The Landscape Approach to Climate-Proof the Rural Settlement Project (LDCF3) is accelerating efforts to restore degraded landscapes, improve agricultural productivity, and strengthen community resilience to climate change in Gakenke and Kirehe districts.

Implemented by the Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA) with support from the Global Environment Facility (GEF) through the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the project is contributing to sustainable rural development through ecosystem restoration, climate-smart agriculture, and livelihood enhancement.

Among its key targets, LDCF3 aims to develop 500 hectares of radical terraces and establish forests and agroforestry systems across 2,000 hectares, interventions designed to curb soil erosion, restore degraded land, and improve agricultural productivity.

According to Charles Sindayigaya, LDCF3 Project Manager at REMA, the initiative is structured around three strategic components aimed at improving both environmental conditions and community livelihoods.

“The first component focuses on resettling households in a manner that strengthens their resilience to climate change. The project plans to construct climate-resilient homes for 500 households, and so far, 220 houses have been completed, including 180 in Gakenke and 75 in Kirehe,” he said.

The second component focuses on landscape restoration and sustainable land management practices.

“We are targeting the construction of 500 hectares of radical terraces, and already 400 hectares have been completed. At the same time, we are restoring degraded areas through afforestation and agroforestry interventions, and more than 2,000 hectares have already been covered,” Sindayigaya explained.

Beyond environmental restoration, LDCF3 is also supporting communities to increase agricultural production, diversify income sources, and strengthen local economies.

“The third component is dedicated to improving community welfare and livelihoods. We support cooperatives and farmers to enhance productivity, promote value addition, distribute improved seeds, and introduce crop diversification through high-value crops such as chili and passion fruit,” he added.

Communities benefiting from the project attest to the positive changes brought about by these interventions.

In Musaza Sector, where solar-powered irrigation has been introduced, farmers have shifted from rain-fed agriculture to year-round production. Valenci Ntaganda, a farmer from Gicuma Village in Gasarabwayi Cell, says access to irrigation has transformed farming practices and significantly increased harvests.

In neighboring Gatore Sector, landscape restoration efforts have revitalized degraded forest areas and improved environmental conditions.

Sylvie Uwingabiye, a resident of Muhanda Cell who leads groups involved in terrace construction, recalls the state of the area before rehabilitation efforts began.

“Before the project intervened, the forest had become degraded and trees struggled to grow. Through support from GEF and REMA, terraces were constructed and the forest was restored. Today, we observe improved environmental conditions and receive more rainfall compared to neighboring areas,” she said.

Pacifique Nsengiyumva, Agronomist for Gatore Sector, explained that restoration interventions were necessary to reverse years of land degradation.

“Before rehabilitation, the area was highly susceptible to soil erosion. We established 100 hectares of radical terraces and identified 215 hectares for progressive terraces. The forest, which covered 23 hectares and was shared by 53 households, had become degraded and unproductive. Restoration was essential to improve ecosystem health and contribute to climate resilience,” he noted.

LDCF3 interventions have also extended beyond agriculture and environmental restoration to improving social infrastructure and living conditions.

In Gatore Sector, a settlement established in 2012 had gradually deteriorated due to inadequate infrastructure. Through the project, a 2.5-kilometre road was constructed, electricity was extended to 150 households with opportunities for further expansion, and Cash Power meters were installed.

Additionally, 45 households received rainwater harvesting systems, while goats and pigs were distributed to strengthen household livelihoods and improve income generation opportunities.

Kirehe District Mayor Bruno Rangira highlighted the project's contribution to agricultural transformation and food security.

“This project has helped transform the district into a greener and more productive area. Previously, farmers depended entirely on rainfall, but today they can irrigate throughout the year, resulting in significantly higher agricultural production,” he said.

Valued at approximately USD 8.5 million, LDCF3 is being implemented in Gakenke and Kirehe districts to strengthen climate resilience through integrated landscape restoration. Its interventions include the construction of radical and progressive terraces, forest rehabilitation, agroforestry, resettlement of households from high-risk zones, and the provision of essential services such as electricity, water access, and rainwater harvesting systems.

As implementation progresses, the project continues to demonstrate how investments in ecosystem restoration and climate-smart agriculture can increase productivity, diversify livelihoods, strengthen food security, and support communities in adapting to the impacts of climate change.