with 96% of Kitabi and 89% of Kaduha households now preparing balanced meals for children and pregnant women. All 12 initial malnutrition cases were successfully treated, and no new cases have been recorded.
In 2023, over 3,600 kitchen gardens were established 723 through Farmer Field and Learning Schools (FFLS) and 2,868 at the household level. Additionally, 108 rainwater harvesting tanks (72 in Kitabi, 36 in Kaduha) were installed, reducing water-fetching distances and erosion while supporting agriculture and hygiene.
Small livestock distribution enhanced both nutrition and income. Kitabi households received 139 goats, 211 pigs, 407 rabbits, and 344 chickens, while Kaduha households received 119 goats, 7 pigs, 51 rabbits, and 207 chickens. Rotational livestock practices fostered socio-economic resilience.
The project introduced the innovation focused on the household-level production of Vegetable Protein Concentrates (VPCs) from climbing bean leaves is a key achievement of the project. It has been well received by beneficiaries as well as local authorities and health centers services in the targeted cells. Currently, VPCs are used by beneficiary families as a nutritional supplement in meals for children under two years old, helping to prevent malnutrition.