rwanda livelihood zones and descriptions...rwanda livelihood zones and descriptions june 2012 rural...

RWANDA Livelihood Zones and Descriptions June 2012

MAP OF REVISED LIVELIHOOD ZONES IN RWANDA

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RWANDA Livelihood Zones and Descriptions April 2015

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Map of Revised Livelihood Zones in Rwanda...............................................................................................................................1 Acknowledgments .......................................................................................................................................................................3 Acronyms and Abbreviations.......................................................................................................................................................4 Methodology ............................................................................................................................................................................... Rural Livelihood Zones in Rwanda ...............................................................................................................................................6

Lake Kivu Coffee & Food Crops (Zone 1)......................................................................................................................................8

West Congo-Nile Crest Tea & Food Crops (Zone 2) ...................................................................................................................

Central-Northern Highlands Irish Potato, Beans and Vegetables (Zone 7)................................................................................

Eastern Semi-Arid Agro-Pastoral (Zone 12) ...............................................................................................................................

Zone 1: Seasonal calendar ...................................................................................................................................................9 Zone 1: Primary food, income, and expenditure calendar ..................................................................................................9

Zone 2: Seasonal calendar .................................................................................................................................................11 Zone 2: Primary food, income, and expenditure calendar ................................................................................................11

Northwest Volcanic Irish Potato (Zone 3)..................................................................................................................................12 Zone 3: Seasonal calendar .................................................................................................................................................13 Zone 3: Primary food, income, and expenditure calendar ................................................................................................13

East Congo-Nile Highlands Subsistence Farming (Zone 4).........................................................................................................14 Zone 4: Seasonal calendar ................................................................................................................................................. Zone 4: Primary food, income, and expenditure calendar ................................................................................................15

Central Plateau Cassava and Coffee (Zone 5) ............................................................................................................................16 Zone 5: Seasonal calendar .................................................................................................................................................17 Zone 5: Primary food, income, and expenditure calendar ................................................................................................17

Northern Highlands Beans and Wheat (Zone 6) ........................................................................................................................18 Zone 6: Seasonal calendar .................................................................................................................................................19 Zone 6: Primary food, income, and expenditure calendar ................................................................................................19

Zone 7: Seasonal calendar .................................................................................................................................................21 Zone 7: Primary food, income, and expenditure calendar ................................................................................................21

Bugesera Cassava (Zone 8) ........................................................................................................................................................22 Zone 8: Seasonal calendar .................................................................................................................................................23 Zone 8: Primary food, income, and expenditure calendar ................................................................................................23

Eastern Plateau Mixed-Agriculture (Zone 9)..............................................................................................................................24 Zone 9: Seasonal calendar ................................................................................................................................................. Zone 9: Primary food, income, and expenditure calendar ................................................................................................25

Southeastern Plateau Banana (Zone 10) ...................................................................................................................................26 Zone 10: Seasonal calendar ...............................................................................................................................................27 Zone 10: Primary food, income, and expenditure calendar ..............................................................................................27

Eastern Agro-Pastoral (Zone 11)................................................................................................................................................28 Zone 11: Seasonal calendar ...............................................................................................................................................29 Zone 11: Primary food, income, and expenditure calendar ..............................................................................................29

Zone 12: Seasonal calendar ...............................................................................................................................................31 Zone 12: Primary food, income, and expenditure calendar ..............................................................................................31

Province, District, Sector and Population by Livelihood Zone ...................................................................................................32 Workshop Participants ..............................................................................................................................................................42

Famine Early Warning Systems Network 2


ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

The development of this report was undertaken by the Famine Early Warning Systems Network (FEWS NET) in collaboration with its partners: Government of Rwanda’s Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources (MINAGRI), Ministry of Disaster Management and Refugee Affairs (MIDIMAR), and Ministry of Local Government (MINALOC); National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda (NISR); National University of Rwanda; Catholic Relief Service (CRS); Rwanda Red Cross; Care; and World Vision. The descriptions and calendars were produced as part of the knowledge base informing FEWS NET’s activities in the country.

This report was prepared by Stephen Brown with Nora Lecumberri of the Food Economy Group and modified based on findings from a follow up visit by Nancy Mutunga to Rwanda in 2012.



ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS

CRS Catholic Relief Service DRC Democratic Republic of Congo FEWS NET Famine Early Warning Systems Network HEA Household Economy Analysis MIDIMAR Ministry of Disaster Management and Refugee Affairs MINAGRI Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources MINALOC Ministry of Local Government NISR National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda USAID United States Agency for International Development WFP United Nations World Food Programme



METHODOLOGY

Livelihood zoning offers a form of economic geography adapted to food security analysis. Administrative divisions sometimes reflect natural features, with rivers or mountains as boundaries, but are not usually developed to reflect local economies. Livelihood zones therefore cross administrative boundaries. At the same time, for early warning, as for most other purposes, populations also need to be identified in relation to administrative units. Therefore, administrative boundaries are always clearly laid over the zones in any livelihoods map.

This product is designed to be used as a reference tool and knowledge base for those working in food security and livelihoods. It does not give recommendations for action, but rather provides information that practitioners may use to undertake context analysis and inform their own programming decisions.

The Rwandan Livelihood Zoning exercise conducted in May 2011 was a revision of the national livelihoods zoning originally created by the Famine Early Warning Systems Network (FEWS NET) and partners in 2003. The intention was to see if significant changes had occurred and to: a) identify whether some zones needed to be split or new ones added; b) identify whether the boundaries of retained zones needed to be modified; and c) update zone descriptions and seasonal calendars. Additionally, information was collected on the timing of access to food and income, resulting in the development of consumption and income calendars.

The Rwanda national livelihoods zones map was revised during a four-day workshop in Kigali from May 23-26, 2011, with participants from government and partners. This Livelihoods Zoning “Plus” product was developed using a rapid livelihoods assessment approach, which aims to identify and describe trends and patterns in livelihoods as a starting point for early warning analysis. It is based on the Household Economy Analysis (HEA) methodology that FEWS NET uses as a foundation for its livelihoods activities.

The methodology used to develop this Livelihoods Zoning “Plus” product consisted of two steps:

Step One: Representatives from each region of the country participated in a national-level workshop to delineate the national map into livelihood zones, or areas with similar livelihood activities, agro-ecology, and access to markets. The Republic of Rwanda is divided into Provinces, Districts, Sectors and Cells1, and the mapping exercise attempted to use Sector boundaries as livelihood zone boundaries as much as possible.

Step Two: Descriptions of each livelihood zone were drafted at the workshop, identifying the key characteristics of livelihoods found in each zone; a seasonal calendar was also drafted for each zone.

A second round of revisions undertaken in June 2012 by a group of experts from government and nongovernmental institutions resulted in minor changes to the 2011 Rwanda livelihood zoning. Some parts of the Eastern Agro-Pastoral Livelihood Zone were included in the Semi-Arid Agro-Pastoral Zone as they had semi-arid elements. The June 2012 revised livelihood zone map was endorsed by the government and partners and was further used for Integrated Food Security Phase Classification training and implementation.

The June 2012 revision process used all of the livelihood zone core elements as criteria for rezoning, including: means and mode of production, consumption patterns, geography, access to markets, and similar coping strategies. The revised livelihood zones are described in this document.

For more details on the HEA and principles, please visit the livelihoods section on www.fews.net or download the paper Application of the Livelihood Zone Maps and Profiles for Food Security Analysis and Early Warning.

1 See the Ministry of Local Government of the Republic of Rwanda, http://www.minaloc.gov.rw/index.php?id=450.


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http://www.fews.net/sites/default/files/documents/reports/Guidance_Application_of_Livelihood_Zone_Maps_and_Profiles_en.pdf

http://www.minaloc.gov.rw/index.php?id=450


RURAL LIVELIHOOD ZONES IN RWANDA

Rwanda is ecologically diverse for its small size, with highland mountain forests, savannah grasslands, and low-altitude marshes. The western part of the country is characterized by highland mountain landscapes and gentle slopes leading toward the lowland areas in the east. Most of the country benefits from two agricultural seasons, supported by two rainy seasons. In the lowland marshland areas, some households also have a third season. Rainfall varies across Rwanda, ranging from 1,200-2,000 millimeters (mm) in the western half of the country to 800-1,200 mm in the east.

Rwanda is one of the most densely populated countries in the Great Lakes region of Africa south of the Sahara with an

estimated population of 10.5 million, the average population density is 368 people per square kilometer.2 As the population

of the already densely populated fertile rural areas increases, access to Rwanda’s limited resources, particularly land, will become more competitive. Currently the majority of households cultivate less than 0.5 hectares of land, and with a population growth rate of 2.6 percent (for 2007), land owned and cultivated per household is expected to decrease further.

