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Rwanda's 17th National Agricultural Show: Enabel's role in shaping Rwanda's agricultural future
Denise NSANGA | 16-08-2024
As Rwanda strides towards its ambitious goal of becoming an upper-middle-income country by 2035, and a high-income nation by 2050, the agriculture sector, Rwanda’s second-largest economic contributor, requires transformative innovations and technologies. Themed “Building resilient and sustainable food systems”, the 17th National Agricultural Show that took place from July 31st to August 9th, 2024 in Kigali, provided a critical platform to drive this transformation. Enabel, the Belgian development agency, played a pivotal role in this year’s agrishow, showcasing its significant contributions to Rwanda's agricultural development.Enabel's participation underscored its commitment to the agriculture sector through its various projects. Central to its involvement is the Partnership for Resilient and Inclusive Small Livestock Markets (PRISM) project, which Enabel has been running in collaboration with the Rwanda Agriculture Development Board (RAB) since 2019. PRISM has been instrumental in boosting the income and livelihoods of smallholder farmers and SMEs by transitioning them from traditional to market-oriented farming practices.Expanding its impact, Enabel has also been active in the fisheries-aquaculture and horticulture sectors through the EU and Luxembourg funded KWIHAZA project, and with the new Belgium-Rwanda development cooperation program (2024-2029) in the Agriculture sector, its efforts, through PRISM II, will continue to span across various agricultural domains including pig, poultry, rabbit, and beekeeping value chains and the consolidation of the aquaculture and horticulture, sectors.At the 17th National Agricultural Show, Enabel featured Team Belgium stands in the EU Village to highlight its agricultural advancements and projects. The exhibition booths showcased technologies and innovations across different sectors and visitors gained insights into success stories and the tangible impacts of Enabel’s projects on the ground. In addition to the exhibitions, the agrishow provided opportunities for networking and connections between smallholder farmers, SMEs, financial institutions, and other stakeholders, enabling partnerships, collaborations, and investment opportunities.Enabel’s participation in the agrishow resulted in increased awareness and adoption of innovative agricultural practices and strengthened partnerships within the sector. This aligned perfectly with the National Agricultural Show’s objectives of showcasing technologies, facilitating investment discussions, and inspiring excellence in agriculture. Since 2008, the National Agricultural Show has been organised annually by Rwanda’s Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources (MINAGRI) in collaboration with its partners. The event features around 400 exhibitors and attracts between 3,000 and 4,000 visitors each day.
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Kwihaza Project
Djafari NSANZIMFURA | 18-07-2024
Kwihaza is a 4-year project (2023-2026) aimed at developing the value chains in Rwanda's aquaculture, fisheries, and horticulture sectors. The program recognizes the significant potential for growth and opportunities in both domestic and foreign markets and seeks to unlock the full potential of these sectors while considering the various constraints faced. By addressing key challenges and constraints, the project aims to enhance sustainable productivity, profitability, and competitiveness of producer organizations, microbusinesses, and SMEs. Kwihaza seeks to contribute to socially and environmentally inclusive food systems – prioritizing the development of value chains in the aquaculture, fisheries, and horticulture sectors. Specifically, the project is aimed at increasing in a sustainable manner, the production, per capita consumption, and income generated by fish, aquaculture, and horticulture quality products, with a focus on women and youth.
