Vegetables and fruit are becoming a staple food for the population of Rubavu. The Rwanda Red Cross has introduced the inhabitants of three sectors to vegetable gardening. As a result, the diet has changed.
The Rubavu district borders North Kivu in the DRC. The population was hungry for meat like their neighbours in the city of Goma. The situation has changed following the intervention of the Rwanda Red Cross (RRC) in the sectors of Bugeshi, Kanama and Nyundo.
“The RRC offered us vegetable seedlings. We planted them. Before we ate like our Congolese neighbours in the DRC. A good diet meant eating meat and fish. We didn’t know the importance of vegetables,” says Théogène Baganizi, who lives in Bugeshi.
“A balanced diet necessarily includes fruit and vegetables. We know this because of an awareness campaign by the RRC,” adds Théogène Baganizi.
Some people in Bugeshi used to grow a lot of vegetables in their fields for the market only. “Most of us did not know how to prepare a balanced diet for children,” says Jean Paul Uwiringiyimana. Now they know that building, protective and energy foods are all essential, according to Jacqueline Tuyambaze.
DP3 project active against disasters
DP3 or disaster preparedness is a Rwandan Red Cross project operating in Bugeshi, Kanama and Nyunda sectors of Rubavu district. It also operates in Nyabihu and Ngororero districts, all in Western Province.
Its actions focus on disaster prevention and management. The exploitation of vegetable gardens is one of many components. Hygiene and sanitation also play an important role in this project.
“The RRC’s support in the three districts has focused on hygiene and sanitation,” says Emmanuel Mazimpaka, Director of Communication and Humanitarian Diplomacy. Thus, the grouping of the population in hygiene and sanitation clubs has been one of the tangible actions. Each of the three sectors should benefit from 100 latrines under construction.
In each of the three sectors, CRR has built hand-washing facilities.
RRC, a major partner for Rubavu
The RRC remains a major partner of the Rubavu district. “As an auxiliary organization of the state, the Rwanda Red Cross has supported our population in a significant way. Their living conditions have improved,” says the vice-mayor of social affairs, Pacifique Ishimwe.
“In case of a natural disaster, we ask for the intervention of the Rwanda Red Cross. They are quick to act,” says Pacifique Ishimwe.
People living along the Sebeya River regularly face floods. They are caused by water overflowing from the riverbed. In 2018, for example, the RRC rehabilitated several houses for 28 families.
The DP3 project of the Rwandan Red Cross is supported by the Belgian Red Cross, Flanders.
Gérard Rugambwa