Agricultural production serves as the foundation for rural livelihoods across the country. Nearly all households hand-till their land and rely on the bimodal rains to support agricultural production. In general, poorer households have small plots and grow mostly food crops. Although most of what they produce is for household consumption, they may sell small portions of their harvest to purchase essential items. Wealthier households typically have larger plots of land; they hire laborers and produce for both household consumption and sale. Some of the wealthier households purchase crops when prices are lowest, usually after the harvest, and sell or trade when prices peak.

Although most of Rwanda’s rural areas are relatively food self-sufficient, poorer households cannot meet all of their annual food needs from their own fields alone. One of the main limiting factors is access to land and the ability to cultivate it, the main difference between poorer and wealthier households. In addition to own-production, poorer households depend on their labor capacity and sales of small ruminants to purchase food from the market. In many areas, poorer households also sell their labor in exchange for food. Highlights from a national overview of rural livelihood zones in Rwanda include:

Most livelihood zones in Rwanda are considered relatively food self-sufficient.

Bugesera Cassava Zone is the only food-deficit production zone in the country, but deficits occur only in poor production years. This zone is prone to drought.

Eastern Semi-Arid, Eastern Agro-Pastoral, and parts of the East Congo-Nile Highlands Farming Zones are at risk of acute food insecurity during poor production years.

The three eastern livelihood zones (Bugesera Cassava, Eastern Agro-Pastoral, and Eastern Semi-Arid Agro-Pastoral) are all prone to drought.

Poor households living in the Eastern Agro-Pastoral, Eastern Semi-Arid Agro-Pastoral, and Eastern Plateau Agriculture Zones rely on purchases to acquire significant portions of their annual food needs.

2 National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda (NISR), July 2007.



Figure 1. National seasonal calendar for Rwanda

Seasons

Rainy season

Dry season

Lean season

Cropping

Season A

Season B

Season C

Livestock movement

Other

Local agricultural labor 2 2 2 2 2

Migrant labor

School fees 3 3

Hazards

Floods

Prolonged dry spell

Legend p p Land preparation s s Sowing w w Weeding h h Harvest

r r r r r r r

h h h h

l l

2

1 1 1 1 1

1 1

3

1 1 1 1 1

2 2 2 2 2

h

p h h

d d d

2

p

d

r

Sept Oct Nov DecJan Feb JulyMar Apr May Jun Aug

Most livelihood zones depend on both rainy seasons, A and B, to support two harvest periods. Season A crops are harvested from December to February; Season B crops are harvested in May and June. In the lowland marshland areas, some households have a third harvest of rice, vegetables, and some green maize, occurring from June to August (Season C).

Generally, rural Rwanda has two lean seasons. The first is the most intense and occurs from September to November. The second, less severe, lean season starts in April and ends around the middle of May or upon Season B’s harvest. Most agricultural labor is paid in cash or in kind and corresponds with the harvesting periods.

The main hazards affecting production are drought and floods. Any deficits incurred from these hazards not only affect the production of poor households but also the demand for labor. Poor households are more at risk of food insecurity during droughts since they depend mainly on their own production and in-kind payments, and market purchases mainly via agricultural labor, to meet most of their annual food needs.

To facilitate early warning, decision makers should monitor the zones at risk of prolonged dry spells in March and September. Insufficient rains during these months could increase the likelihood of poor harvests in May and December. Additionally, excessive rains in April/May and November/December result in landslides in highland areas, water-logging of crops, and stunting of normal crop growth.

Rwanda’s 12 livelihood zones are described individually in the next section.



LAKE KIVU COFFEE & FOOD CROPS (ZONE 1)

Monitoring priority

Low, as this zone is relatively food self sufficient, rarely receiving external assistance.

Key livelihood activities

Poor Local agricultural labor Rainfed agriculture Small-scale animal rearing

Better-off Rainfed agriculture Small-scale animal rearing Trade

Staple foods and sources

Poor Cassava Kidney beans Banana Vegetables Sweet potatoes

Better-off Irish potatoes Rice Meat/fish Kidney beans

Main income sources

Poor Labor sales Crop sales (coffee, banana, beans) Livestock sales (goats, poultry, rabbits)

Better-off

Crop sales

Livestock sales Trade

Most important productive assets

Poor Farmland Small livestock Labor for hire

Better-off Farmland Livestock

Main markets

Mutongo, Katembe, Kibilizi

Shocks and hazards

Insufficient rainfall Crop pests and rodents Unfavorable crop selling price Crop and animal diseases Hail/frost

The Lake Kivu Coffee & Food Crops Zone is relatively food self-sufficient. Crop pests, frost, hail, and drops in international coffee prices are the most common drivers of food insecurity in this densely populated zone, which includes all sectors bordering the length of Lake Kivu and continuing east for several kilometers. The zone’s landscape is hilly with relatively fertile soils. It receives between 1,300-1,700 mm of rainfall annually.

The two rainy seasons support two growing seasons for coffee, bananas, maize, beans, and cassava. Although some households living along the lake engage in fishing, the majority of the zone’s population relies on agriculture. Land availability is one of the main constraints to agricultural production. Poorer households cultivate relatively small plots of land, which limits the amount of crops they harvest for sale and household consumption. Although relatively food self-sufficient, poorer households still often purchase staple crops.

Market access is good, as a major highway runs the length of the zone, connecting Rubavu district with Rusizi district. The zone’s proximity to Lake Kivu fosters strong trade ties with households living in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Coffee Arabica is the zone’s primary cash crop and is sold by nearly all households. From the fields, coffee is transported to washing stations and taken to coffee factories for processing and international sale. Bananas are also grown alongside coffee and sold by households at local markets. From the local markets, bananas are sent to larger markets in Huye, Gisenyi, Musanze, and the DRC. Mutongo market, located in the southern part of the zone, is its largest livestock market. Better-off households sell cattle, goats, and pigs, while poorer households sell goats, poultry, and rabbits.

Most of the labor demand is met by the poor wealth group. While few household members migrate outside the zone to seek work, some will travel within the zone from June to August to work in construction.

Notably, households living in Nzahaha and Bugarama sectors do not share the same livelihood patterns as most others households in this zone. Instead, these households have the same characteristics as those living in Imbo Plain Livelihood Zone of Burundi.


http://www.fews.net/sites/default/files/documents/reports/bi_zonedescriptions_en.pdf

http://www.fews.net/sites/default/files/documents/reports/bi_zonedescriptions_en.pdf


Zone 1: Seasonal calendar

Rainy season

Dry season

Peak lean season

Cropping

Season A

Season B

Season C

Livestock movement

Other

On-farm labor 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2

Off-farm labor

Petty Trade 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2

Hazards

Floods

Prolonged dry spell


r r r

h

1

1

Nov Dec

r r

1

l

2

Sept Oct

1

l

r

h h

Aug

h

1

d

July

d

Jun

d

May

1

2

Apr

1

1

Mar

p

h

Feb

p

r

h

Seasons

Jan

d

h

Zone 1: Primary food, income, and expenditure calendar

Staple foods

Beans op op op op mp mp mp mp mp mp op op op op pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm

Sweet potato op op mp mp mp mp mp mp mp mp mp mp op op op op mp mp mp mp mp mp op op

Maize op op op op op op

Cassava pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm

Banana pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm

Income

Sale of crops 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1

Sale of livestock 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2

Labor 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1

Expenditures

Staple food 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1

Education 2 2 2 2 2 2

Legend op op Own production mp mp Market purchase ik ik In-kind c c Gathering

July AugFebJan Mar Apr May DecSept Oct NovJun



WEST CONGO-NILE CREST TEA & FOOD CROPS (ZONE 2)

Monitoring priority

Medium due to very small landholdings for about a quarter of the population.


Poor Local agricultural labor Cash crop production Small livestock rearing

Better-off Cash crop production Livestock rearing Trade


Poor Maize Vegetables Beans Irish potato Sweet potato

Better-off Irish potato Rice Small fish Beans

Main income sources

Poor Labor sales Crop sales (coffee, banana, beans) Livestock sales (goats, poultry, rabbits)

Better-off Crop sales (tea, maize, Irish potato)

Livestock sales (cattle, pigs, goats)

Trade


Poor Small stock Small garden

Better-off Land ownership Livestock

Main markets

Mukamira – intermediary Kabaya – intermediary Rugabano – livestock

Shocks and hazards

Hail Crop disease Prolonged dry spell

This noncontiguous zone is situated in the mountainous areas between the Kivu Lake Coffee & Food Crops Zone and the East Congo-Nile Highlands Subsistence Farming Zone. This zone is relatively food–secure, endowed with moderately fertile soils and annual precipitation ranging between 1,700-2,000 mm. The zone’s residents are heavily dependent on tea and the labor demands associated with its production. Any threat to tea production or marketing increases the risk of food insecurity.