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In Kigali, second National Agroforestry Conference promotes sustainable farming practices
Denise NSANGA | 01-06-2024
The Second National Agroforestry Conference has been successfully held in Kigali from 28 to 29 May 2024. The event emphasized the importance of adopting agroforestry practices among Rwandan farmers and policymakers to enhance soil protection, increase crop yields, diversify the sources of income, while restoring and sustaining the biodiversity to build a better resilience to climate change.Funded by the Smart Innovation through Research in Agriculture (DeSIRA) project, the two-day conference was organized by the Ministry of Environment in collaboration with the European Union, International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the Belgian development agency (Enabel), the International Centre for Research in Agroforestry (ICRAF), the University of Rwanda (UR), KU Leuven and Ghent University.Rwanda’s government policies, including the National Strategy for Transformation (NST), the Green Growth Strategy, and the Forestry and Agriculture Sector Strategic Plan, aim to integrate agroforestry targets and promote practices that address the needs and knowledge of farmers. In her opening statement, the Minister of Environment, Dr. Jeanne d’Arc Mujawamariya, highlighted Rwanda's leadership in climate change initiatives. She noted that the adoption of agroforestry practices "stands as a beacon of hope, offering practical solutions that harmonize the needs of people and prosperity."Representatives from the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources (MINAGRI/RAB) and the Ministry of Environment / Rwanda Forestry Authority (MoE/RFA) expressed their commitment to jointly enforce and coordinate agroforestry efforts in collaboration with key actors.The conference provided an opportunity to share key results from research and lessons learned from projects and proposed key technical solutions and recommendations. Among them, the setting of a national high-level agroforestry steering platform has been proposed, to better coordinate actors ensuring synergy and complementarity, to harmonize approaches and best practices, and to better involve and support farmers in the intensive adoption of agroforestry on their lands. 170 individuals, including representatives from central and local government, government-affiliated entities, NGOs, farmers’ associations, research institutions, the private sector, and various development partners participated in this conference.
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Chicken and Pork Gastronomic Event 2024: Enabel promotes the consumption of pig and poultry products in Rwanda
Denise NSANGA | 25-03-2024
Enabel, in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources (MINAGRI) and Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB) host the "Chicken and Pork Gastronomic Event 2024", on March 22nd, 2024 in Kigali. This event aimed at revolutionizing the culinary landscape by promoting the consumption of pig and poultry products in Rwanda, focusing on pork and chicken. Meat consumption in Rwanda is among the lowest in the region, with an average of 14.2 Kg meat per person per year as per MINAGRI’s annual report 2022-2023. Recognizing the importance of balanced nutrition and sustainable development, Enabel, through its partnership with MINAGRI, has embarked on a mission to raise awareness about the nutritional benefits of pig and poultry products.The Chicken and Pork Gastronomic Event 2024 gathered approximately 150 stakeholders from various sectors, including delegates from sector associations such as the Rwandan Poultry Industry Association (RPIA) and the Rwandan Pig Farmers Association (RPFA), hotel and restaurant chefs, pig and poultry industry actors, culinary instructors, and TVET students among others.Speaking at the event, Mr. Jean Claude Ndorimana Director General of Animal Resources Development at MINAGRI called on stakeholders to bring this activity closer to ordinary citizens. He emphasized: ‘This activity isn't over, it's just beginning. Let's continue in provinces and remote areas to help people cook pork and chicken.’ The event featured a range of activities aimed at promoting pork and chicken consumption, including live cooking demonstrations by both local and international chefs, recipe tasting sessions, and networking.Speaking at the event PRISM-Enabel Project Manager, Gerrit Bosman, said: Let's share tasty pig and poultry products, combine the rational of animal protein for a healthy diet with the intuitive / emotional aspect of tasty meat products, as the proverb says: health is through the stomach." The event was also the opportunity for pig and poultry industry actors to showcase their products, exchange knowledge and establish valuable business connections and networking.
