Weathering the Storm

Communities in Rwanda are receiving support to protect themselves against the impacts of climate change, thanks to a new initiative launched this week by SCIAF and consortium partners Trócaire, CBM UK and five Rwandan partners, supported by the Scottish Government. 

The £8m programme supports communities who have been most affected by the consequences of a changing climate, including droughts, floods, landslides, heatwaves and increasing storms. Working through local Rwandan organisations, communities particularly marginalised members of communities such as youth, women, persons with disabilities will receive support to develop their own plans to adapt to and recover from climate change. 

SCIAF’s chief executive Lorraine Currie said:

“Homes will be re-built to withstand storms, trees will be planted, marshlands improved, and terraces created to prevent landslides – as part of the new Climate Justice Communities (CJC) initiative. 

“We are so excited this transformational programme has begun – it will literally change and save lives. In total the plan is aiming to benefit 58,000 people. 

“SCIAF has a rich history of work in Rwanda, spanning three decades, and we are excited to begin this new CJC initiative which will run until 2026.” 

Lorraine added:

“Our planet is changing, and because we have failed to do enough to tackle the climate emergency, its impacts are already being felt across the world. Sadly, it’s those living in some of the world’s poorest places who are bearing the brunt of the climate crisis, despite contributing the least to cause it. The average carbon footprint of someone in Rwanda is 45 time less than someone in the UK. 

“This programme will help some of the world's poorest people weather the storms of climate change and take control of their own futures despite the most challenging circumstances.” 

First Minister Humza Yousaf said:

“The countries which are the worst affected by the climate crisis are often those which have done little or nothing to cause it. The injustice at the heart of the global climate crisis is why Scotland became the first country in the world to establish a Climate Justice Fund more than a decade ago and why we have led the way in being the first global north country to commit funding to address loss and damage. 

“The programme will work with local communities – including with marginalised groups – so that they can identify their own priorities and build their resilience to the climate crisis.” 

The programme will be delivered in collaboration with partners: 

• Trócaire 
• Christian Blind Mission UK (Global Disability Inclusion) 
• National Union of Disabled People’s Organisation (NUDOR) 
• Rwanda Climate Change Development Network (RCCDN) 
• Duterimbere 
• Rwanda Development Organisation (RDO) 
• DUHaranire AMajyambere y'ICyaro- Association pour le Développement Rural Intégré (DUHAMIC-ADRI)