Residents of Musanze District have praised the continuous establishment of community-based projects that support small business startups, especially those based in the community around Volcanoes National Park.

These community development projects are aimed at decreasing high pressure on nature and biodiversity, while addressing socioeconomic issues faced by the community in the volcanic region.

ALSO READ: Musanze residents advocate for more community-based projects to safeguard Volcano National Park

One such projects is business pitching event held on Thursday, October 20, in Kinigi Sector for communities around the park, in which a total of 109 people got grants to finance their small businesses.

Esther Uwera, one of the local residents who was among the people whose business ideas got grants for a Rwf150 million project by African Wildlife Foundation and Inkomoko.

Uwera, a chicken farmer, said an increase of community projects mainly targeting women and youth had led to improvement in the livelihoods of the locals, by increasing their access economic opportunities.

"I am very happy to be among the winners,” said Uwera who has about 500 chickens for eggs and meat.

"I designed my project with regards to current social issues in Musanze and the country in general,” said the farmer who wants to increase her chickens to 1000.

"Stunting in children, for example, is not just a result of lack of food but also high prices on the market. Also, unemployment and lack of organic fertilisers are among the issues which I’m attempting to solve. I want to help farmers get access to fertilisers.”

ALSO: Over 350,000 to get clean water in volcanic region

The volcanic community relies on rain-fed agriculture and the sector are affected by climate change, which also puts pressure on natural resources

However, with the local population being equipped with mentorship and training on doing business as well as getting financial support for another livelihood alternative, the situation is changing.

"As a beneficiary of the projects the supported us financially and technically, I have seen my life improve and my children go to school,” said Job Nteziryayo, another chicken farmer and member of the cooperative of porters who help tourists trekking the volcanoes.

According to Patrick Nsabimana, Acting Country Director for the African Wildlife Foundation, "there is a need to facilitate the transition of local population from unsustainable practices to climate-resilient, conservation-compatible livelihoods.”

"Business incubation has been identified as an innovative strategy to catalyse new sustainable enterprises and employment opportunities,” Nsabimana said.

The African Wildlife Foundation invested Rwf150 million in the incubation phase to build capacity, increase skills and financial resources through seed funding.

For Landouard Gahonzire, Executive Secretary of Kinigi Sector, the seed funding support provided during the business pitch event was one of the many opportunities provided to the population living around the Volcanoes National Park, from which they should benefit and improve their livelihoods.