Land ownership and livestock holdings are the two main determinants of wealth in the zone. Wealthier households typically cultivate more land and are the main producers of tea. Their economic position and access to resources allow them to own large animals such as cattle, in addition to goats and pigs. Along with tea production, households also cultivate Irish potatoes, maize, and beans. Poorer households reserve most of their land to cultivate food crops such as maize, beans, Irish and sweet potatoes, and vegetables. They will sell surplus Irish potatoes, maize, and beans when available. Unlike their wealthier neighbors, poor households lack the land and/or ability to maintain cattle and pigs. They keep goats, poultry, and rabbits, which serve as an important source of food and income.

The mountainous terrain, poor road networks, and remoteness limit market access in the zone. Irish potatoes and maize are sold locally, then transported by wealthier households to the intermediary markets of Mukamira or Kabaya, and then to larger markets inside and outside the zone. Tea is taken from the fields to collection centers, then to any of the tea factories located in the zone (for example, Nyabihu, Rubaya, Pfunda, Gisovu, Gisakura, or Shagasha). Livestock is sold locally to traders, who transport them to the larger livestock markets in Rugabano for resale or to intermediary markets. Most livestock sold stays within the region. However, goats and pigs are also exported to DRC. As their own stocks run out, poor households purchase Irish potatoes and beans from the market. Irish potatoes are sourced locally while beans are sometimes

imported from DRC via Rusizi, Nyamasheke, Rubavu, Ngororero, or Rutsiro.

Tea plantations and factories serve as a labor magnet. The majority of poor households work on the tea plantations owned by wealthier households. A few poor household members travel outside the zone from June to August to work in construction. As a response to the effects of a bad year, poor households may implement one or more coping strategies to compensate for food and income losses, such as substituting cheaper foods and forgoing some nonfood purchases. They will also increase labor sales or migrate outside the zone to look for work. Although child labor is illegal in Rwanda, some households will pull children out of school to look for work, usually as housekeeping support.



Zone 2: Seasonal calendar Seasonal Calendar

Rainy season

Dry season

Peak lean season

Cropping

Season A

Season B

Season C

Livestock movement

Other

Local agricultural labor 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2

Migrant labor

Hazards

Prolonged dry spell


Seasons

h h h

h h

1 1 1 1

22

1

p p

h

h

l l

Oct Nov

r

d d d d

rr r r r

DecJan Feb Mar Apr May Jun July Aug

r

Sept


Staple foods






Income

Sale of crops 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2

Labor 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1

Sale of livestock 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2

Expenditures

Staple food 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1



MayJan Feb Mar Aug Sept Oct Nov DecApr Jun July



NORTHWEST VOLCANIC IRISH POTATO (ZONE 3)

Monitoring priority

Medium due to very small landholdings for about a quarter of the population.


Poor Agricultural production Agricultural labor Off-farm labor

Better-off Agricultural production Trade Livestock rearing


Poor Irish potato Maize Beans Sweet potato

Better-off Irish potato Beans Maize Peas

Main income sources

Poor Labor sales

Better-off Crop sales (tea, maize, Irish potato) Livestock sales (cattle, pigs and goats) Trade


Poor Land ownership Household labor Agricultural tools

Better-off Land ownership Livestock sales Agricultural tools

Main markets (alpha order?)

Musanze town – retail and intermediate Mukamira – retail and intermediate Bigogwe – livestock and staple food crops Bugeshi – livestock

Shocks and hazards

Excessive rain Erratic rain High retail food prices

Situated along Rwanda’s northwest borders with DRC and Uganda, the Northwest Volcanic Irish Potato Zone is an extension of Uganda’s Southwest Potato, Sorghum and Vegetable Zone. Though years of agricultural production have made the once highly fertile volcanic soils less productive, this zone is rarely at risk of acute food insecurity, producing surplus food in normal years. The zone’s cool climate and forested landscape benefit from bimodal rains, receiving between 1,500-1,800 mm of precipitation annually. Rainfed agricultural production serves as the basis for rural household livelihoods, although some households living along Lakes Ruhondo and Burera also engage in small-scale fishing. Irish potatoes, maize, and beans are harvested twice annually while the main cash crop, 3 pyrethrum, is harvested throughout the year.

Land tenure defines wealth in the zone as it is the principal productive asset. As the zone is densely populated, most households are constrained to cultivating relatively small plots. The poor wealth group cultivates less than 0.5 hectares per household on average, which limits the amounts of crops harvested. This also limits the availability of crop residues, a limiting factor for keeping livestock. Most poor households in this zone reserve their harvest for consumption and do not sell. Labor sales, both on- and off-farm, are the only means for the poor to earn cash. Although some households will work on the farms of wealthier households, most pursue construction opportunities in Musanze or Gisenyi towns. A few poor household members will travel to DRC, Uganda, and/or Kigali to work.

Despite the mountainous terrain, market access in the zone is good. Reliable road networks and the zone’s proximity to urban centers allow for a steady stream of commodities. The zone is well-known for its Irish potato production, exporting surpluses throughout the country and across borders. Pyrethrum sold to cooperatives is then sold directly to the Sopyrwa Factory for processing. Musanze and Mukamira towns serve as the main intermediary market. Crops are sold locally to traders then transported to local destination markets

within Rwanda. Bigogwe and Bugeshi, the two main livestock markets for this zone, specialize in cattle sales. Livestock-owning households sell goats and cattle to traders locally. The traders then take the animals to the DRC via Gisenyi or to Kigali.




Rainy season

Dry season

Peak lean season

Cropping

Season A

Season B

Season C

Livestock movement

Other

Local agricultural labor 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2

Migrant labor

Hazards

Prolonged dry spell


Seasons

h h h

h h

22

1 1 11 1

p p

h

h

l l

Oct Nov

r

d d d d

rr r r r


r

Sept


Staple foods






Income

On-farm labor 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2

Off-farm labor 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1

Expenditures

Staple food 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2

School fees 1 1 1 1 1 1


MayJan Feb Mar Apr Jun July Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec



EAST CONGO-NILE HIGHLANDS SUBSISTENCE FARMING (ZONE 4)

Monitoring priority

Medium, as households are only at risk from prolonged dry spells or severe flooding.


Poor Better-off Local agricultural Agricultural production labor Livestock rearing Agricultural Trading production Small livestock

rearing


Poor Beans Sweet potato Maize Cassava

Better-off Beans Irish potato Rice Banana

Main income sources

Poor Labor sales Crop sales Small livestock sales

Better-off Crop sales Livestock sales Trade (livestock/non food items)


Poor Ownership of land Small livestock Household labor

Better-off Ownership of land Livestock (cattle)


Nyamagabe – intermediate and retail Gakenke – intermediate and retail Remera – intermediate and retail

Shocks and hazards

Excessive rain Prolonged dry spell Soil erosion

The East Congo-Nile Highlands Subsistence Farming Zone covers the high altitude mountainous areas of Rwanda’s Southern Province. The 1,200-1,600 mm of rainfall the zone receives annually sustain two agricultural campaigns, despite acidic soils. Most households survive on subsistence farming and are dependent on rainfed crop production as their main source of food and income. High population density and limited land availability confine households to own and cultivate small plots of land. As a result, poor households only cultivate food crops and sell small quantities after the January and June harvests to purchase essential food and nonfood items. Wealthier households typically have larger plots of land, allowing them to produce coffee and Irish potatoes, in addition to other food crops.

Livestock ownership, a major determinant of wealth, is very important. As in other areas, land ownership dictates the quantity and type of livestock that households are able to keep. Wealthier households have the resources (for example, pastures and crop residues) to feed larger animals such as cattle. Poorer households can only keep smaller animals such as goats, pigs, and rabbits as they are unable to make the initial investment in larger animals and lack the resources to maintain them.

Like the neighboring West Congo-Nile Crest Tea & Food Crops Zone, market access is bad. Poor road conditions and the steep terrain obstruct access during the rainy seasons, when landslides occur more frequently. Transportation costs and poor market access may contribute to poorer households selling their commodities in local markets rather than at Nyamagabe, Gakenke, or Remera town markets.

Better-off households produce and sell coffee, which is taken from the farmgate to washing stations at Maraba or Ruli, and then to destination markets within the country and internationally. In addition to coffee, they also sell Irish potatoes, maize, and wheat. These crops are sold to traders at the farmgate and taken to external markets throughout Rwanda. The better-off also sell and

trade livestock. Cattle and goats are sold at Ruhango and Kaduha markets for local consumption. In addition to selling goats, the better-off will trade them for soap, oil, salt, and other essentials to sell in local markets.

Poor households cannot meet all their cash needs through crop sales. Therefore, they engage in local farm and off-farm labor to supplement their income. Most labor opportunities are found locally on the farms of wealthier households. However, some will find construction jobs in the zone or in cobalt mines outside the zone.