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From small farmer to pioneer: Enabel's impact on the pig farming in Rwanda
Denise NSANGA | 18-03-2024
Enabel, through its agriculture intervention has been instrumental in transforming the pig farming landscape in Rwanda.The intervention has not only addressed the insufficiency of exotic pig breeds but has also boosted productivity and profitability for pig farmers like Peace Niyoyita.Peace Niyoyita's journey began in 2017 as a small pig producer with 10 pigs. Today, she is the proud owner of Ntarama Pigs Farm, a medium-scale operation in Bugesera District. Her farm accommodates one of seven pig breeding centres established in 2022 in a partnership between Enabel and Rwanda Agriculture Board (RAB), and it plays a crucial role in supplying high-quality pig semen to farmers in the district and beyond.Ntarama Pigs Farm is not just about semen production and distribution; it's also a hub for sourcing top-quality piglets for other producers and fattening pigs for slaughter. In addition to the breeding centre, Niyoyita benefited from Enabel's Business Development Services training, conducted in partnership with the National Industrial Research and Development Agency (NIRDA) in 2023, which equipped her with the financial management and business planning skills necessary to scale up her business and make a real difference in her community. Niyoyita's journey is a powerful example of how empowering women in agriculture can lead to broader social and economic transformation: “I conduct field visits for over 500 individuals annually, assisting them in learning and commencing their journey into professional breeding. Our efforts have resulted in permanent employment for eight staff members and over 100 individuals each season. We empower women in our community by training them to raise pigs, fostering their development and growth. This venture is worthwhile for me, and I aspire to establish a small factory to process and distribute high-quality pork products to the Rwandan market and beyond!” Proudly recounts Peace Niyoyita. Currently, Ntarama Pigs Farm produces 40 pigs for slaughter, sources 20 piglets for other producers, and provides around 200 doses of semen per month.
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Breaking barriers: Pauline's journey of empowerment with Enabel's UEDi project in Rwanda
Denise NSANGA | 08-03-2024
In Musanze district, the Belgium funded Urban Economic Development initiative UEDi implemented by Enabel has been a catalyst for change. The inspiring story of Pauline Hagenimana is an example of women's empowerment. Pauline's journey into the world of carpentry, a domain traditionally dominated by men, showcases the transformative potential of vocational training. With an impressive 86.1% employment rate among dual training graduates, the project highlights gender equality and economic independence. The gender dynamics within this framework are particularly revealing, 61.47% of employed female carpentry graduates compared to 38.26% of their male counterparts, challenging the traditional employment narrative. Pauline's success story is not just her own but a reflection of the broader impact of the UEDi project. After completing dual training program, Pauline demonstrated an impressive ability to use acquired skills by establishing a bench work at her home where she often produces wooden furnitures. Pauline’s ability to support her family's education and improve their living standards after completing her training in Carpentry is a testament to the empowerment that comes with skills acquisition. "In our family, we are five children, and now I do help in paying my siblings' school fees just after I completed the training in Carpentry. Even the sitting room furniture we never had before at home, I made it myself," Pauline shares, highlighting the direct benefits of her vocational training. The ripple effects of her achievements are palpable within her community, inspiring other women and girls to pursue their dreams and challenge the confines of traditional gender roles. This shift is crucial not only for individual women but also for the socio-economic development of the Musanze district and beyond. The UEDi project's focus on vocational training emerges as a sustainable pathway to gender equality, reducing poverty and fostering inclusive economic growth.Pauline Hagenimana's story, enriched by the success of the UEDi project, serves as a powerful call to action for continued investment in women's vocational training. It highlights the role of education and empowerment in changing lives, shaping communities and building resilient & prosperous societies. Through dedicated efforts to support and expand such initiatives, the future holds the promise of further breaking down barriers to gender equality and enabling more women like Pauline to transform their lives and communities.
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A better connection for Rwaza sector residents, the new bridge is completed!
Denise NSANGA | 01-03-2024
The completion of a new bridge in the Musanze district's Rwaza sector represents an important improvement in local infrastructure, enhancing the lives of the community members significantly. This new bridge, which spans 5 meters in both width and length, was constructed over 4 weeks between January and February 2024, with a budget of 18.5 million Rwandan francs and the active participation of the community. It serves as a critical connection for residents, facilitating easier access to main roads and thereby improving mobility for essential services such as schools, health centres, and markets for farmers.Replacing an old structure made of wooden poles, which was regularly washed away by floods, this new construction not only ensures safer and more reliable transportation but also mitigates the risk of accidents and reduces the community's vulnerability to isolation during adverse weather conditions. Funded by Region Bruxelles Capitale and realized through a collaboration between Enabel's Urban Economic Development initiative (UEDi) and the Musanze District, the bridge stand as a manifesto of the power of partnership in addressing infrastructural challenges.This development not only physically bridges gaps within the community but also symbolically represents progress towards resilience and security. By providing a durable solution to a longstanding problem, the bridge significantly contributes to the socio-economic development of the Rwaza sector and its surrounding areas, marking a pivotal step forward in the district's ongoing efforts to enhance its infrastructure and the quality of life of its residents.
