Global perspective Human stories

FROM THE FIELD: Rwanda’s Green Villages benefit poorest

The poorest and most vulnerable people in Rwanda have benefited from the “Green Village” concept, a Rwandan government initiative which is supported by UNDP and UN Environment, that aims to tackle the African country’s growing natural resource challenges,
UNDP Rwanda/Alice Kayibanda
The poorest and most vulnerable people in Rwanda have benefited from the “Green Village” concept, a Rwandan government initiative which is supported by UNDP and UN Environment, that aims to tackle the African country’s growing natural resource challenges, including deforestation, soil erosion, access to water and unsustainable land use.

FROM THE FIELD: Rwanda’s Green Villages benefit poorest

Economic Development

An innovative approach to supporting the poorest and most vulnerable in Rwanda, is helping to address environmental problems and achieve ambitious development goals there, according to the UN.

In Rwandas Green Villages rain water harvesting and the use of water reservoirs to control run-off ensures that water is available throughout the year. This generates health and economic benefits to the village households.
UNDP Rwanda/Gabrielle Tillberg

The “Green Village” concept, a Rwandan government initiative which is supported by the UN Development Programme (UNDP) and UN Environment (UNEP) aims to tackle the African country’s growing natural resource challenges - including deforestation, soil erosion, access to water and unsustainable land use. It also ensures that the poorest Rwandans have access to homes, schools, water, gas and electricity.

Rwanda’s impressive 8 per cent economic growth-rate in the first 14 years of the new millennium, has helped to boost recovery in the aftermath of the 1994 genocide, however 40 percent of the population still lives in poverty.

People living in the Green Villages, which are located in the most disadvantaged rural areas, are provided with rain water collectors, improved sanitation, biogas facilities as well as one free cow per family.

Visit Kabeza, one of Rwanda’s 44 Green Villages here.