Rainy season

Dry season

Peak lean season

Cropping

Season A

Season B

Season C

Livestock movement

Other

Local agricultural labor 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2

Charcoal

Migrant labor 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3

Hazards

Land slide 2 2 2 2

Prolonged dry spell


Seasons

h h h

h h

1 1

11 1 1 1

p p

h

h

l l

Oct Nov

r

d d d d

rr r r r


r

Sept


Staple foods






Income

Crop sales 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2

Off-farm

Expenditures

Staple food 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2

Education


May

1 1 1

1 1 1 1 1 1 1

Jan Feb Mar Apr Jun July Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec



CENTRAL PLATEAU CASSAVA AND COFFEE (ZONE 5)

Monitoring priority

Medium, as the zone receives food and/or cash assistance once every five years.


Poor Crop production Small livestock rearing Petty trading

Better-off Crop production Livestock rearing


Poor Sweet potato Cassava Beans Groundnuts

Better-off Irish potato Rice Beans Banana

Main income sources

Poor Crop sales Small livestock sales Agricultural labor Petty trade

Better-off Crop sales Livestock sales


Poor Land ownership Livestock Bicycles

Better-off Land ownership Livestock Avocado trees


Ruhango – intermediate and retail Gitarama, Buringa, Musambira – intermediate and retail Kinanazi, Huye, Musha, Nyaruyeja – retail

Shocks and hazards

Prolonged dry spells Excessive rain, hail

Situated to the west of the East Congo-Nile Highlands Subsistence Farming Zone, this large, densely populated zone is characterized by sandy, moderately fertile soils, rolling hills, grassland, and bush shrubs. The zone receives between 800-1,200 mm of rainfall spanning two main rainy seasons. Residents of this relatively food self-sufficient zone depend primarily on rainfed agriculture for both food and cash. This zone’s hazards have the potential to disrupt normal crop production, affecting household access to food and income. Although the zone is not normally at risk of acute food insecurity, once every five years, poor households may require either food or cash assistance.

Land ownership and livestock were identified as the most important productive assets for all households in this zone. Increased population pressure has constrained access to land, resulting in the cultivation of small plots. This is significant for poorer households, since they are heavily dependent on crop production for cash and food. Unlike in other areas, most poor households do not supplement their income with labor. Instead, they rely on the sale of cassava, coffee, and beans as well as small livestock sales and petty trade.

A main transportation artery transects the zone, connecting the larger zone markets of Gitarama, Ruhango, Kinazi, Huye, and Gisagara with the larger urban market of Kigali.

The main food crops – cassava and beans – are sold locally by producers and kept within the area. Coffee, the main cash crop, is taken to washing stations and sold to the government-operated National Agriculture Export Development Board.

Most livestock sold in the zone are sold locally and traded within the zone. Cattle, sold mostly by wealthier households, are taken to Kigali to meet the urban demand for beef. Small stock, including goats and pigs, are sold locally by all households to varying degrees.




Rainy season

Dry season

Peak lean season

Cropping

Season A

Season B

Season C

Livestock movement

Other


Migrant labor

Hazards

Prolonged dry spell


Seasons

h h h

h h

1 1 1 1 1

2 2

p p

h

h

l l

Oct Nov

r

d d d d

rr r r r


r

Sept


Staple foods






Income

Sale of crops 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2

Sale of livestock 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1

Petty trade 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2

Expenditures

Staple food 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1



May Oct Nov DecJan Feb Mar Apr Jun July Aug Sept



NORTHERN HIGHLANDS BEANS AND WHEAT (ZONE 6)

Monitoring priority

Low, as most poor households can meet their annual food needs in a normal year through production or purchase, and there is rarely need for external assistance


Poor Crop production Local agricultural labor Small livestock rearing

Better-off Crop production Livestock rearing Petty trade


Poor Irish potato Beans Sorghum Sweet potato

Better-off Irish potato Beans Maize Wheat Vegetables

Main income sources

Poor Labor sales Crop sales Goat sales Sheep sales



Poor Household labor Land ownership Agricultural tools

Better-off Land ownership Livestock Agricultural tools

Main markets

Gitanga – retail and intermediary

Shocks and hazards

Erratic rainfall

Located between the eastern shores of Lake Burera and Lake Ruhondo and the Central-Northern Highlands Irish Potato, Beans and Vegetable Zone, this small livelihood zone’s households are able to meet most of their food needs from their own fields, supplementing the remaining food from the market and in-kind payment. Livelihoods in this densely populated, mountainous zone are dependent on agricultural production and animal husbandry. Some households living on the shores of the lakes engage in fishing, while those living near the marshlands along the Rugezi River produce Irish potato, maize, and cabbage. The zone has some minerals, such as gold and wolfram (tungsten).

The majority of households hand-till relatively small plots and depend on the 800-1,200 mm of rain the zone receives annually. Beans, wheat, vegetables, and maize are the primary crops produced for both household consumption and sale. All households sell surplus production after harvest. However, poorer households own and cultivate less land, and therefore have significantly lower production and crop sales than the wealthy. For the most part, poorer households earn the bulk of their cash by working on the farms of their wealthier neighbors. Poor households are also paid in kind. Beans, Irish potato, and sweet potato are provided in exchange after harvesting.

Market access in the zone is difficult as most farmers do not live near local markets. Gitanga is the largest retail/intermediary market in the zone, serving mostly the four sectors closest to it. Most of the commodities sold are taken to local markets and then to intermediary markets in the zone. Wheat can be transported as far as Gicumbi town, whereas beans go to Kigali or Musanze markets. Livestock (mostly goats and sheep) are brought to local markets and are then transported to the larger markets of Rubavu, Kigali, and Nemba (alpha order?).




Rainy season

Dry season

Peak lean season

Cropping

Season A

Season B

Season C

Livestock movement

Other


Migrant labor

Hazards

Prolonged dry spell


Seasons

h h h

h h

1 1 11 1

h

p p

h

l l

r

d d d d

rr r r r r

Sept Oct Nov

2 2



Staple foods






Income

Agricultural labor 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2

Sale of crops 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1

Sale of livestock 2 2 2 2 2 2

Expenditures

Staple food 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1



MayJan Feb Mar Aug Sept Oct Nov DecApr Jun July



CENTRAL-NORTHERN HIGHLANDS IRISH POTATO, BEANS AND VEGETABLES (ZONE 7)

Monitoring priority

Low, as most households are relatively food self-sufficient.


Poor Local agricultural labor Agricultural production Small livestock rearing

Better-off Agricultural production Livestock rearing Trading


Poor Irish potato Beans Sweet potato Maize

Better-off Irish potato Beans Sweet potato Maize

Main income sources

Poor Labor sales Crop sales Livestock sales

Better-off Crop sales Livestock sales Trade


Poor Household labor Land ownership Agricultural tools

Better-off Land ownership Livestock, including oxen Agricultural tools


Byumba – retail and intermediary Yaramba – retail and intermediary Miyove – retail and intermediary

Shocks and hazards

Erratic rainfall Drop in crop selling price

The Central-Northern Highlands Irish Potato, Beans and Vegetables Zone stretches across the eastern part of Burera district and covers a large part of Rulindo district and Gicumbi district as a whole and several sectors of Nyagatare and Gatsibo districts. The zone’s mountainous terrain is covered with savannah grasslands, forests, and small, terraced farm plots. The zone is considered food self-sufficient, rarely at risk of acute food insecurity.

Agriculture and livestock husbandry form the foundation of rural livelihoods. Production of Irish potato, beans, wheat, sweet potato, and vegetables is supported by two rainy seasons – one from September to December and the other from February to May. Annually, 1,000-1,500 mm of rainfall sustain two harvests. Livestock and livestock product sales are important for both household consumption and cash.

The type and number of livestock that households keep is determined by their ability to maintain the animals sustainably. Wealthier households can afford to keep cattle, in addition to goats and pigs. Poorer households lack sufficient capital to invest in larger animals like cattle and do not have the resources to maintain them. Therefore they are limited to raising small stock such as goats, sheep, and rabbits. Rabbits serve as a source of income when school fees are due, whereas goats and sheep are more of an income source during the lean season.

Market access is good in this zone. One of Rwanda’s main transportation corridors runs through the center of the zone, connecting producers with the urban market of Kigali and the Ugandan border town of Gatuna. Most of the crops produced for the market (and livestock for the livestock products market) are bound for Kigali. Producers sell commodities locally, where traders

buy and then transport them to Kigali via intermediary markets. Byumba, Manyagiro, and Gicumbi serve as the zone’s main intermediary and retail markets. Maize flour and beans from Uganda are brought in from Gatuna and make their way to local markets.

Labor opportunities are the main income source for poorer households. On-farm labor is compensated both in kind and in cash. Most of the labor performed is land preparation, planting, weeding, and harvesting of agricultural commodities. Some households migrate seasonally outside the zone from August to October to look for work in Kigali and/or Uganda.




Rainy season

Dry season

Peak lean season

Cropping

Season A

Season B

Season C

Livestock movement

Other


Migrant labor

Hazards

Flood

Prolonged dry spell

Legend Harvest

Seasons

h h h

h h

1 1 1 1 1

h

h

p p

l l

rr r r

d d d d

r r

Sept Oct Nov

r


2 2 2 2

p Land preparation s Sowing w Weeding h

1 1


Staple foods






Income

Agricultural labor 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2

Crop sales 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1

Rabbit sales 2 2 2 2 2 2

Expenditures

Staple food 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1






BUGESERA CASSAVA (ZONE 8)

Monitoring priority

High, as this drought-prone zone typically has a food production deficit.


