Rural Development in Rwanda

Need

In the aftermath of the genocide in 1994, and with widespread poverty, Rwanda faces some huge challenges, but the Government has set out a brave vision for 2020 to create a knowledge based economy and a caring society. This will be a particular challenge in rural regions where the population is fast growing, scattered, and mainly surviving on subsistence farming. There is a real danger that many young people will flock to towns and cities, with the attendant risk of huge urban slums.

Solution

Rwanda Aid will create a vibrant village community with access good quality, eco friendly housing, access to quality education and health care and good amenities. There will be diverse employment and recreational opportunities. Land will be set aside for larger and more effective organic farming. Emphasis will be placed on using the most effective eco technologies and very careful cost control. It is hoped that the village will act as a blueprint and catalyst for further development.

Aim 1

Create low cost, aspirational housing using local materials only

Activities

» UK team of experts develops design and use of materials
» Train Rwandan designers and builders
» Monitor and evaluate the housing over a three year period

What success will look like

Success will be if the housing is affordable, efficient and popular

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Aim 2

Creat a village community which is, as far as possible, self-sustaining

Activities

» Ensure each household runs an effective organic kitchen garden
» Develop larger scale organic farming
» Provide training and opportunity for diverse employment

What success will look like

Success will be that after a period of five years the village no longer requires any form of subsidy or support

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Aim 3

Further the debelopment of a more knowledge based economy

Activities

» Ensure that there is a modern, purpose built school near the village
» Provide electricity and ICT equipment
» Support the school with books, equipment and training

What success will look like

Success will be when all children are able to access good quality education that meets their differing needs

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Aim 4

Creat a village that is attractive to the young

Activities

» Provide diverse employment opportunities
» Create a community centre and encourage diverse recreational opportunities including ICT, drama, music and sport

What success will look like

Success will be that the youngsters choose to remain at the village rather than migrating to cities

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Aim 5

Encourage care for the disadvantaged

Activities

» Ensure that the village has access to basic health-care
» Encourage the village to make provision for widows, orphans, disabled and elderly

What success will look like

Success will be when the disadvantaged feel secure and cared for.

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Impact

This project will provide a blueprint for rural development. It sets as its targets good quality eco housing, access to good amenities, education and health-care, provision of diverse employment and recreational opportunities and care for those on the edge of society. If it succeeds it will be replicated throughout rural Rwanda, and possibly beyond.

Risk

There is a risk that this project will be seen as interfering, social engineering. It will be important that the Rwanda Aid team works closely with the Government at local and national levels, and also consult fully with the local people involved. In the end they must structure and run their own community: we are facilitators, offering funding, advice and expertise.

Reporting

Our Rwandan team with the support of a UK manager sends a monthly newsletter. We will also report regularly in person to key donors

Budget - Project Cost: £250,000

	Amount	Heading	Description
	£125,000	Housing	Eco housing for 50 families
	£25,000	Infra structure	Light, water, fuel, sanitation
	£20,000	Vocational training	Workshops and equipment
	£20,000	Schooling	Books, ICT, training
	£20,000	Organic farming	Land, equipment and training
	£40,000	Community Centre	For meeting and recreation

Location

The model village will be located in Bweyeye in the remote South West corner of Rwanda. This is an extremely poor and needy area.

Beneficiaries

Fifty of the most needy families in the area. Families will be chosen by the local community and special emphasis will be placed on helping widows, widowers, orphans, the disabled an elderly.