Rural Development Initiative (RDI Rwanda), under the leadership of its Founder Aimé Kayumba, is currently implementing the project “Restoring Livelihoods and Community Resilience for Conflict-Affected Smallholder Farmers in Rubavu District” to support vulnerable border communities affected by the ongoing insecurity and armed conflict in Eastern DRC, particularly around Goma and North Kivu Province. The project directly targets over 1,500 smallholder farmers, 800 women and youth entrepreneurs, and 300 vulnerable households across the sectors of Gisenyi, Rubavu, Nyamyumba, Busasamana, Kanzenze, and Cyanzarwe, where livelihoods and cross-border economic activities have been severely disrupted by the instability involving M23, FARDC, and regional military tensions along the Rwanda–DRC border. Since the escalation of insecurity in Eastern DRC, many farming households in Rubavu experienced declining agricultural sales, reduced market access, loss of informal trading opportunities, and increased food insecurity due to the disruption of economic exchanges with Goma. In response, RDI has supported vulnerable households through climate-smart agriculture initiatives, distribution of improved seeds and farming inputs, establishment of 45 demonstration plots and 300 kitchen gardens, strengthening of 60 farmer cooperatives and VSLA groups, entrepreneurship and financial literacy training for youth and women, and small business recovery support for affected families. The project also mobilizes more than 200 youth volunteers in peacebuilding, environmental conservation, psychosocial support, and community resilience activities including fruit tree planting, nutrition awareness, and community dialogue sessions, contributing to stronger social cohesion and sustainable rural recovery in Rubavu District.

The goal of the project is to restore livelihoods, strengthen food security, and improve socio-economic resilience among conflict-affected smallholder farmers and vulnerable border communities in Rubavu District impacted by the ongoing insecurity and economic disruptions linked to the conflict in Goma and Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Through climate-smart agriculture, livelihood recovery support, entrepreneurship development, cooperative strengthening, environmental conservation, and community resilience initiatives, the project aims to directly improve the living conditions of more than 1,500 smallholder farmers, 800 women and youth entrepreneurs, and vulnerable households while promoting sustainable rural development, social cohesion, and long-term community stability along the Rwanda–DRC border. 

1. Improved Household Food Security and Farmer Confidence Expected Result: Smallholder farmers report improved food availability, increased confidence in agricultural production, and reduced vulnerability to economic shocks caused by the Eastern DRC crisis. Ways to Measure: Household interviews and beneficiary testimonies Farmer focus group discussions Observation visits to farms and kitchen gardens Baseline and end-line perception surveys 2. Increased Economic Stability Among Women and Youth Expected Result: Women and youth demonstrate improved financial confidence, stronger participation in income-generating activities, and improved ability to support household needs. Ways to Measure: VSLA and cooperative discussion reports Beneficiary case studies and success stories Entrepreneurship training feedback forms Interviews with women traders and youth groups 3. Strengthened Community Resilience and Social Cohesion Expected Result: Communities demonstrate stronger cooperation, mutual support, and improved resilience in responding to socio-economic challenges linked to insecurity in Eastern DRC. Ways to Measure: Community dialogue reports Focus group discussions with local leaders and volunteers Community perception surveys Testimonies from local authorities and community representatives 4. Improved Knowledge and Adoption of Climate-Smart Agriculture Expected Result: Farmers apply improved farming practices, environmental conservation techniques, and sustainable agriculture methods promoted through the project. Ways to Measure: Field observation checklists Demonstration farm monitoring reports Training evaluation forms Photo documentation of farming practices and kitchen gardens 5. Increased Youth Engagement and Volunteerism Expected Result: Youth become more actively involved in community development, environmental conservation, peacebuilding, and livelihood recovery initiatives. Ways to Measure: Youth volunteer activity reports Participation records from community campaigns Interviews and reflection sessions with youth groups Community feedback on youth engagement 6. Improved Psychosocial Wellbeing Among Vulnerable Households Expected Result: Beneficiary households report reduced stress, improved hope for the future, and stronger coping mechanisms despite economic disruptions caused by regional insecurity. Ways to Measure: Household interviews and beneficiary testimonies Community support group discussions Psychosocial support session reports Feedback from community leaders and social workers