Rwanda builds climate resilient villages to protect residents from landslides

The Rwanda Environment Management Authority is developing climate resilient settlements in the Gakenke and Kirehe districts to move families from disaster prone areas.

The project relocates households living on steep, erosion prone slopes where families face constant threats from landslides and floods. In the Muzo Sector of Gakenke District, the new model settlement provides residents with safer housing and infrastructure designed to withstand changing rainfall patterns and droughts.

These homes include clean energy solutions, improved sanitation, and rainwater harvesting systems to provide water for domestic use and farming during dry periods. The settlements also include facilities to help residents diversify their incomes and adapt to climate change. These include Early Childhood Development centres, greenhouses for crop production, livestock rearing areas, and agakiriro centres for crafts. Residents say these facilities allow parents to work while children are cared for and provide young people with opportunities for small scale production.

In Kirehe, the planned settlement will include an Imigongo Hub where artisans can sell traditional Rwandan art. The project is part of an $8.8 million initiative running from 2022 to 2028. It employs more than 600 people, including women and young people, to construct the communities and their facilities. While the infrastructure provides immediate safety, the Rwanda Environment Management Authority says the long term success of the villages depends on residents maintaining the facilities and accessing technical support and markets.