Building on the achievements of the first phase, the current phase will continue supporting 299 women from the initial cohort and introduce 300 new participants, bringing the total number of direct beneficiaries to 599.
The initiative, which targets communities in Mushubati and Gihango sectors, will benefit more than 2,800 individuals in total, with an investment of USD 1,773,841 (equivalent to approximately Frw 2.55 billion).
This project represents the second phase of KOICA's broader UPG â€" Kira Wigire program, implemented by World Vision Rwanda to empower vulnerable communities in Rutsiro. The first phase ran from 2021 to 2023, focusing on socio-economic development and self-reliance.
The project will provide training through programs like 'Hinduka Wigire' and 'Kora Wigire', alongside capacity building in agriculture, livestock farming, savings and loan group formation, and market and financial institution linkages.
One of the beneficiaries from the first phase, Vestine Munezero from Congo Nil Cell in Gihango Sector, shared her journey of transformation.
She said, 'I used to live in a house made of unplastered bricks that made me feel ashamed, and my husband had abandoned me. Since we were organized into savings groups, I've renovated my house, bought chickens, goats, and rabbits, and I'm now able to afford school fees for my children. I've achieved all this in just three years through this project.'
Pauline Okumu, National Director of World Vision Rwanda, praised the partnership with local leaders and KOICA, stating that the initiative aligns with national development goals.
She highlighted how the project complements government planning, particularly by empowering citizens through savings groups and income-generating activities.
Kim Kwonho, Deputy Country Director of KOICA Rwanda, echoed these sentiments. He emphasized that the first phase had brought significant improvements in nutrition, economic resilience, and overall well-being among women-headed households.
In the second phase, KOICA views the 599 women not just as beneficiaries, but as entrepreneurs capable of driving meaningful change in Rwanda.
Emmanuel Uwizeyimana, Vice Mayor for Economic Development in Rutsiro, also commended KOICA and World Vision, noting the project's role in expanding livelihoods.
"This is a great project that has helped our citizens lift themselves out of poverty. As residents of Rutsiro, we consider this project our own because over the past three years, we have witnessed remarkable improvements in the livelihoods of our community. We encourage beneficiaries to continue working hard to achieve even greater results and to target international markets with their products," he noted.
Impact data from the first phase shows remarkable progress. Between 2021 and 2023, the proportion of households eating two meals a day rose from 35% to 72%, and those consuming a balanced diet increased from 6.7% to 57%.
Community based health insurance coverage improved from 83.6% to 97%, while households saving at least Frw 5,000 per month jumped from 3% to 47%, with some saving up to Frw 44,000 monthly.
Furthermore, contributions to Rwanda's national long-term savings scheme, Ejo Heza, rose from 0% to 69.5% among beneficiaries, demonstrating the project's effectiveness in promoting financial security and self-reliance.
IGIHE
