Rwanda

While Rwanda has one of the fastest growing economies in Africa and, in recent years, has moved 17 places up the Human Development Index ranking, the country continues to face significant challenges.

Since the 1994 genocide, wherein over 800,000 people were killed in a period of 100 days, Rwanda has made remarkable progress. Generally, peace and stability have been maintained within the country’s borders and there have been noted improvements in economic growth. However chronic malnutrition and poverty still exist among many of Rwanda’s most vulnerable and marginalized communities.

While Rwanda in recent years has moved 17 places up the Human Development Index ranking to 151 out of 187, the country continues to face significant challenges. 39% of the population are still living in poverty and 16% in extreme poverty.

This largely affects rural areas of the country: According to the United Nations’ Multidimensional Poverty Index, rural areas of Rwanda experience a higher poverty rate of 42% (compared to 15% in urban areas).

Chronic malnutrition and malaria also remain serious challenges. Our Graduation program in Rwanda focuses on the bridge between financial empowerment and nutrition, and our community-based health programs are addressing access to healthcare in remote areas.

Graduation & Shelter

We adapted our Graduation program to help homeless families first obtain land and build houses before starting and completing the program. So far this approach has supported 162 families.

Emergency Response

In July 2019, livestock breeders in Gisagara District, including program participants who had invested in livestock as one of the income-generating activities, lost their pigs and goats due to an epidemic. We responded, providing additional support to 126 families.

Advocacy

Concern is the co-chair of Rwanda's Social Protection Policy Development and Learning Committee. Most recently, we advocated for a minimum package for Graduation in the government's social protection program.