Poor Agricultural production Livestock rearing On- and off-farm labor

Better-off Agricultural production Livestock rearing Cross-border trading


Poor Beans Sorghum Maize Cassava

Better-off Beans Cassava Maize

Main income sources

Poor Goat sales Crop sales Labor sales



Poor Land ownership Small livestock Household labor

Better-off Land ownership Livestock Small trucks (rented and owned)

Main markets

Nyamata – retail Ruhuha – intermediary Rweru – intermediary

Shocks and hazards

Prolonged dry spell Crop diseases Animal and poultry diseases Floods (Akagera and Akanyaru marshlands)

The Bugesera Cassava Zone encompasses all of Bugesera district and includes Rukumberi and Jarama sectors of Ngoma district, Gahanga sector of Kicukiro district, and several sectors of Nyanza district. All households in this zone rely on rainfed agriculture to support their livelihood. Like other areas in Rwanda, this zone is bimodal. However, one out of every two years, the first rainy season is insufficient, resulting in deficit crop production. Households can typically recover from initial losses during the second harvest. However, in a bad year households, especially poor ones, are at risk of food insecurity.

This relatively flat, lowland zone is characterized by savanna grassland and bush shrubs intermingled with small and fragmented farms. The zone receives approximately 800 mm of rain annually, supporting the production of cassava, maize, beans, and sorghum. Households living around the small lakes in the zone are also involved in fishing with nets.

Primary productive assets are similar across the wealth spectrum. Land under cultivation, which is determined by ownership, dictates the amounts households can harvest given optimal conditions. Livestock, cattle, goats, and poultry are important assets for households as they are sold during times of need. Poorer households are restricted to owning small stock as they lack the resources to maintain larger animals. In addition to land and livestock, wealthier households own or have the means to rent small trucks, used to transport beans, cassava, bananas, and maize to neighboring communities in Burundi in exchange for cash, beer, and poultry.

Market access is considered good as the zone is relatively close to Kigali and Burundi. Road networks are well maintained and the terrain is relatively flat. The main local/regional markets in the zone are Nyamata (cassava), Ruhuha, and Rweru. The main crops sold are cassava, maize, and sorghum, and the main livestock sold are goats,

poultry, and cattle. Farmers take their produce to local markets where they are bought by consumers within the same area. Cassava is also purchased from local markets, taken to a processing plant near Nyamata, and then sold to consumers across the region. Livestock, mostly goats and poultry, are sold at the local market and then transported north to Kigali for the hotel and restaurant industry. Cattle are mostly consumed within the region.

The labor market is mainly restricted to rural areas. However, some poorer household members find construction work in Kigali and/or Burundi. Most on-farm labor is performed during cropping seasons, primarily paid in kind.




Rainy season

Dry season

Peak lean season

Cropping

Season A

Season B

Season C

Livestock movement

Other


Migrant labor

Hazards

Prolonged dry spell


Seasons

h h h

h h

2 2

1 1 11 1

May Jun

p p

d

r r

Oct Nov

h

r

l l

h

d d d

Dec

r r r r

July Aug SeptJan Feb Mar Apr


Staple foods






Income

Crop sales 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2

Goat sales 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1

Off-farm income 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2

Expenditures

Staple food 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1



May DecJan Feb Mar Apr Jun July Aug Sept Oct Nov



EASTERN PLATEAU MIXED-AGRICULTURE (ZONE 9)

Monitoring priority

Low, as this zone is elatively food self-sufficient and rarely needs external food or cash assistance.


Poor Local agricultural labor Agricultural production Small livestock rearing

Better-off Agricultural production Livestock rearing


Poor Bananas Beans Sweet potatoes Maize

Better-off Bananas Beans Maize Groundnuts

Main income sources

Poor Labor sales Crop sales



Poor Land ownership Agricultural tools


Main markets

Kiramuruzi, Karubamba, Mugera, Rwagitima, Ngarama, Mimuli– retail Gasange, Kabarore – livestock

Shocks and hazards

Prolonged dry spell Animal disease

This medium-populated zone borders Lake Muhazi to the south, the Central-Northern Highlands Irish Potato, Beans and Vegetables Zone to the west, and the Eastern Agro-Pastoral Zone to the east. The zone is hillier in the south and becomes flatter towards the north. The zone receives between 1,000-1,200 mm of rainfall annually during its two rainy seasons. The zone is food self-sufficient and is rarely in need of external food or cash assistance.

Land ownership, livestock, household labor, and agricultural tools are considered the main productive assets in the zone. Although poor households typically cultivate less land than their better-off neighbors, landholdings in the zone are larger than in the zones located in the west. Larger tracts of land allow for a greater concentration of livestock holdings, especially goats. In addition to small ruminants, better-off households raise cattle.

Agricultural production and the labor associated with it form the basis of livelihoods in this zone. Wealthier households rely on livestock and crop production, specifically bananas, for both consumption and income. Poorer households rely on crop production as well, but also earn significant food and cash given the labor demand of better-off and middle households.

The main cash crops of the zone are bananas, coffee, and maize. A minority of the population with access to localized marshlands in the northern part of the zone grows season C rice as a cash crop as well. As own-food stocks subside, poor households rely on the market in addition to in-kind payments to meet their remaining food needs.

Reliable road networks and relatively flat terrain allow easy circulation of trucks, bicycles, and motorcycles delivering commodities within the zone and to/from the main urban market in Kigali.

The supply of labor is absorbed almost entirely by local agricultural demand. A few households travel to Kigali and/or Nyagatare to look for work in construction or in the neighboring tin mines.




Rainy season

Dry season

Peak lean season

Cropping

Season A

Season B

Season C

Livestock movement

Other


Migrant labor

Hazards

Animal disease 2 2 2 2 2 2

Prolonged dry spell 1 1 1 1


Seasons

h h h

h h

1 1 11 1

p p

h

h

l l

Oct Nov

r

d d d d

rr r r r


r

Sept


Staple foods






Income

Crop Sales 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2

Agricultural labor 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1

Expenditures

Staple food 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2






SOUTHEASTERN PLATEAU BANANA (ZONE 10)

Monitoring priority

Medium, as in normal years most households are able to produce enough to meet their food needs. Once every five years, hazards result in production deficits.


Poor Local agricultural labor Agricultural production Poultry rearing

Better-off Agricultural production Livestock rearing Trading


Poor Bananas Beans Cassava

Better-off Bananas Rice Beans Maize

Main income sources

Poor Crop sales Labor sales Poultry sales

Better-off Crop sales Livestock product sales Trade


Poor Land ownership Small livestock Household labor



Nyakarambi – intermediary Ngoma – intermediary Rwamagana – intermediary Kabarondo – intermediary

Shocks and hazards

Crop disease/pests Animal/poultry disease Prolonged dry spell Windstorms Hail

The Southeastern Plateau Banana Zone encompasses most of Ngoma and Rwamagana districts and some sectors of Kirehe and Kayonza districts. The relatively flat terrain becomes increasingly hillier toward the border with Burundi. The 900-1,100 mm of rainfall the zone receives annually allow for surplus production of food and cash crops. The zone is rarely at risk of acute food insecurity, and has not needed food or cash assistance over the past ten years.

Renowned for being the first area in Rwanda to produce bananas, this zone also grows beans, rice, sorghum, maize, cassava, and coffee for household consumption and sale. Poorer households lack the land and agricultural resources to produce and sell coffee. Instead, these households opt to produce food crops, selling a portion of their harvests to finance essential nonfood items or preferred food items. Poor households do not source all of their food from their own production. They also receive beans, cassava, and other in-kind payment for working on farms of better-off households. Bananas are purchased as own stocks dwindle.

Livestock sales, mostly of cattle, goats, and pigs, are a significant source of income for better-off households. Poorer households also keep goats as a livelihood safety net. Poultry and rabbits are the livestock most commonly sold by poorer households throughout the year. Poultry are sold at local markets, and then transported to Nyakarambi, Kabarondo, Ngoma, or Rwamagana.

Market access is considered good, with a major highway cutting through the zone’s core. The relatively flat terrain allows for year-round market access. Coffee produced and sold is taken by producers to washing stations, then transported to Kigali. Bananas are brought to local markets, where traders transport them to Nyakarambi, Kabarondo, Ngoma, and Kigali. Maize is also sold locally, then transported to Nyakarambi, and finally to destination markets in Kigali.




