Who We Are

About RWARRI

Rwanda Rural Rehabilitation Initiative (RWARRI) is a national non-governmental organization whose idea was conceived in 1994 in Kenya, but its operations started in 1995 in Rwanda. It is dedicated to promoting and improving the social and economic welfare of rural communities in Rwanda. The Organization was started by a group of professionals and self-motivated Rwandese wishing to contribute towards the reconstruction of the country that had just emerged from the Genocide against the Tutsi in 1994.

The organization has been officially recognized and registered by the government of Rwanda as a non-governmental organization (NGO) since 2003, with registration No 37/11 14/SC&RT. It is currently registered with the Rwanda Governance Board (RGB), a government body tasked with regulating Civil Society Organizations (CSOs).

Our Mission

To work towards achieving sustainable livelihoods for low-income households.

To contribute to the shaping and implementation of national and global policies that drive positive economic, social, and technological transformation.

To be one of the most respected and valued NGOs in Rwanda and beyond.

Our Vision

To build a resilient and vulnerability-free community that is economically sustainable, socially transformed, and food secure.

Central to this vision is the belief that community members should take ownership and responsibility for the entire development process.

Identity Statement

RWARRI is a non-governmental organization whose idea was born in 1994 and began operations in 1995. It is officially registered in Rwanda to support the rural communities in their quest to improve their livelihoods, nutrition, food security, and management of natural resources.

Our Values

RWARRI promotes the following values:

1. Transparency
2. Accountability
3. Respect for human dignity
4. Effectiveness and Equity

Major Achievements (Since 1995)

Climate Resilience

With IUCN and partners, RWARRI restored over 17,000 hectares through afforestation and agroforestry. Activities included planting 2.9 million seedlings, establishing terraces (2,818 ha of trenches, 1,841 ha of radical terraces, 1,137 ha of progressive terraces), protecting 67 km of riverbanks, planting 1,900 roadside trees, and over 100,000 fruit trees.

Farmer Empowerment

In partnership with WFP and others, RWARRI trained 71,195 cooperative members in Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs), on climate-smart agriculture and Post-Harvest Handling and Storage (PHHS). As a result, 71,363 smallholder farmers were linked to buyers, earning over Rwf 3.35 billion from sales on an annual basis.

Green Technologies

RWARRI promoted solar-powered irrigation on 40 hectares, enabling three crop seasons per year and building resilience to climate change.

Youth Skills Development

Through Amizero Institute, RWARRI has trained, since its creation in 2003, more than 8000 youth in TVET programs such as culinary arts, hairdressing, tailoring, plumbing, and welding, empowering them with practical skills for sustainable livelihoods.