How Financial Skills Are Helping Gicumbi Farmers Build Climate Resilience

For years, communities in Gicumbi District have struggled with the unpredictable effects of climate change. Droughts, floods, and soil erosion made it difficult for farmers to maintain steady incomes, and many were forced to seek work across the border in Uganda. But today, things are starting to change.

On February 13, 2025, 800 farmers and cooperative members celebrated their graduation from a training program run by the Green Gicumbi Project.

The program wasn’t just about adapting to climate change—it was about financial independence, cooperative management, and business planning.

For many, these were skills they had never been taught before, but ones that are proving to be just as important as farming itself.

For Ayinkamiye Ernestine, the training opened her eyes to some of the mistakes they had been making for years. “Before, we didn’t really have a structured way of managing our cooperative’s resources. Money came in, money went out, but we weren’t keeping proper track of it,” she said. “Now, we have a clear system in place, and everyone understands their role in making our cooperative stronger.”

Kagenza Jean Marie Vianney, the project coordinator, emphasized that financial preparedness is just as critical as any other climate resilience strategy.

“Saving is one of the best ways for people to protect themselves from the effects of climate change,” he explained. “If a farmer loses their crops or livestock, their savings—whether it’s money, food, or other resources—can help them get through the tough times.” He added, “Without a culture of saving, true climate resilience is impossible.”

But the impact of the project extends beyond individual households.

Nzabonimpa Emmanuel, the Mayor of Gicumbi District, pointed out how these efforts are also helping reduce labor migration. “This project has created green jobs, giving people stable employment with fair wages,” he said. “Because of this, many residents no longer feel the need to leave for Uganda in search of work.”

Since its launch, the Green Gicumbi Project has trained more than 12,000 people, helping farmers adopt both climate-friendly practices and financial strategies to secure their futures. And for Ernestine and her fellow cooperative members, these lessons are already making a difference.

“Now, we’re not just working hard—we’re working smart,” she said. “With the skills we’ve gained, our cooperative is in a much better position to grow.”

With more farmers embracing these strategies, Gicumbi District is proving that true climate resilience comes not just from adapting to the environment, but from ensuring financial security for the future.