- Refugees and Rwandans collaborate on a climate-smart agriculture initiative.
- Farming provides livelihoods, food security, and community integration.
- More support is needed to expand opportunities amid rising living costs.
In Nyabiheke Refugee Camp, farming is more than a source of food—it’s a lifeline. With access to 23 hectares of marshland, refugees and Rwandan farmers work side by side, growing maize and other crops.
However, challenges persist. Humanitarian cash assistance has declined while food prices continue to rise, making it harder for refugees to afford essentials.
Sowing Seeds of Change: Farming Empowers Refugees in Nyabiheke
For years, many refugees in Nyabiheke had little means to sustain themselves beyond aid. The introduction of climate-smart agriculture changed that by providing farmland where they could cultivate maize and other crops. This initiative not only supplies food but also generates income, helping families regain independence.
Beyond economics, farming fosters social integration. Refugees and local Rwandans work together in cooperatives, strengthening bonds through shared labor and mutual support. Events like weddings and livestock exchanges have brought both communities closer, reshaping perceptions and building friendships.
Despite its success, the program remains limited in reach. Rising food costs and reduced humanitarian aid make it difficult for many refugees to survive, especially those not part of the farming initiative. Expanding such projects could offer sustainable solutions to address food insecurity and unemployment.
Investing in self-reliance programs like climate-smart agriculture is crucial. As global funding declines, sustainable livelihood initiatives provide refugees with dignity, stability, and the means to rebuild their futures.
Farming in Nyabiheke is more than survival—it’s empowerment. Expanding agricultural initiatives will ensure that more refugees can transition from dependency to self-sufficiency, fostering long-term resilience.
“Give a man a fish, and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish, and you feed him for a lifetime.” – Chinese Proverb