Rainy season

Dry season

Peak lean season

Cropping

Season A

Season B

Season C

Livestock movement

Other


Petty trade

Migrant labor 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2

Hazards

Livestock disease 1 1 1 1 1 1

Crop pests, disease

Floods 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1

Prolonged dry spell 2 2


Seasons

h h h

h h

2 2

1 11 1 1

p p

h

h

l l

Oct Nov

r

d d d d

rr r r r


r

Sept


Staple foods






Income

Sale of crops 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2

Agricultural labor 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1

Poultry sales 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2

Expenditures

Staple food 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1



May Nov DecJan Feb Mar Apr Jun July Aug Sept Oct



EASTERN AGRO-PASTORAL (ZONE 11)

Monitoring priority

Medium, as - in normal years, most households are able to produce enough to meet their food needs. Onc every five years, hazards result in production deficits.


Poor Local agricultural labor Crop production

Better-off Crop production Livestock rearing Trading


Poor Better-off Maize Maize Beans Beans Cassava Cassava Bananas Bananas

Main income sources

Poor Labor sales Crop sales Small livestock sales

Better-off Crop sales Milk sales Livestock sales Trade


Poor Land ownership Small livestock

Better-off Land ownership Livestock Bicycles and trucks

Main markets

Karangazi, Nyawera, Gabiro– livestock Nyagatare – intermediary crops Rwagitima, Rwimiyaga –crops and livestock

Shocks and hazards

Prolonged dry spell Windstorm Crop pests Animal disease

This sparsely populated zone is typically a food surplus-producing area. However, one out of five years, prolonged dry spells and/or windstorms result in food deficits. The long, thin zone extends from the border with Uganda south through the western parts of Nyagatare, Gatsibo, and Kayonza districts. The sandy, moderately fertile soils support agricultural production and the growth of bush scrub and pastures. Two rainy seasons deposit 900-1,000 mm of rain, sustaining crop production and pasture growth and recharging livestock watering holes.

All households in the zone consume the same types of food; however, the quality and quantities of crops produced for consumption and sale increase with wealth. Better-off households are able to produce surplus food to cover their annual needs and sell the remainder on the market. Poorer households typically do not produce enough food to sustain themselves throughout the year. They sell a small portion of maize and cassava immediately after harvest to cover pressing economic needs. As their own food stocks run out, they exchange labor for food and purchase food from the market.

To finance food and nonfood payments, poor households work on the farms of better-off households, performing weeding and harvesting. In addition to on-farm work, they work in nearby mines and towns and across the border in Uganda.

Maize, bananas, and beans are the main crops sold in the zone. Most producers sell their goods at local markets to traders or to associations/cooperatives. Better-off households buy goods at local markets and transport them to the intermediary markets of Nyagatare, Rwagitima, and Rwimiyaga using trucks, motorcycles, or bicycles. During the rainy season, the quantities sold at local and regional markets are reduced due to poor road conditions. Cattle, goats, and poultry are the main types of livestock sold in the zone. Like crops, livestock are sold by households at local markets to traders or associations.




Rainy season

Dry season

Peak lean season

Cropping

Season A

Season B

Season C

Livestock movement

Other

Petty trade 2 2 2 2 2 2

Agricultural labor

Migrant labor 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2

Hazards



Seasons

h h h

h h

1 1 1 1 1 11 1 1 1 1 1

h

h

p p

l l

d dd d

r r r rr r r

Sept Oct Nov DecJuly AugJan Feb Mar Apr May Jun


Staple foods






Income

Agricultural labor 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2

Sale of crops

Sale of livestock 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2

Expenditures

Staple food



May

1 1 1 1 1 11 1 1 1 1 1

1 1 1 1 1

Sept Oct Nov DecJan Feb Mar Apr Jun July Aug



EASTERN SEMI-ARID AGRO-PASTORAL (ZONE 12)

Monitoring priority

High, as vulnerability to drought is relatively high compared to the rest of the country.


Poor Agriculture Labor

Better-off Agriculture Trade


Poor Banana Beans Cassava

Better-off Banana Maize Beans Cassava

Main income sources

Poor Crop sales Livestock sales Local off-farm work



Poor Land Goats and poultry

Better-off Land Cattle

Main markets

Bananas and maize: Kayonza>Kigali Sorghum: Kigali>Ruhengeri Cows: Nyagatare/ Gatsibo/ Kayanza> Kigali/other provinces Goats: local markets>Kigali

Shocks and hazards

Drought Animal diseases

A thin sliver of this zone borders the Akagera National Park from north to south and expands into the southeastern corner of the country, bordering Tanzania. The zone is moderately populated, and more sparsely populated towards the north. It is a flat area, covered with shrubs and forests due to its proximity to the national park. Average annual rainfall is 900 mm. The soil is moderately fertile and clay-based.

Land is the most important productive asset for all households, and reliance on agriculture is notable across the population. The zone is historically prone to drought. With many households dependent on agriculture, the level of vulnerability to drought is relatively high compared to the rest of the country. The southeastern regions of Rwanda have become highly specialized in the large-scale production of bananas. Bananas (cooking, dessert, and brewing varieties) provide a source of food and income for households in these regions. Although agriculture is the main activity of the zone, pastoral and agropastoral groups are present and most households own some livestock: cattle and goats by the better-off and goats and poultry by the poorer households. Fishing is practiced (using nets) in the zone’s small lakes and rivers, especially in Ndego, Nasho, and Mpanga sectors. However, fish stocks are declining.

Market access is good throughout the zone. A paved road links the south of the zone with Kigali, and a second national road lies to the west of the zone. Trade is very important for the wealthier households; some own (or rent) small trucks to assist them in their commercial activities. Migration in search of work within the zone commonly takes place between May and July and again in November and December. A small percentage of the population leaves for Kigali to work in

construction or for the mining areas of the country.