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“Go, work and make an impact in your communities” – Dual Training students urged
Denise NSANGA | 22-12-2023
In November 2023, 3 TVET schools supported under the partnership between Rwanda TVET Board (RTB) and Enabel’s Urbanization program (UEDi) organized the second graduation ceremony in the three schools working under the dual training program from Ecole des Sciences et Technique de Busogo (129 students), Saint Kizito Musha TSS (187 students) and Saint Martin Gisenyi TSS (148 students) making a total of 464 graduates. The graduates were trained in 5 trades and theses included, Masonry (249 students), Carpentry (67 students), Welding (37 students), Plumbing (66 students) and Domestic Electricity (45 students). The program is aligned to the Government priorities, including the promotion of skills development in construction sector with more focus on the production and correct use of Made in Rwanda construction materials. Officials who attended the ceremonies at different schools appreciated the contribution of the private sector in skills development and youth employment. According to testimonies raised either by government officials or company owners, effective skills development is a result of the partnership between key players including but not limited to policy makers, training providers and most importantly employers. During the graduation ceremony at Ecole des Sciences et Technique de Busogo, representatives of the Belgian embassy and Rwanda TVET Board encouraged the graduates to use the skills they acquired to make a positive impact in their communities while displaying the right attitudes, quality work and professionalism wherever they are (self)employed. Graduates testify that the acquired certificate of competence helps them to access decent jobs either in the companies that hosted them during the in-company training or elsewhere. Some of them started their own businesses using the tools and materials acquired through the program.While the target of the current bilateral program (2019-2024) was to train 1000 candidates through dual training, the urbanisation program has achieved its ambition where up to date 1044 students in general have successfully completed the program in above-mentioned trades and integrated on the labor market.
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Rwanda: 7000 households in Eastern Province to acquire improved cooking stoves by December 2023
Denise NSANGA | 18-12-2023
From 11th to 22nd December 2023, Enabel through TREPA project (Transforming Eastern Province through Adaptation to Climate change), is conducting an Improved Cooking Stove (ICS) dissemination campaign in all the 7 districts of Eastern Province that will leave 7000 households with cooking stoves (1000 stoves per district). The project envisions to provide 100,000 improved cooking stoves to Eastern Province residents by 2027 to help the community reduce pressure on forest resources, thereby preserving the environment.This ICS dissemination campaign aims at presenting, demonstrating a range of selected stoves that reduce emission in kitchen and well adapted to different types of fuel locally used (wood and crop residue). The dissemination campaign brings together TREPA project beneficiaries including district residents and members of the 36 Private Forest Management Units (PFMU), 28 Agroforestry landscapes, 7 Community Biodiversity Sancta (CBS) to assess the proposed ICS and choose the ones fitting well with their cooking habits. To ensure adoption of ICS use, local ICS animators will continue to support the proper use of stoves with adequate preparation and drying of fuelwood, and continuous education of local rural population on the adoption of the stoves. TREPA project is a Green Climate Fund (GCF)-funded project (2022-2027) that aims at transforming the Eastern Province through adaptation to climate change. It is being implemented by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), Rwanda Forestry Authority (RFA), World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF), World Vision and Cordaid and Enabel. The project promotes different landscape restoration interventions such as tree planting, sustainable forest management for both private and public forests, good agroforestry practices, silvopastoral good practices and clean cooking solutions in Eastern Province of Rwanda.TREPA project implementation is designed in the way that gives high consideration to gender particularly for women farmers and women-headed households. Specifically, this component of promoting clean cooking technologies targets to impact women by reducing their exposure to unhealthy smokes and reducing time for wood collection.
