Read our 2023 annual report
Concern's objectives, activities and achievements in 2023 can be found in our new annual report.
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Rwanda
Why are we in Rwanda? Rwanda has made remarkable progress since the 1994 genocide (which killed over 800,000 people in just 100 days). Yet, while peace and stability have generally been maintained within the country’s borders over the last 30 years, the country still faces challenges with regards to poverty and chronic malnutrition — especially in its most vulnerable rural areas.
Nearly 40% of Rwanda’s population lives below the poverty line
Despite tremendous progress made by the post-genocide generation, 38.2% of Rwandans still live below the poverty line and the country ranks 161 out of 193 countries on the United Nations’ 2024 Human Development Index. The small, landlocked country of 13.2 million is one of the most densely-populated in Africa, with the population growing by just under 2.5% each year. In recent years, its population has grown even further with the arrival of over 135,000 refugees and asylum-seekers, many fleeing crisis in the neighbouring Democratic Republic of the Congo.
While agriculture is key to both the national economy and individual livelihoods, the limited amount of farmable land, combined with irregular rainfall, drought, and floods, have contributed to high rates of hunger and malnutrition in the country. This is especially true for children: The latest data from the Rwandan government suggest that one-third of children in the country under the age of five are coping with chronic malnutrition.
Latest achievements
Graduation
In the initial two phases of our Graduation programme in Rwanda, Concern supported over 5,900 families to build small businesses and secure their livelihoods. We are now building on this success with Green Graduation.
Green Graduation
Climate Smart Agriculture
Members of the Muchongi Savings and Loan Group in Gisagara. Photo: Eugene Ikua
Emmanuel recently harvested 40 kilos of bananas from his small banana plantation. Photo: Eugene Ikua/Concern Worldwide
Marie-Claire with a handful of soya beans that she has harvested from her land and will sell to her neighbours. Photo: Eugene Ikua/Concern Worldwide
Beatha Uwitonze (33) is a mother of three and president of two farmer field associations in Muganza, Gisagara. (Photo: Eugene Ikua/Concern Worldwide)
Jean de Dieu and Riberi with their three-month-old daughter Keza. Photo: Eugene Ikua/Concern Worldwide
Alexia Mukashyaka (40) and her daughter Brigit (2) at her tailoring shop in Mugombwa, Gisagara. Alexia was selected for the Graduation Programme in 2019. After investing in a sewing machine, she started up a successful tailoring business, making on average 20 outfits for women each week. She plans to expand and eventually open a hairdressing salon, and is currently receiving lessons on hair styling. (Photo: Eugene Ikua/Concern Worldwide)
How we're helping Rwanda
Our programmes in Rwanda employ innovative techniques and models, such as linking agriculture and nutrition, and applying the graduation model, to help transform the lives of the extreme poor.
Livelihoods
Agriculture & nutrition
Gender equality
Latest from Rwanda
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