Africa Food Systems Forum Delegation visit our interventions

Today, we hosted a group of delegates who have been in Rwanda, attending the completed Africa Food Systems Forum in Kigali from 2 September 2024. The visit provided an opportunity for the delegation to explore the project’s various interventions and witness firsthand the project’s impact on improving the strengthening climate resilience of the local communities and food systems in particular.

Key interventions visited

The delegation visited a 50-hectare upland tea plantation owned by local communities in Kaniga Sector, Gicumbi District, Northern Province. They observed the sustainable practices employed and discussed how the plantation contributes to economic stability and resilience against climate change.

The team also visited a 40-hectare upland tea plantation owned by local communities in Bwisige Sector Gicumbi District, Northern Province. The delegation learned about the adaptive strategies in place and their role in enhancing coffee production, thus improving the economic livelihoods of the communities. 

Other visited sites include an automated weather station that provides critical weather and climate information/ data for farmers which helps in precise weather forecasting, allowing for better planning and management of agricultural activities as well as a 5-ha site with Indigenous trees.

The delegation met and interacted with local farmers who shared their experiences and the positive impacts of the Green Gicumbi project interventions. Their testimonials highlighted improvements in agricultural productivity, resilience to climate change, and overall livelihoods.

Today’s visit underscored our significant contributions to local food systems and community livelihoods. The delegation commended our work and the created impact in enhancing agricultural resilience, promoting sustainable practices, and improving the economic stability of the communities involved.