At least 2,100 most vulnerable families in Gakenke and Bugesera districts are set to benefit from a new project worth Rwf 227 million.

The agriculture project was launched on Wednesday by Caritas Rwanda, a Catholic Church affiliated organisation aims at not only empowering the families financially, but also helping to curb malnutrition in the area.

Projet d’Appui au System Agricole Durable a la Nutrition (PASADN) will focus on the poorest families, those with land less than 25 acres, widows, orphans, persons suffering from HIV/AIDS, among others.

According to Felix Byamungu the project coordinator, the support will also cover cooperatives by training their members in agri-business and bee-keeping.

An assessment that was conducted by the organisation and local leaders in the selected sectors showed that 43 per cent suffer from malnutrition.

About 300 families in seven sectors will be supported through associations (ibimina).

"Families will be sensitised about good farming methods such as use of terraces, proper fertilisers, and land consolidation. This will improve the productivity capacity.

Families will be taught how to prepare a balanced diet in order to solve mulnutrition issues in their communities,’’ he said.

They will also supply 98 rain water harvesting tanks, plant 4, 200 fruit trees and vegetables, distribute domestic animals, mainly goats, pigs, hens, cows and rabbits to boost agriculture in the areas.

According to the Vice Mayor of Bugesera in charge of social affairs, Léonille Narumanzi, the area has for long been prone to drought yet many swamps remain unexploited due to lack of financial capacity.

The director of Caritas Rwanda, Father Donatien Twizeyumuremyi said, the project is expected to expand its support to more vulnerable families.

"We will conduct, monitor and evaluate the implementation of this projects,” he said.

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