Rainy season

Dry season

Peak lean season

Cropping

Season A

Season B

Season C

Livestock movement

Other


Migrant labor

Hazards

Animal disease 2 2 2 2 2 2



Seasons

h h h

h h

1 1 1 1 1

p p

h

h

l l

Oct Nov

r

d d d d

rr r r r


r

Sept


Staple foods






Income

Crop sales 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2

Livestock sales

Agricultural labor 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2

Expenditures

Staple food



1 1 1

May

1 1 11 1 1

Aug SeptJun July DecOct Nov

1 1

111 1 1 1

Jan Feb Mar Apr



PROVINCE, DISTRICT, SECTOR AND POPULATION BY LIVELIHOOD ZONE

Livelihood Zone 1: Lake Kivu Coffee & Food Crops Zone

Province District Sector Population

Western Karongi Rubengera 21,573

Western Karongi Bwishyura 25,171

Western Karongi Gishyita 15,591

Western Karongi Mubuga 16,434

Western Nyamasheke Gihombo 20,387

Western Nyamasheke Mahembe 13,744

Western Nyamasheke Kirimbi 18,981

Western Nyamasheke Macuba 23,736

Western Nyamasheke Kagano 26,337

Western Nyamasheke Kanjongo 24,903

Western Nyamasheke Nyabitekeri 29,263

Western Nyamasheke Bushenge 20,193

Western Nyamasheke Karengera 25,455

Western Nyamasheke Bushekeri 19,248

Western Nyamasheke Rangiro 13,203

Western Nyamasheke Shangi 23,579

Western Nyamasheke Karambi 24,971

Western Rubavu Nyundo 23,986

Western Rubavu Nyamyumba 27,487

Western Rusizi Nkanka 16,638

Western Rusizi Giheke 18,827

Western Rusizi Gihundwe 20,964

Western Rusizi Kamembe 29,895

Western Rusizi Mururu 19,153

Western Rusizi Nyakarenzo 13,224

Western Rusizi Gitambi 18,476

Western Rusizi Gashonga 19,752

Western Rusizi Gikundamvura 13,913

Western Rusizi Rwimbogo 15,605

Western Rusizi Nzahaha 23,326

Western Rusizi Bugarama 20,271

Western Rusizi Muganza 16,781

Western Rusizi Nkombo 13,359

Western Rusizi Butare 16,932

Western Rusizi Bweyeye 12,567

Western Rusizi Nyakabuye 24,283

Western Rutsiro Kivumu 27,400

Western Rutsiro Ruhango 24,875

Western Rutsiro Murunda 22,457

Western Rutsiro Mushonyi 22,232

Western Rutsiro Boneza 17,139

Western Rutsiro Musasa 18,110

Western Rutsiro Mushubati 19,799

Western Rutsiro Gihango 18,370



Livelihood Zone 2: Western Congo-Nile Crest Tea and Food Crops Zone


Western Karongi Rugabano 26,897

Western Karongi Gitesi 20,058

Western Karongi Rwankuba 34,120

Western Karongi Twumba 21,248

Western Ngororero Muhanda 23,640

Western Nyabihu Karago 25,498

Western Nyabihu Rambura 26,181

Western Nyabihu Muringa 20,175

Southern Nyamagabe Gatare 13,857

Southern Nyamagabe Buruhukiro 19,039

Southern Nyamagabe Uwinkingi 19,330

Southern Nyamagabe Tare 18,438

Southern Nyamagabe Kitabi 21,678

Western Nyamasheke Rugarambuga 20,407

Western Nyamasheke Cyato 20,625

Southern Nyaruguru Mata 10,570

Southern Nyaruguru Nyabimata 15,376

Southern Nyaruguru Ruheru 19,226

Southern Nyaruguru Kivu 14,666

Western Rusizi Nkungu 17,984

Western Rutsiro Nyabirasi 23,992

Western Rutsiro Manihira 13,069

Western Rutsiro Rusebeya 17,379

Western Rutsiro Mukura 24,970

Livelihood Zone 3: Northwestern Volcanic Irish Potato Zone


Northern Burera Kagogo 15,852

Northern Burera Cyeru 18,913

Northern Burera Kinoni 21,035

Northern Burera Gahunga 18,232

Northern Burera Cyanika 29,907

Northern Musanze Cyuve 18,913

Northern Musanze Musanze 24,961

Northern Musanze Gacaca 22,082

Northern Musanze Muko 17,137

Northern Musanze Nkotsi 12,199

Northern Musanze Muhoza 35,816

Northern Musanze Kimonyi 12,971

Northern Musanze Busogo 16,810

Northern Musanze Rwaza 19,769

Northern Musanze Gataraga 20,003

Northern Musanze Shingiro 18,060

Northern Musanze Kinigi 22,019



Northern Musanze Nyange 22,819

Western Nyabihu Mukamira 25,830

Western Nyabihu Kintobo 15,508

Western Nyabihu Jenda 25,673

Western Nyabihu Bigogwe 32,317

Western Nyabihu Kabatwa 14,957

Western Rubavu Bugeshi 25,383

Western Rubavu Busasamana 24,816

Western Rubavu Mudende 20,645

Western Rubavu Cyanzarwe 19,301

Western Rubavu Kanzenze 20,161

Western Rubavu Rubavu 18,088

Western Rubavu Nyakiliba 15,894

Western Rubavu Rugerero 24,252

Western Rubavu Gisenyi 51,461

Western Rubavu Kanama 21,179

Livelihood Zone 4: Eastern Congo-Nile Highlands Subsistence Farming Zone


Northern Gakenke Cyabingo 17,763

Northern Gakenke Gashenyi 19,290

Northern Gakenke Rusasa 17,571

Northern Gakenke Busengo 20,391

Northern Gakenke Janja 15,296

Northern Gakenke Gakenke 20,998

Northern Gakenke Mugunga 17,051

Northern Gakenke Rushasi 17,662

Northern Gakenke Muzo 19,183

Northern Gakenke Muyongwe 15,784

Northern Gakenke Mataba 13,416

Northern Gakenke Minazi 13,664

Northern Gakenke Muhondo 19,926

Northern Gakenke Ruli 16,457

Northern Gakenke Coko 15,218

Kigali Gasabo Jabana 20,174

Kigali Gasabo Jali 18,704

Southern Huye Kigoma 20,995

Southern Huye Maraba 20,286

Western Karongi Murundi 22,457

Western Karongi Gashari 21,577

Western Karongi Murambi 18,003

Western Karongi Ruganda 14,498

Western Karongi Mutuntu 21,317

Southern Muhanga Nyabinoni 17,724

Southern Muhanga Rongi 19,339

Southern Muhanga Kibangu 19,337

Southern Muhanga Kiyumba 25,777



Southern Muhanga Rugendabari 16,559

Southern Muhanga Kabacuzi 24,134

Southern Muhanga Mushishiro 20,206

Western Ngororero Matyazo 24,165

Western Ngororero Kabaya 28,978

Western Ngororero Ngororero 25,206

Western Ngororero Hindiro 21,102

Western Ngororero Kageyo 21,455

Western Ngororero Kavumu 23,389

Western Ngororero Muhororo 18,374

Western Ngororero Sovu 21,168

Western Ngororero Bwira 16,018

Western Ngororero Gatumba 20,363

Western Ngororero Ndaro 19,979

Western Ngororero Nyange 18,412

Western Nyabihu Rugera 22,962

Western Nyabihu Rurembo 23,171

Western Nyabihu Shyira 16,956

Western Nyabihu Jomba 19,,139

Southern Nyamagabe Musange 124,05

Southern Nyamagabe Mugano 169,03

Southern Nyamagabe Kaduha 166,93

Southern Nyamagabe Nkomane 159,35

Southern Nyamagabe Mushubi 121,46

Southern Nyamagabe Mbazi 9,225

Southern Nyamagabe Musebeya 19,647

Southern Nyamagabe Kibirizi 17,577

Southern Nyamagabe Gasaka 25,151

Southern Nyamagabe Kamegeli 11,254

Southern Nyamagabe Kibumbwe 10,980

Southern Nyamagabe Cyanika 19,749

Southern Nyanza Nyagisozi 20,730

Southern Nyaruguru Ruramba 14,265

Southern Nyaruguru Muganza 16,774

Southern Nyaruguru Munini 16,084

Southern Nyaruguru Busanze 20,424

Southern Nyaruguru Kibeho 15,983

Northern Rulindo Rusiga 9,657

Northern Rulindo Shyorongi 18,319

Northern Gakenke Cyabingo 17,763



Livelihood Zone 5: Central Plateau Cassava and Coffee Zone


Southern Gisagara Mamba 24,502

Southern Gisagara Gikonko 16,914

Southern Gisagara Save 25,331

Southern Gisagara Gishubi 17,033

Southern Gisagara Ndora 18,572

Southern Gisagara Kibilizi 22,584

Southern Gisagara Muganza 21,321

Southern Gisagara Mugombwa 18,575

Southern Gisagara Kansi 15,650

Southern Gisagara Mukindo 22,755

Southern Gisagara Kigembe 19,421

Southern Gisagara Nyanza 18,737

Southern Gisagara Musha 18,039

Southern Huye Kinazi 17,095

Southern Huye Rwantiro 15,692

Southern Huye Rusatira 19,561

Southern Huye Simbi 20,031

Southern Huye Ruhashya 18,424

Southern Huye Mbazi 25,625

Southern Huye Huye 16,933

Southern Huye Karama 13,555

Southern Huye Ngoma 28,828

Southern Huye Tumba 21,225

Southern Huye Gishamvu 11,457

Southern Huye Mukura 15,739

Southern Kamonyi Ngamba 12,506

Southern Kamonyi Kayenzi 14,669

Southern Kamonyi Karama 20,949

Southern Kamonyi Rukoma 31,030

Southern Kamonyi Kayumbu 13,657

Southern Kamonyi Runda 24,621

Southern Kamonyi Gacurabwenge 21,511

Southern Kamonyi Musambira 27,371

Southern Kamonyi Rugalika 23,118

Southern Kamonyi Nyamiyaga 25,452

Southern Kamonyi Nyarubaka 19,945

Southern Kamonyi Mugina 26,507

Southern Muhanga Cyeza 28,313

Southern Muhanga Muhanga 23,926

Southern Muhanga Nyarusange 22,924

Southern Muhanga Nyamabuye 34,035

Southern Muhanga Shyogwe 34,945

Southern Nyanza Busoro 24,146

Southern Nyanza Mukingo 27,904

Southern Nyanza Cyabakamyi 18,018



Southern Nyanza Kigoma 26,956

Southern Nyanza Muyira 22,793

Southern Nyanza Rwabicuma 12,555

Southern Nyanza Kibirizi 22,032

Southern Nyanza Busasamana 33,828

Southern Nyanza Ntyazo 16,247

Southern Nyaruguru Rusenge 18,853

Southern Nyaruguru Ngera 20,005

Southern Nyaruguru Cyahinda 17,281

Southern Nyaruguru Nyagisozi 15,644

Southern Nyaruguru Ngoma 19,039

Southern Ruhango Mbuye 31,436

Southern Ruhango Mwendo 20,354

Southern Ruhango Byimana 28,492

Southern Ruhango Kinihira 21,103

Southern Ruhango Kinazi 24,996

Southern Ruhango Ntongwe 26,800

Southern Ruhango Kabagari 19,376

Southern Ruhango Bweramana 22,239

Southern Ruhango Ruhango 51,037

Livelihood Zone 6: Northern Highlands Beans and Wheat Zone


Northern Burera Kivuye 16,154

Northern Burera Gitovu 15,861

Northern Burera Bungwe 14,826

Northern Burera Rwerere 18,757

Northern Burera Rusarabuge 13,702

Northern Burera Gatebe 16,807

Northern Burera Rugendabari 13,954

Northern Burera Ruhunde 16,924

Northern Burera Nemba 17,346

Northern Burera Butaro 30,780

Northern Burera Kinyababa 21,129

Northern Burera Rugarama 20,580

Northern Gakenke Kamubuga 19,257

Northern Gakenke Kivuruga 16,980

Northern Gakenke Nemba 14,438

Northern Gakenke Karambo 11,698

Northern Musanze Gashaki 14,786

Northern Musanze Remera 19,874



Livelihood Zone 7: Central Northern Highlands Irish Potato, Beans and Vegetables Zone


