Rwanda’s model villages, created post-genocide to resettle vulnerable populations from high-risk areas, have seen mixed outcomes. While residents report improved access to services and housing, challenges include food insecurity and adaptation to different climates, necessitating further research and government action for sustainable living.
Following the tragic events of the 1994 genocide, Rwandans gradually established homes and engaged in agriculture with available land. The Rwandan government has since implemented a strategy to consolidate populations into organized “model villages.” These villages aim to support vulnerable individuals, including the homeless and residents of high-risk areas susceptible to climate change-induced disasters such as floods and droughts.
With a population of 14.5 million, Rwanda has successfully relocated approximately 62,000 rural families into 14,815 villages, among which 253 are designated as “model villages.” These environmentally conscious settlements utilize solar energy and biofuels, alongside initiatives such as rainwater harvesting, tree planting, and terraced vegetable gardens to promote sustainability.
Our recent study aimed to evaluate the effects of moving rural populations from areas vulnerable to climate-related hazards, such as erratic rainfall and landslides. We specifically focused on two communities located on Lake Rweru, which were severely affected by flooding, and were deprived of essential services like healthcare and education due to their isolation.
The Rweru Model Green Village, established in 2016, serves as a case study for assessing the resettlement initiative. Through interviews with 64 families who were relocated, we uncovered a mixed narrative: while relocation improved access to modern facilities and social services, residents faced challenges in maintaining their livelihoods and adapting to a new environment.
Participants reflected on their past lives on the islands, where fishing was a primary source of sustenance. Even those from lower-income households reported sufficient food availability. However, 84% expressed feelings of isolation and emphasized the absence of crucial services like clean drinking water and adequate transportation. Some children struggled to attend secondary education, requiring lengthy journeys by boat.
Healthcare was particularly concerning, with respondents detailing perilous trips to access medical services. Instances of dangerous boat rides, combined with threats from individuals crossing from Burundi, left many feeling unsafe, leading 76% of participants to support relocation efforts.
The government’s strategy to establish model villages is partly geared towards empowering these communities to effectively confront climate impact challenges, with the model villages serving as a framework for adaptation.
Post-relocation, many respondents identified substantial improvements in their quality of life, including diminished flood exposure, enhanced access to healthcare and education, and upgraded housing conditions. Notably, 66% of individuals regarded their new homes as the most notable benefit.
Respondents reported other advantages such as clean water, nearby markets, healthcare access, and electricity, with many experiencing an opportunity to manage livestock, which was unfeasible on the islands. However, despite these gains, many indicated a decline in food availability and economic status, attributing this to drier climatic conditions in their new environment.
The ultimate goal of establishing model villages is to ensure community sustainability in the long run. Ongoing research will be essential to ascertain the overall impact of model villages on young people’s welfare, as the government must address the economic realities and food security challenges faced by villagers.
In retrospect, the resettlement program in Rwanda indicates a complex interplay between improved quality of life and emerging challenges. While the model villages provide essential services and a reduction in environmental risks, they also present obstacles related to food security and economic sustainability. Continued research and careful planning are imperative to ensure lasting benefits for these communities in the face of ongoing climate challenges.
Original Source: www.inkl.com
