Empowering rural youth and
farming
communities for a
sustainable future
Helping rural youth and farming communities build resilience through
sustainable agriculture in Rwanda.
Empowering rural youth and farming communities for a sustainable future
Helping rural youth and farming communities build resilience through
sustainable agriculture in Rwanda.
Our Strategic Approach
Equipping rural youth and farmers,
Strengthening communities.
Who we are
What we do
RDI programs deliver knowledge, skills, innovative practices and materials to support reliable, higher production; help secure connections to fair-market buyers; and nurture diverse opportunities for Rwanda’s small-holder farmers and rural communities.
The problem
In Rwanda, 4 million subsistence farmers rely on manual labor and face unpredictable weather, leading to unreliable harvests, poverty, and limited opportunities, making it difficult to produce enough food to feed themselves, let alone have a surplus to sell.
The solution
Rwanda’s subsistence farmers need support to shift to climate-adaptive, market-oriented farming, allowing them to grow and sell diverse climate-resilient crops. This assistance will boost their livelihoods and enhance resilience to climate change.
OUR VISION
A future where youth and rural community actively contribute to advancement and sustainable development.
OUR MODEL
We believe in empowering young people and farmers to transform their lives and communities while promoting sustainability. Our comprehensive model provides everything needed to grow increase their income, and create a sustainable future.
OUR MISSION
Empowering youth and rural communities with knowledge, tools and support needed to foster progress and promote responsible practices for a thriving future.
Our Programs
Transitioning close to 4 million farmers from subsistence to market growing and sales is a multi-faceted undertaking. Rural Rwandans know their traditional livelihood approaches are no match for the climate challenges they face. RDI’s participatory, multi-pronged approach tackles real
problems– like fields being washed away, hand-in-hand with those they most effect.
RESILIENT MARKET AGRICULTURE
RURAL YOUTH ENGAGEMENT
CLIMATE CHANGE ADAPTATION AND MITIGATION
Stories from the field
Our work is positively impacting the lives of more and more women, men and families. Whether food security and nutrition, increased income or land preservation, the effects are profound. Meet some of the project participants helping RDI make real change happen for themselves, their families and their communities.
Mukamana Chantal
Mukamana Chantal is proud that her new job at our Rutsiro District nursery is growing trees that will ease flooding on the banks of the Muregeya River.
Alfred Twayigize
Father of six Alfred Twayigize in one of the Karongi District tree nurseries.
Uwidukaye Diane
Uwidukaye Diane, an RDI-supported farmer, with her thriving bean crop. With only one living parent, Diane is a key earner for her family, including three young brothers.
Mukamana Chantal
Mukamana Chantal is proud that her new job at our Rutsiro District nursery is growing trees that will ease flooding on the banks of the Muregeya River.
Alfred Twayigize
Father of six Alfred Twayigize in one of the Karongi District tree nurseries.
Uwidukaye Diane
Uwidukaye Diane, an RDI-supported farmer, with her thriving bean crop. With only one living parent, Diane is a key earner for her family, including three young brothers.
HOW WE DO IT
Fostering Growth, Inspiring Progress
Skills development
Equipping rural farmers with skills in modern, climate-smart agriculture to increase productivity and sustain production resources, and with the confidence and know-how to reach buyers.
Provision of Resilient Inputs
Enabling subsistence farmers to access resources and high-quality inputs for increased production and income.
Access to markets
Connecting farmers with fair-market, ethical buyers to ensure their dedication and hard work translate into sustainable incomes, better opportunities, and long-term financial growth.
Climate Change Resilience
RDI trains farmer groups in climate-smart planting, mulching irrigation and fertilization techniques. Our agroforestry projects aim to counter erosion, mitigate flooding, revitalize soil, sequester CO2, and create sustainable employment.
OUR STRATEGIC APPROACH
Promoting Agri-Business in Rwanda
Our Partners
