Rice farmers in Cyunuzi wetland, located in Kirehe District, are witnessing renewed productivity and improved livelihoods following catchment rehabilitation interventions implemented through the Landscape Approach to Climate-Proof the Rural Settlement Project (LDCF3).

For many years, soil erosion posed a significant challenge to agricultural production in Kirehe District. In Cyunuzi Marshland, runoff from surrounding hills continuously deposited sediments into rice-growing areas, reducing soil quality and undermining yields.

To address these challenges, the Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA), through the LDCF3 project, invested in landscape restoration measures aimed at protecting the marshland and enhancing agricultural productivity.

According to Pacifique Nsengiyumva, Agronomist for Gatore Sector, extensive soil conservation interventions have transformed the surrounding catchment.

“Terraces and erosion-control structures have been established on more than 300 hectares of hillsides surrounding the marshland. These interventions were designed to reduce soil erosion and prevent fertile soil from being washed into the marshland,” he explained.

Cyunuzi Marshland supports rice cultivation across more than 400 hectares spanning Kirehe District and neighboring areas of Ngoma District. The marshland serves as an important production zone supplying paddy rice to the Kirehe Rice Factory for processing and distribution to markets across the country.

Since the launch of LDCF3 in 2022, rice production has shown a marked improvement. Records from the Kirehe Rice Factory indicate a growing supply of rice from farmers benefiting from the project’s interventions.

Emmanuel Niyirora, Manager of the Kirehe Rice Factory, noted that production volumes have increased considerably in recent years.

“Compared to the years before 2022, production from farmers has increased by more than 500 tons. We expect another significant increase this year,” he said.

The improved productivity is translating into tangible economic benefits for farming communities. More than 3,000 farmers organized under the COOPRIKI-CYUNUZI cooperative, which brings together rice growers from Kirehe and Ngoma districts, generate approximately Rwf 3 billion annually from rice production.

Beyond increasing yields, rehabilitation efforts in the Cyunuzi catchment have enhanced land productivity on surrounding hillsides, strengthened soil conservation practices, and reduced environmental risks associated with land degradation.

Kirehe District Mayor Bruno Rangira highlighted the project's contribution to local development and community well-being.

“Most of our residents depend on agriculture for their livelihoods. This project has strengthened food security, increased agricultural production, and improved household incomes,” he said.

For the LDCF3 project team, ensuring long-term sustainability remains a priority. Charles Sindayigaya, Manager of the LDCF3 project, emphasized that communities have been actively engaged throughout implementation to guarantee lasting impacts.

“We have worked closely with residents throughout implementation. Farmers have been trained and equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to sustain these practices independently and maintain the gains achieved beyond the project's lifespan,” he said.

LDCF3 is a six-year initiative implemented by REMA in partnership with the Districts of Kirehe and Gakenke, with financial support from the Global Environment Facility (GEF) through the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). Running from 2022 to 2028, the project aims to build climate-resilient communities, restore degraded ecosystems, improve livelihoods, and support sustainable rural development.

The experience in Cyunuzi demonstrates how integrated landscape restoration can deliver multiple benefits—protecting ecosystems, strengthening agricultural value chains, enhancing food security, and improving the livelihoods of farming communities in the face of climate change.