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Fish Gastronomic Event to mark the World Fisheries Day 2023 and increase fish consumption in Rwanda
Denise NSANGA | 18-12-2023
World Fisheries Day is observed annually on November 21st to highlight the importance of sustainable fisheries management and to draw attention to the critical role of small-scale fishers in ensuring food security and livelihoods for millions around the world. This year's theme was “Celebrating the Wealth of Fisheries and Aquaculture.” In Rwanda, the Fish Gastronomic Event was held on November 30, 2023 in recognition of the World Fisheries Day. The event was jointly organized by the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources, the European Union Delegation to Rwanda, the Luxembourg Development Cooperation Agency (LuxDev) and the Belgian development agency (Enabel), to showcase the culinary abilities of Rwandan and international chefs in preparation of fish dishes as part of a campaign to encourage fish consumption in Rwanda. The event provided a platform for exchange of contacts, knowledge, and skills among chefs, restaurant and hotel managers, culinary art instructors and TVET students. It also brought together chefs exhibiting different fish cooking skills with different recipes made with fish found in Rwandan waters or easily available from the region. During the event, the EU Head of Delegation, Ambassador Belén Calvo Uyarra together with Enabel’s Resident Representative, Dirk Deprez welcomed the guests and pointed out that Kwihaza project as a joint effort with the government of Rwanda contributing towards the transformation of Rwanda’s food systems, focusing on the fisheries, aquaculture production as well as improving consumption of nutritious and healthy diet. In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary of MINAGRI commended the efforts of Team Europe Initiative in increasing awareness on fish cooking and consumption and promoting the fisheries and aquaculture sector support by the Rwandan government and stakeholders. Rwanda’s per capita fish consumption is presently at 2.3 kilograms per person per year, the average sub-Sahara per capita consumption of 6.6 kilograms per person per annum, and the global average of 16.6 kilos.
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Recognition of Prior Learning –Towards Decent Work and Self-Reliance
Denise NSANGA | 08-12-2023
2000 mine workers were accredited with Recognition of Prior Learning certificates in a graduation ceremony held at Kigali on 06 December 2023. The event was organized by Rwanda Extractive Industry Workers Union (REWU) in collaboration with Rwanda Mines, gas and petroleum Board (RMB), Belgian development agency, Belgian-funded Decent Work and Social Protection program implemented by the Belgian development agency (Enabel), and other stakeholders.Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is a process of acknowledging the skills acquired in different informal contexts especially at workplace without considering how, when or where the learning occurred. It facilitates holders access to career progression on the labor market, jobs with fair wages and better working conditions. Candidates were assessed by Rwanda TVET Board (RTB) under the support of Rwanda Extractive Industry Workers Union (REWU), employers of mining companies, in collaboration with Rwanda Mining, gas and petroleum Board RMB and the Ministry of Public Service and Labour (MIFOTRA). In his remarks, Laurent Pred’homme, Head of Cooperation at the Embassy of Belgium in Rwanda commended the Government of Rwanda and its partners for their commitment to promote decent work and social protection. “Access to jobs with fair wages and better working conditions is fundamental to living a dignified life” he said. The Minister of Public Service and Labour, Prof Jeannette Bayisenge appreciated the collaboration between the government, development partners and stakeholders in promoting the Mining sector “this will benefit both employees and employers, leading to increased productivity, improved country’s labor market and overall development” she said. Under the existing partnership with REWU and STECOMA (Syndicat des Travailleurs des Entreprises de Construction, Menuserie et Artisanat), Enabel’s Decent Work and Social Protection program plans to assess 5,000 workers in the mining and construction sectors with focus on women and youth in the mining and construction sectors in Kigali and the 5 districts along the Kivu belt, who acquired skills informally at the workplace, to be certified for the skills they possess.
