The project, named Kinigi Horticulture Hub, covers 1,250 square metres on the outskirts of the park and uses modern agricultural technology to cultivate flowers, vegetables, and fruits. It is part of a larger $50 million (approximately Frw 72 billion) initiative aimed at increasing the park's area and enhancing local livelihoods.
The expansion plan includes the creation of Smart Green Village, a model community set to accommodate 510 households. The Kinigi Horticulture Hub represents a small portion of this village, with an investment of $3.4 million. The village will be built on 50 hectares with environmentally sustainable homes powered by solar energy and equipped with water purification and reuse systems.
The village will feature three main sectorsâ€"agriculture, livestock, and tourismâ€"each designed to generate income while protecting the environment. Initial crops planted include peppers, tomatoes, and cucumbers, which are expected to generate Frw 45 million annually against a setup cost of Frw 11 million. The area will be managed by the local Volcano Community Association, which has already trained 211 residents in modern farming techniques, agribusiness management, and food quality standards.
The livestock sector will accommodate chickens, sheep, and pigs, while the tourism section will focus on biodiversity conservation, handicrafts, and cultural activities.
Volcanoes National Park, located in northwestern Rwanda, is home to the world's remaining mountain gorillas and spans 16,000 hectares. The park's expansion will add 3,740 hectaresâ€"23% of its current areaâ€"to improve habitat space for the endangered gorillas.
The overall expansion project is planned to be implemented in phases over 10 to 15 years, with a total estimated cost of $230 million, funded by the Rwandan government, development partners, loans, and donations.
Linking tourism and community development
At the inauguration, RDB Director General Jean-Guy Afrika highlighted the connection between tourism growth and local development.
'The goal is to improve livelihoods, create jobs, and empower youth and women. When tourism grows, community development also increases,' he said.
The government has allocated Frw 600.4 million to Musanze and Nyabihu districts, Frw 450.3 million to Burera, and Frw 150.1 million to Rubavu to support community welfare near the park.
Northern Province Governor Maurice Mugabowagahunde described the project as the first phase of the park expansion.
'This initiative addresses key challenges faced by local communities, including land pressure due to population growth and human-wildlife conflicts,' he said.
Minister of State in the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources, Dr. Ndabamenye Telesphore, emphasised the importance of technology in agriculture.
'These solutions are sustainable and will increase productivity. Market-oriented agriculture will allow farmers to expand beyond local demand to other districts and even abroad,' he said.
Since the launch of the tourism benefit-sharing programme 20 years ago, 10% of park revenues have been invested in community projects. RDB reports that these initiatives, valued at Frw 18 billion, have supported schools, housing, health centres, agriculture, livestock, and conflict mitigation efforts.
In 2025, 83 community projects worth over Frw 4 billion were implemented across 14 districts, with plans to increase support to more than Frw 5 billion in 2025â€"2026.
IGIHE
