Project Introduction – TerraFund Cohort 3, Mukura Cluster
A delegation of seven members representing the three consortium partners—Resilient Builders Initiative (RBI), Green for Life Rwanda (GLR), and RCCDN (lead partner)—visited the project area to carry out introductory and coordination activities with local authorities and communities.
The team met with district leadership to present the project and its implementation approach. District officials expressed strong appreciation for the project design, particularly the commitment to plant 47% indigenous tree species, which surpasses the district’s minimum requirement of 30% for restoration initiatives. Authorities also emphasized the importance of aligning project-generated employment opportunities with social protection and financial inclusion goals, specifically by:
- Increasing community enrollment in Mutuelle de Santé health insurance.
- Encouraging participation in EjoHeza long-term savings schemes.
- Promoting the use of SACCO banking services, including payments through SACCO.
Further consultations were held at sector and village levels. In Mushonyi Sector, the team engaged with the Sector Executive Secretary and Forest Officer to discuss restoration activities and coordination mechanisms. Meetings were also conducted with six village leaders from the intervention area, followed by a field walk across the target landscape and a community meeting to introduce the project and highlight expected benefits.
During the field mission, three potential sites were assessed for establishing a tree nursery. After technical review, one site was selected as the most suitable, with the capacity to serve all six villages within the project area.
