Dilulu Expands Programs to Rwanda with New Partnership

Dilulu is proud to announce its official expansion into Rwanda, marking the eighth country in our growing network of community-based sustainable gardening programmes across Africa. The expansion is anchored by a new partnership with three women-led agricultural cooperatives in the Eastern Province, with plans to reach additional districts by the end of the year.

"Rwanda has a remarkable tradition of cooperative farming and a deep commitment to environmental stewardship. We are not bringing solutions to Rwanda — we are partnering with Rwandans who already possess tremendous knowledge and energy." — Claudine Uwase, newly appointed Rwanda Coordinator

A Partnership Rooted in Community

The partnership centres on the cooperatives of Koabimu, Twiyubake, and Dufatanye — collectively representing over 400 women farmers across the districts of Rwamagana, Kayonza, and Ngoma. Dilulu will provide training in sustainable gardening techniques, composting, and nutrition-sensitive agriculture, while the cooperatives contribute land, local knowledge, and community organising capacity.

Initial programming will focus on establishing 35 nutrition gardens attached to cooperative centres, with produce supporting both household consumption and local markets. Each garden will serve as a demonstration site, where neighbouring communities can observe techniques and receive hands-on training.

Building on Regional Momentum

Rwanda's entry into the Dilulu network follows successful programme launches in Kenya (2019), Ghana (2020), and Tanzania (2023). The organisation now serves an estimated 15,000 children and families across eight African countries, with a network of over 200 community and school gardens.

"Our approach has always been to grow thoughtfully," said Mireille Moussavou, Dilulu's Founder and Executive Director. "Each new country teaches us something that makes our programmes stronger everywhere. The resilience and organisation of Rwanda's cooperative movement will enrich everything we do."

Looking Ahead

Over the next eighteen months, Dilulu Rwanda aims to:

Establish 35 nutrition gardens across three districts
Train 100 community educators in sustainable gardening techniques
Develop a Kinyarwanda-language adaptation of our core curriculum
Launch a seed-saving programme for indigenous vegetable varieties

Funding for the Rwanda expansion has been provided by a combination of individual donors, a grant from the African Women's Development Fund, and in-kind contributions from partner cooperatives.

Get involved: Dilulu Rwanda is actively seeking volunteers with experience in agriculture, education, or community development. Apply to volunteer or support our Rwanda programme with a designated donation.