Green Gicumbi Project mobilizes youth for special umuganda to fight soil erosion and promote climate action

On September 26, 2025, the Green Gicumbi Project, in collaboration with the Rwandan Youth Agribusiness and Farmers (RYAF), organized a special Umuganda community work in Byumba Sector.

The activity focused on planting reeds along radical terraces to protect soil, provide fodder for livestock, and safeguard agroforestry zones.

The initiative emphasized that Rwanda’s land is a priceless resource, comparing it to gold, and that its protection is everyone’s responsibility in the fight against climate change.

Jean Marie Vianney Kagenza, the Project Coordinator of Green Gicumbi, highlighted that in the nine sectors where the project operates, more than 90,000 jobs have been created, particularly through tree planting and anti-erosion measures.

He also pointed out the importance of preserving the Umuvumba catchment area, which flows toward the Gatuna border and often damages tea plantations and crops due to heavy rainfall.

The project has also resettled families previously living in high-risk zones, ensuring their safety while preventing further land degradation.

“We brought together residents of Gashirwe and Gisuna cells to plant reeds, which not only prevent erosion but also serve as fodder for their livestock. We urge the community especially the youth to value land as we value gold, protect our environment, and jointly fight climate change,” Kagenza said.

Young farmers participating in the event stressed that they are committed to building a country free from erosion, noting that agriculture already makes a significant contribution to exports, with youth from Gicumbi playing a central role in preparing for a sustainable future.

RYAF continues to provide nationwide training in professional agribusiness and livestock, helping youth access affordable finance through partnerships with BRD and local SACCOs to strengthen their entrepreneurship capacity.