Field Trip Locations
Bugesera District, Eastern Province of Rwanda
Bugesera District, located in the Eastern Province of Rwanda, lies adjacent to the capital city, Kigali. It is bordered by Ngoma, Kirehe, and Nyamata districts and shares a border with Tanzania. The region is prone to droughts due to its higher-than-average daytime temperatures and lower precipitation compared to the rest of Rwanda.
Despite these challenges, Bugesera is known for its strategic location, fertile land, and rapidly growing infrastructure, making it a significant contributor to Rwanda's development. The district is predominantly flat, characterized by vast plains and scattered rolling hills, which make it ideal for agricultural and infrastructural expansion.
The Rwanda Institute for Conservation Agriculture (RICA), located in Bugesera, plays a vital role in transforming the region into a hub for modern and sustainable farming. RICA is pioneering a new movement in conservation agriculture aimed at restoring soil health, increasing productivity, and fostering a food-secure future for Rwanda and beyond. Its innovative educational model combines classroom learning, hands-on fieldwork, and applied scientific research within a "living laboratory" campus. Students, faculty, and staff collaborate on projects that address real agricultural challenges while promoting sustainability.
RICA offers internationally accredited Bachelor of Science degrees in Conservation Agriculture, equipping students with technical expertise and practical leadership, entrepreneurship, and innovation skills. Graduates of RICA go on to drive impact in commercial farming, agribusiness, research, government, and international development organizations—helping to shape a resilient and sustainable agricultural sector in Rwanda.
Don't miss the chance to experience cutting-edge conservation agriculture education in action!
Gicumbi District, Northern Province of Rwanda
Gicumbi District is located in the Northern Province of Rwanda, characterized by its mountainous terrain and cooler climate. The district is known for its beautiful highlands, tea plantations, and abundant rainfall, making it ideal for certain agricultural practices.
Project Area:
The project covers 9 Sectors within the Muvumba B sub-catchment (Rubaya, Cyumba, Kaniga, Mukarange, Rushaki, Shangasha, Manyagiro, Byumba, and Bwisige), comprising around 252 villages.
Key Achievements:
- 9,790 Hectares planted with agroforestry (Target: 9,790)
- 1,375 Hectares of agricultural land planted with protective forestry on river banks, roads, and gullies
- 1,744 Hectares of degraded forest rehabilitated (Target: 2,261)
- 31,160 Households supported with improved cooking stoves (Target: 29,872)
- 70 Schools supported with institutional large stoves (Target: 100)
- 40 Hectares of high elevation established with coffee plantation (Target: 40)
- 50 Hectares of high elevation established with tea plantation (Target: 50)
- 10 Households supported with biogas systems (Target: 10)
- 245 Milk cows distributed to vulnerable families (65% gave birth)
- 10 Honey cooperatives supported with 300 beehives and 1 established honey processing factory
- 100 Climate-resilient dwelling units constructed for vulnerable families relocated from high-risk areas
- 45,000 Green jobs created through project interventions
- 3 Weather and climate services rolled out
The Green Gicumbi Project, executed by the Rwanda Green Fund, has successfully restored critical watershed functions that support Gicumbi District's mostly rural population. The project has strengthened climate resilience through climate-smart agriculture, sustainable forest management, and the creation of alternative livelihoods, helping communities shift away from subsistence farming on marginal lands.
Join us to witness how the Green Gicumbi Project is transforming rural communities through innovative climate adaptation practices!