Eastern Gatsibo Nyagihanga 21,298

Northern Gicumbi Kaniga 15,274

Northern Gicumbi Rushaki 12,668

Northern Gicumbi Cyumba 13,190

Northern Gicumbi Rubaya 96,72

Northern Gicumbi Mukarange 16,902

Northern Gicumbi Shangasha 15,234

Northern Gicumbi Manyagiro 18,050

Northern Gicumbi Byumba 35,435

Northern Gicumbi Bwisige 14,108

Northern Gicumbi Nyankenke II 18,667

Northern Gicumbi Miyove 15,039

Northern Gicumbi Rukomo 20,760

Northern Gicumbi Ruvune 16,284

Northern Gicumbi Kageyo 30,367

Northern Gicumbi Nyamiyaga 15,121

Northern Gicumbi Mutete 18,065

Northern Gicumbi Muko 14,941

Eastern Nyagatare Karama 19,727

Eastern Nyagatare Kiyombe 16,483

Northern Rulindo Cyungo 12,598

Northern Rulindo Rukozo 13,974

Northern Rulindo Kisaro 18,209

Northern Rulindo Base 14,620

Northern Rulindo Kinihira 14,306

Northern Rulindo Bushoki 18,240

Northern Rulindo Buyoga 20,187

Northern Rulindo Tumba 17,840

Northern Rulindo Burega 12,757

Northern Rulindo Cyinzuzi 12,193

Northern Rulindo Mbogo 15,522

Northern Rulindo Masoro 16,565

Northern Rulindo Ntarabana 12,211

Northern Rulindo Murambi 14,300

Northern Rulindo Ngoma 9,768

Livelihood Zone 8: Bugesera Cassava Zone


Eastern Bugesera Mwogo 12,162

Eastern Bugesera Juru 19,211

Eastern Bugesera Ntarama 13,977

Eastern Bugesera Nyamata 18,966

Eastern Bugesera Rilima 27,346

Eastern Bugesera Musenyi 20,840



Eastern Bugesera Gashora 15,248

Eastern Bugesera Mayange 14,392

Eastern Bugesera Shyara 9,933

Eastern Bugesera Mareba 19,100

Eastern Bugesera Ngeruka 25,900

Eastern Bugesera Nyarugenge 15,343

Eastern Bugesera Ruhuha 17,316

Eastern Bugesera Rweru 19,637

Eastern Bugesera Kamabuye 17,404

Eastern Ngoma Rukumberi 16,971

Eastern Ngoma Jarama 18,434

Kigali Nyarugenge Mageragere 14,008

Livelihood Zone 9: Eastern Plateau Mixed-Agriculture Zone


Kigali Gasabo Rutunga 13,598

Kigali Gasabo Nduba 15,679

Kigali Gasabo Gikomero 12,457

Eastern Gatsibo Ngarama 19,815

Eastern Gatsibo Gitoki 22,918

Eastern Gatsibo Gatsibo 21,265

Eastern Gatsibo Muhura 21,951

Eastern Gatsibo Kiziguro 20,667

Eastern Gatsibo Gasange 18,141

Eastern Gatsibo Murambi 18,862

Eastern Gatsibo Kiramuruzi 21,674

Northern Gicumbi Rwamiko 11,233

Northern Gicumbi Giti 12,622

Northern Gicumbi Bukure 15,328

Eastern Kayonza Rukara 23,204

Eastern Nyagatare Rukomo 20,945

Eastern Nyagatare Gatunda 19,716

Eastern Nyagatare Mimuli 22,452

Eastern Rwamagana Fumbwe 13,752

Eastern Rwamagana Musha 13,802



Livelihood Zone 10: Southeastern Plateau Banana Zone


Kigali Gasabo Rusororo 24,158

Eastern Kayonza Mukarange 19,538

Eastern Kayonza Nyamirama 19,359

Eastern Kayonza Ruramira 11,399

Eastern Kayonza Kabarondo 19,418

Eastern Kayonza Murama 14,105

Eastern Kirehe Mushikiri 17,541

Eastern Kirehe Nyarubuye 10,832

Eastern Kirehe Kirehe 16,374

Eastern Kirehe Gatore 19,596

Eastern Kirehe Gahara 29,659

Eastern Kirehe Musaza 18,284

Eastern Kirehe Kigina 16,520

Eastern Ngoma Remera 17,167

Eastern Ngoma Rurenge 17,363

Eastern Ngoma Kibungo 23,286

Eastern Ngoma Rukira 18,127

Eastern Ngoma Kazo 18,318

Eastern Ngoma Murama 16,775

Eastern Ngoma Sake 16,533

Eastern Ngoma Mutenderi 14,415

Eastern Ngoma Mugesera 19,135

Eastern Ngoma Zaza 16,772

Eastern Ngoma Karembo 10,749

Eastern Ngoma Gashanda 11,064

Eastern Rwamagana Muhazi 25,766

Eastern Rwamagana Gishari 15,017

Eastern Rwamagana Munyiginya 11,072

Eastern Rwamagana Gahengeri 14,891

Eastern Rwamagana Kigabiro 23,906

Eastern Rwamagana Mwulire 13,091

Eastern Rwamagana Muyumbu 15,763

Eastern Rwamagana Munyaga 11,079

Eastern Rwamagana Nzige 12,475

Eastern Rwamagana Rubona 15,877

Eastern Rwamagana Nyakariro 15,568

Eastern Rwamagana Karenge 18,443

Eastern Kirehe Nyarubuye 10,832

Eastern Kirehe Kirehe 16,374

Eastern Kirehe Gatore 19,596

Eastern Kirehe Gahara 29,659



Livelihood Zone 11: Eastern Agro-Pastoral Zone


Eastern Gatsibo Kabarore 21,556

Eastern Nyagatare Matimba 13,476

Eastern Nyagatare Musheli 14,742

Eastern Nyagatare Rwempasha 11,428

Eastern Nyagatare Rwimiyaga 16,802

Eastern Nyagatare Nyagatare 19,475

Eastern Nyagatare Tabagwe 18,553

Eastern Nyagatare Katabagemu 22,101

Livelihood Zone 12: Eastern Semi-Arid Agro-Pastoral Zone


Eastern Kayonza Kabare 25,896

Eastern Kayonza Ndego 9,071

Eastern Kirehe Nasho 20,146

Eastern Kirehe Mahama 13,130

Eastern Kirehe Nyamugari 23,380

Eastern Kirehe Kigarama 21,670

Eastern Kirehe Mpanga 22,336



WORKSHOP PARTICIPANTS

NAME TITLE ORGANZITION

Alexis Benimana District Agronomist Ngororero District

Claude Bizimana MINAGRI/Permanent Secretary Representative

Jean Damascene Nsengiyumva District Agronomist Kirehe District

Laura de Franchis VAM WFP

Brian Frantz USAID/CDO

Janvier Gasasira Coordinator MINAGRI/PAPSTA

Vedaste Gaseruka Engineer USAID

Justine Gatsinzi National Coordinator/VUP MINALOC/VUP

Dominique Habimana Director/NISR NISR

Fidele Hakizimana P.W. Specialist MINALOC/VUP

Eugene Kanyandekwe This is not a title CAP/PAPSTA MINAGRI/PAPSTA

Zacharie Manirarora Senior Agriculture Officer CRS

Eric Maniyo District Agronomist Kayonza District

Vedaste Mpagaritswenimana District Agronomist Muhanga District

Theodomir Mugiraneza GIS Officer National University of Rwanda/GIS

Cesarie Mugorukeye BDC Manager Gicumbi District

Philomene Mukabavuna Agriculture Officer Musanze District

Agnes Mukamana Program Manager CARE

Donatha Mukamuganga District Agronomist Nyamagabe District

Vestine Mukamurenzi Disaster Researcher MIDIMAR

Clarisse Munezero Agriculture Officer Gisagara District

Angelique Murungi Red Cross

Andrế Ndagijimana Coordinator MINAGRI

Ananie Niyibeshaho District Agronomist Nyamasheke District

Juvenal Ntambara Principle Statistician NISR

Jean Pierre Nyirimanzi Agriculture Officer Nyabihu District

Jean Luc Rugema District Agronomist Bugesera District

Jean Claude Rumenera Development Facilitator World Vision

Venant Safali Food Security Specialist USAID

Fabien Safari District Agronomist Karongi District

Providence Tumukunde Kiziba Camp Socio - Protection MIDIMAR

Didier Uhoraningoga Agronomist MINAGRI/PAPSTA

Catherine Uwamariya Veterinary technician World Vision

Jean Baptiste Uwizeyimana Agro-meteorologist MINAGRI


rwanda livelihood zones and descriptions...rwanda livelihood zones and descriptions june 2012 rural...

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