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Rwanda: Bamboo International Conference - Towards a Sustainable Green Architecture
Denise NSANGA | 20-11-2023
From 13-17 November 2023, the National Industrial Research and Development Agency (NIRDA) in partnership with Enabel’s Urban Economic Development initiative (UEDi project) hosted and international conference on Bamboo for construction.The conference was held at NIRDA’s Research Centre located in Huye District, Southern Province of Rwanda. The 5-day forum brought together experts, researchers, policymakers, and practitioners from across the world to discuss and share knowledge and experiences on the use of bamboo in the construction sector. During the forum, participants had a 4-day workshop opportunity to grasp the fundamental principles of effective bamboo design, select the appropriate bamboo culms for construction acquire expertise in various bamboo construction techniques by participating in the construction of novel structures. Participants also had an opportunity to interact with the most experienced bamboo experts on topics including mastering the art of creating secure bamboo connections, building resilient bamboo walls “Bahareque”, developing skills in working with bamboo laths, and making bamboo beams to name but a few. Officiating the conference, the Head of Cooperation at the Embassy of Belgium to Rwanda, Laurent Preud’homme said “Cities are growing at an incredible speed, across Africa in general, but in Rwanda in particular. The ambition of Vision 2050 is to move from some 27.9% of people living in urban areas today to 70% by 2050. This initiative is a strategic response to an ongoing dynamic of rapid urbanization.” In his remarks, NIRDA’s Division Manager for Applied Research and Development, Telesphore Mugwiza said “The conference stands as a testament to our collective commitment to exploring sustainable practices using bamboo in the construction sector. It provides a unique platform for knowledge exchange and collaboration.” In 2022, Enabel’s UEDi project in close partnership with NIRDA established a centre of excellence for bamboo in Rwanda. The mandate of this research centre is to promote knowledge management and the promotion of Engineered bamboo for the construction sector. The development and promotion of bamboo for construction is a new concept in Rwanda; this international symposium for bamboo practitioners was organised to advocate for its adoption as a sustainable construction material.
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Improving standards of meat handling in Rwanda: Study tour for slaughterhouse operators
Denise NSANGA | 24-10-2023
Six meat value chain actors from different meat processing companies in Rwanda conducted a study tour to Nairobi, Kenya from 16-20 October 2023. Facilitated by PRISM-Enabel project, the study tour aimed at enabling meat processors to learn best practices and foster collaborations to improve standards of meat handling. Meat safety is a concern to actors in the hospitality industry, groceries and consumers. Poor standards of hygiene during slaughtering or carcass handling result in unacceptable levels of physical, chemical, and microbial contamination of meat that reduces shelf-life and compromises food safety. The study tour was a great opportunity for the pig and poultry value chain actors to acquire necessary skills in slaughtering, cutting, handling, and processing of the pork and chicken, to deliver in compliance with international food safety standards and regulations. Prior to this study tour, in a collaboration between Rwanda Agriculture Board (RAB) and PRISM-Enabel project, meat handlers (butchers, processors and chefs) had benefited from capacity building to enhance their skills in the art of meat processing and handling with compliance to international food safety standard and regulations in the pork and chicken from slaughtering to the table.
