Rural Development Initiative (RDI)

Rural Development Initiative (RDI) is a youth- and sustainable agriculture-focused NGO dedicated to empowering rural communities by promoting environmentally responsible practices and improving livelihoods. With seven years of experience, RDI has built a strong reputation for transforming subsistence farming into market-oriented agriculture, providing training, and connecting smallholder farmers to markets. The organization is recognized for its community-driven approach, capacity building, and successful delivery of restoration projects, particularly those that integrate gender and youth inclusion. RDI’s mission centers on equipping the poorest communities with the tools and knowledge needed for sustainable income generation and resilience. The proposed project aims to restore degraded land and enhance community livelihoods in the Boneza sector of Rutsiro District through large-scale tree planting, job creation, and inclusive community engagement. RDI will plant 250,000 trees across 285 hectares to boost biodiversity, soil fertility, and water conservation, while also renovating banana and passion fruit plantations to increase food security and income. The initiative will create 500 jobs, prioritizing women and youth, and establish six community savings and loan groups to promote financial inclusion. Activities include site selection with local authorities, nursery establishment, community training, and ongoing maintenance and monitoring by agronomists and local champions. The project emphasizes sustainability through regular follow-ups, technical support, and the use of digital tools for tracking progress, aiming to directly benefit 4,000 people and indirectly reach 8,000, ultimately strengthening climate resilience and community well-being in Boneza.