Introduction

CCOAIB in partnership with OXFAM Germany, OXFAM UK/ Rwanda and DUTERIMBERE ONG have secured funds from the European Union to implement the project called "Rwandan CSOs engage in Climate Resilient agriculture and sustainable energy initiatives (CRA project)". This is a joint project implemented by a consortium of 3 organizations: CCOAIB, OXFAM and DUTERIMBERE ONG, whereas CCOAIB is the coordinator. The duration of the project is 30 months (from 15th October 2020 to 14th April 2023).

About the Implementing Organizations

This is a joint project implemented by two Rwandan organisations and an International Non-Government Organisation: Conseil de Concertation des Organisations d'Appui aux Initiatives de Base (CCOAIB) is the lead applicant. DUTERIMBERE ONG and Oxfam (Germany and Rwanda based offices) are the co-applicants.

CCOAIB is a consortium of 40 local organisations active in advocacy, policy engagement on citizens' participation, service delivery in the agriculture sector, Climate Change (CC), and energy sectors.

DUTERIMBERE is a local organisation owned by 880 members who are committed to the promotion of women's entrepreneurship through grassroot organisations to improve their living conditions especially for those with low income.

OXFAM is an international development organisation with expertise in sustainable agriculture approaches, influencing and advocacy for the poor.

Sectors of Interventions

The project focuses on the following two sectors:

(a) Agriculture: The sustained growth of the agricultural sector in Rwanda has been driven by important public investments in land use consolidation, irrigation, land improvement, soil and water conservation, facilitating access to inputs, increasing livestock herds and social capital-building through support to cooperative development. The agro-ecological approach is a low-cost investment in the beginning and seeks to transform food and agriculture systems, addressing the root causes of problems and providing holistic and long-term solutions based on co-creation of knowledge, sharing and innovation, including the combination of local, traditional, indigenous, and practical knowledge with multi-disciplinary science. The project will pilot an innovative approach of strengthening existing agro-ecology farming practices in Rwanda while complementing them with non-existent ones to make these practices holistic and applicable in Rwanda.

(b) Energy: In Rwanda, energy sector plays a vital role in supporting socio-economic development. One of the long-term strategies of country is to reduce fuel wood consumption from 94% to 50% and one of the major contributing factors will be the installations of Biogas digesters in both residential homes as well as the institutions with large population of citizens.

Objectives of the Project

The overall objective of the project is to contribute to strengthening Rwandan CSOs to perform their roles as independent development actors working towards climate resilient, sustainable agriculture and energy sectors.

Outcome 1: Rwanda's CSOs ensure that relevant policies and plans on climate change and climate resilience reflect smallholder farmers' needs, thereby fostering sustainable rural development and food security.

  • Output 1.1: Strengthening advocacy capacity for climate resilience, agro-ecological approaches that are relevant for smallholders (esp. women, youth, vulnerable groups) in Rwanda.
  • Output 1.2: Rwandan CSOs engage with decision makers for climate resilient policies and programmes.

Outcome 2: At least 8,000 smallholder farmers' households have improved their livelihoods and food security by using climate resilient and sustainable agriculture approaches and strategies.

  • Output 2.1: Rwandan CSOs spread implementation of climate resilient, low-carbon, agro-ecological methods and strategies to 8,000 smallholder farmers in four districts for improved and sustainable agricultural productivity and livelihoods.
  • Output 2.2: Public awareness campaigns on climate change and its impacts on Rwanda's agriculture and energy sectors.
  • Output 2.3: 20 local initiatives or SMEs that focus on low carbon, green-economy business ideas have been supported for job creation.

Target Groups and Beneficiaries

The number of direct beneficiaries is expected to be 8,000 smallholder farmers and their households and communities, 40 CSOs, 100 decision makers at local levels, and 20 rural enterprises/SMEs. The number of indirect beneficiaries is expected to reach 32,000 people.

Geographical Coverage

This project is implemented in four districts: Nyagatare, Kirehe, Nyamagabe, and Nyaruguru.