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Towards sustainable architecture – New Youth Centre to empower young generations in Rwanda
Denise NSANGA | 16-10-2023
A new Youth Centre was officially opened in Musanze District on 22 September 2023 by Rwandan Minister of youth Dr. Abdallah UTUMATWISHIMA together with Ambassador of Belgium to Rwanda Mr. Bert VERSMESSEN, Governor of Northern Province, Maurice GAHUNDE, DG LODA, Claudine NYINAWAGAGA, Musanze acting Mayor Hamiss BIZIMANA, Enabel Representative Dirk Deprez, and Intervention Manager of Enabel’s Urban Economic Development initiative (UEDi) Mattias PIANI. Renovated in a partnership between Musanze district and Enabel, the recently inaugurated youth centre is part of the National Youth Council's 2021-2025 Strategic Plan, and serves as a vital hub for young people. It was designed as a campus and built with local materials. The facility offers diverse amenities including training halls, Fablab, Knowlab, a library, artist workshops, IT services, and sports facilities like basketball, volleyball, and handball. Located at the heart of Musanze, it provides a space for skill development, creativity, and entrepreneurial exploration, empowering the youth for self-reliance and contributing to the community's socio-economic progress.In his remarks, the Minister of youth said the youth centre “will be a beacon of hope and sanctuary for young generation to aim higher, to think big and act. It will provide them with range of basic services to meet their needs in this evolving evolving world. The youth will have access to IT skills, training equipment’s that will give them the tools to navigate the digital age successfully.” The ambassador of Belgium to Rwanda pointed out “It’s nice to see that Basketbll is not only being played in Kigali, but also in Musanze”, what is really at the heart of the project is innovation, employment and creativity he stressed.” Musanze district Acting Mayor further noted that, “The renovation of Musanze youth centre made it possible to expand the infrastructure and services that are offered”.At the youth centre, COSMOGOLEM was launched as well. A 4-metre-high wooden statue built by localartists from original idea by Belgian artist Koen Vanmechelen, the statue is the symbol of hope and belief in the future, of diversity and evolution which empowers young generations by helping them find their own voice. This project is already present in more than 40 countries in the world. Cosmogolem is constructed in Musanze district youth centre. It is set to stimulate the children in Musanze to express themselves through poetry, stories, dance, and visual arts. You can visit the Cosmogolem foundation website: https://www.cosmogolem.com
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Rwanda's commitment to family planning: Promoting choice for healthy communities
Denise NSANGA | 29-09-2023
On 26th September 2023, Enabel, through Barame project, joined the government of Rwanda and the rest of the world to celebrate the World Contraception Day under the theme "The Power of Options" in Nyamasheke district in Western Province. To mark this day, Rwanda conducted campaigns around the theme “Build Healthy Communities and sustainable development through Promoting contraception use”.According to maternal task health force, the contraceptive use averted approximately 44% of maternal deaths around the world by reducing the number of high-risk pregnancies. It prevented unwanted pregnancies, some of which result in unsafe abortions—one of the leading causes of global maternal deaths. The "Family Planning 2020" initiative has been a driving force in advancing rights-based family planning and upholding the promises of Cairo Declaration on Population & Development. It emphasizes on the importance of choice-based approaches to family planning, aiming at helping women who wanted to stop or delay childbearing but are not using any method of contraception (family planning unmet need). Rwanda Demographic and Health Survey (RDHS) 2019/2020, revealed that between 2015 and 2020 family planning uptake in Rwanda increased from 53% to 64% for those who used any Family Planning contraceptive methods and from 48% to 58% increase for those who used modern contraceptive methods. The use of any contraceptive method is higher among married women in rural areas (65%) than among those in urban areas (61%). The same survey showed that the unmet need for family planning is still high among unmarried women (37%) compared to married women (14%).The recent Rwanda population census (2022) showed that the population fertility rate is 3.6. The country capacity to maintain a wealthy and healthy population, is still facing a rapidly growing population which is at 2.3%.Prior to the World Contraceptive Day celebrations, Barame project, in collaboration with Rwanda Biomedical Centre, had conducted Family Planning community outreach activities in three districts namely Rusizi, Nyarugenge and Gisagara where 9,050 people received modern family planning, including the permanent methods. 3,662 more people from Nyamasheke district, Western Province were reached in synergy with UNFPA and received modern family planning. This has been among productive approach where hard to reach communities were also served. In partnership with Rwanda’s Ministry of Health and supported districts authorities, Enabel’s Barame project is closely working with community to ensure the continuity of the services, to break barriers, avail commodities, skilled staff to reduce fear by breaking rumors limiting the community to seek for the Family planning services.