Centre intervention et d’Action Communautaire (CIAC)

Centre intervention et d’Action Communautaire (CIAC) is a national NGO based in Kigali, Rwanda, dedicated to empowering women and youth in rural farming communities. Since its establishment in 2021, CIAC has focused on advancing gender equality, sustainable agriculture, and environmental management through community-driven approaches. The organization is recognized for its use of the Plan Intégré du Paysan (PIP) model, which places women at the center of family-level planning and restoration efforts. CIAC’s experience includes leading agroforestry and climate resilience projects in partnership with local and international organizations, consistently promoting women’s leadership in restoration and livelihood improvement. Their transparent governance and strong track record in agroecology and community mobilization underpin their commitment to inclusive, sustainable development.

The proposed project targets the restoration of degraded landscapes in the Kivumu Sector, specifically Karambi cell in Rutsiro District, an area severely affected by erosion and poverty. CIAC aims to restore 260 hectares of land through women-led agroforestry, establishing two nurseries and planting 105,000 trees, with a focus on both native and exotic species. The initiative will form and train women’s and youth groups in nursery management, tree planting, and sustainable agriculture, while supporting 400 households in developing integrated agroforestry family plans. Demonstration plots, awareness campaigns, and peer-to-peer learning will foster community engagement and knowledge sharing. The project also integrates green enterprise development, including beekeeping, vermicomposting, and the creation of village savings and loan associations (VSLAs), to link income generation with landscape stewardship. A youth-led monitoring system using digital tools will ensure effective tracking of restoration progress, and performance-based incentives will encourage high tree survival rates. The project is expected to enhance biodiversity, create jobs, and improve livelihoods for both direct and indirect beneficiaries in the Karambi cell, aligning closely with local priorities for erosion control and socio-economic development.