The Kungahara Muhinzi Project, funded by the European Union and implemented by AVSI Rwanda, has been supporting smallholder farmers in Ruhango and Gicumbi Districts. Designed to strengthen food security, livelihoods, and social inclusion, the project specifically targets smallholder farmers facing high vulnerability, including adolescent single mothers, individuals living with mental health disorders, and families experiencing extreme poverty.
AVSI Rwanda conducted a structured Action-Reflection exercise to assess the project’s impact and identify lessons for the remaining implementation period.
Understanding the Action-Reflection Approach
Action-Reflection is an appreciation of the project’s results based on the changes as they are experienced and described by the beneficiaries of projects.
Through guided discussions and household visits, beneficiaries and field staff reflect on what has changed in their lives, how those changes happened, and which groups are benefiting the most.
During the Action Reflection exercise within the project Kungahara Muhinzi:
- 8 Focus Group Discussions were conducted
- 71 participants took part (38 in Ruhango and 33 in Gicumbi)
- Participants included direct beneficiaries, farmer promoters, community volunteers, health workers, and AVSI field staff
- 4 household visits were conducted to document in-depth stories of change
This approach allowed the project team to capture both quantitative improvements and qualitative transformation.
Her neighbors now come to her home to buy her produce a visible sign of restored dignity and social inclusion.
Measurable Improvements Across Households
Findings from the Action-Reflection exercise highlight significant progress among beneficiaries. Many vulnerable households now report stable access to food, often up to three meals per day, while community committees conduct monthly MUAC measurements* to monitor children’s nutritional status. Families have diversified their crops and integrated livestock such as chickens and goats to improve both nutrition and income. At the same time, beneficiaries have adopted improved practices including organic fertilizer production and crop rotation, resulting in better yields.
Savings groups have strengthened their systems through structured record-keeping and the opening of bank accounts. Increased income has enabled families to pay Mutuelle de Santé (RWF 3,000 per year), invest in productive assets, move from renting to owning homes, and purchase solar panels and other long-term improvements.
Education
Improved financial stability has translated into consistent school attendance for children, with some households reporting improved academic performance linked to better nutrition and reduced household stress.
Social Inclusion
One of the most notable changes is reduced stigma. Individuals living with mental health challenges and adolescent single mothers now actively participate in farming and savings groups, contributing economically and socially within their communities.
Beyond Agriculture: A Shift in Mindset
While agricultural productivity has improved, the most significant transformation may be the shift in mindset.
Beneficiaries described moving:
- From traditional subsistence farming to more intensive, market-oriented practices
- From isolation to collaboration through structured groups
- From short-term survival strategies to long-term planning and saving
- From stigma to recognition
This shift reflects growing self-confidence and agency among participants.
Alodie’s Story: A concrete example of change
Alodie, a smallholder farmer from Gicumbi living with a mental health disorder, represents the transformation the project seeks to achieve. Before joining Kungahara Muhinzi, she faced stigma and exclusion. She had limited income, struggled with food insecurity, and was often labeled as incapable by members of her community.
Today, Alodie cultivates eggplants using improved farming techniques learned through the project. She participates in a savings group, manages her production more efficiently, and sells her harvest in the local market.
“I can farm,” she says. “So I am not useless like they used to say.”
Remaining Challenges
Despite progress, challenges persist:
- Climate change and irregular rainfall affecting yields
- Limited access to land and irrigation systems
- Market access constraints for surplus production
- Continued vulnerability among households resistant to adopting new practices
Beneficiaries recommended improved timing of seed distribution, expanded training on climate-resilient agriculture, and stronger market linkages.
A Sustainable Path Forward
The Kungahara Muhinzi Project demonstrates that strengthening livelihoods requires more than agricultural inputs. By combining technical training, savings mechanisms, nutrition awareness, and social inclusion, the project supports holistic and sustainable change.
Alodie’s experience illustrates this transformation clearly. Her improved harvest is important but even more significant is the restoration of her confidence and status within the community.
Kungahara Muhinzi is not only increasing productivity; it is cultivating dignity, resilience, and long-term hope for Rwanda’s most vulnerable farmers.
Subscribe to AVSI newsletter
Sign up to receive news and information on our work in the world.
*Mid-Upper Arm Circumference (MUAC) is a rapid, 1-minute screening tool used to assess malnutrition in children (6 months–5 years) and adults by measuring the left upper arm's circumference