RWANDA Livelihood Zones and Descriptions June 2012
MAP OF REVISED LIVELIHOOD ZONES IN RWANDA
FEWS NET is a USAID-funded activity. The content of this report does not FEWS NET Washington necessarily reflect the view of the United States Agency for International [email protected] Development or the United States Government. www.fews.net
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Map of Revised Livelihood Zones in Rwanda...............................................................................................................................1 Acknowledgments .......................................................................................................................................................................3 Acronyms and Abbreviations.......................................................................................................................................................4 Methodology ............................................................................................................................................................................... Rural Livelihood Zones in Rwanda ...............................................................................................................................................6
Lake Kivu Coffee & Food Crops (Zone 1)......................................................................................................................................8
West Congo-Nile Crest Tea & Food Crops (Zone 2) ...................................................................................................................
Central-Northern Highlands Irish Potato, Beans and Vegetables (Zone 7)................................................................................
Eastern Semi-Arid Agro-Pastoral (Zone 12) ...............................................................................................................................
Zone 1: Seasonal calendar ...................................................................................................................................................9 Zone 1: Primary food, income, and expenditure calendar ..................................................................................................9
Zone 2: Seasonal calendar .................................................................................................................................................11 Zone 2: Primary food, income, and expenditure calendar ................................................................................................11
Northwest Volcanic Irish Potato (Zone 3)..................................................................................................................................12 Zone 3: Seasonal calendar .................................................................................................................................................13 Zone 3: Primary food, income, and expenditure calendar ................................................................................................13
East Congo-Nile Highlands Subsistence Farming (Zone 4).........................................................................................................14 Zone 4: Seasonal calendar ................................................................................................................................................. Zone 4: Primary food, income, and expenditure calendar ................................................................................................15
Central Plateau Cassava and Coffee (Zone 5) ............................................................................................................................16 Zone 5: Seasonal calendar .................................................................................................................................................17 Zone 5: Primary food, income, and expenditure calendar ................................................................................................17
Northern Highlands Beans and Wheat (Zone 6) ........................................................................................................................18 Zone 6: Seasonal calendar .................................................................................................................................................19 Zone 6: Primary food, income, and expenditure calendar ................................................................................................19
Zone 7: Seasonal calendar .................................................................................................................................................21 Zone 7: Primary food, income, and expenditure calendar ................................................................................................21
Bugesera Cassava (Zone 8) ........................................................................................................................................................22 Zone 8: Seasonal calendar .................................................................................................................................................23 Zone 8: Primary food, income, and expenditure calendar ................................................................................................23
Eastern Plateau Mixed-Agriculture (Zone 9)..............................................................................................................................24 Zone 9: Seasonal calendar ................................................................................................................................................. Zone 9: Primary food, income, and expenditure calendar ................................................................................................25
Southeastern Plateau Banana (Zone 10) ...................................................................................................................................26 Zone 10: Seasonal calendar ...............................................................................................................................................27 Zone 10: Primary food, income, and expenditure calendar ..............................................................................................27
Eastern Agro-Pastoral (Zone 11)................................................................................................................................................28 Zone 11: Seasonal calendar ...............................................................................................................................................29 Zone 11: Primary food, income, and expenditure calendar ..............................................................................................29
Zone 12: Seasonal calendar ...............................................................................................................................................31 Zone 12: Primary food, income, and expenditure calendar ..............................................................................................31
Province, District, Sector and Population by Livelihood Zone ...................................................................................................32 Workshop Participants ..............................................................................................................................................................42
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RWANDA Livelihood Zones and Descriptions June 2012
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
The development of this report was undertaken by the Famine Early Warning Systems Network (FEWS NET) in collaboration with its partners: Government of Rwanda’s Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources (MINAGRI), Ministry of Disaster Management and Refugee Affairs (MIDIMAR), and Ministry of Local Government (MINALOC); National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda (NISR); National University of Rwanda; Catholic Relief Service (CRS); Rwanda Red Cross; Care; and World Vision. The descriptions and calendars were produced as part of the knowledge base informing FEWS NET’s activities in the country.
This report was prepared by Stephen Brown with Nora Lecumberri of the Food Economy Group and modified based on findings from a follow up visit by Nancy Mutunga to Rwanda in 2012.
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RWANDA Livelihood Zones and Descriptions June 2012
ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS
CRS Catholic Relief Service DRC Democratic Republic of Congo FEWS NET Famine Early Warning Systems Network HEA Household Economy Analysis MIDIMAR Ministry of Disaster Management and Refugee Affairs MINAGRI Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources MINALOC Ministry of Local Government NISR National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda USAID United States Agency for International Development WFP United Nations World Food Programme
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METHODOLOGY
Livelihood zoning offers a form of economic geography adapted to food security analysis. Administrative divisions sometimes reflect natural features, with rivers or mountains as boundaries, but are not usually developed to reflect local economies. Livelihood zones therefore cross administrative boundaries. At the same time, for early warning, as for most other purposes, populations also need to be identified in relation to administrative units. Therefore, administrative boundaries are always clearly laid over the zones in any livelihoods map.
This product is designed to be used as a reference tool and knowledge base for those working in food security and livelihoods. It does not give recommendations for action, but rather provides information that practitioners may use to undertake context analysis and inform their own programming decisions.
The Rwandan Livelihood Zoning exercise conducted in May 2011 was a revision of the national livelihoods zoning originally created by the Famine Early Warning Systems Network (FEWS NET) and partners in 2003. The intention was to see if significant changes had occurred and to: a) identify whether some zones needed to be split or new ones added; b) identify whether the boundaries of retained zones needed to be modified; and c) update zone descriptions and seasonal calendars. Additionally, information was collected on the timing of access to food and income, resulting in the development of consumption and income calendars.
The Rwanda national livelihoods zones map was revised during a four-day workshop in Kigali from May 23-26, 2011, with participants from government and partners. This Livelihoods Zoning “Plus” product was developed using a rapid livelihoods assessment approach, which aims to identify and describe trends and patterns in livelihoods as a starting point for early warning analysis. It is based on the Household Economy Analysis (HEA) methodology that FEWS NET uses as a foundation for its livelihoods activities.
The methodology used to develop this Livelihoods Zoning “Plus” product consisted of two steps:
Step One: Representatives from each region of the country participated in a national-level workshop to delineate the national map into livelihood zones, or areas with similar livelihood activities, agro-ecology, and access to markets. The Republic of Rwanda is divided into Provinces, Districts, Sectors and Cells1, and the mapping exercise attempted to use Sector boundaries as livelihood zone boundaries as much as possible.
Step Two: Descriptions of each livelihood zone were drafted at the workshop, identifying the key characteristics of livelihoods found in each zone; a seasonal calendar was also drafted for each zone.
A second round of revisions undertaken in June 2012 by a group of experts from government and nongovernmental institutions resulted in minor changes to the 2011 Rwanda livelihood zoning. Some parts of the Eastern Agro-Pastoral Livelihood Zone were included in the Semi-Arid Agro-Pastoral Zone as they had semi-arid elements. The June 2012 revised livelihood zone map was endorsed by the government and partners and was further used for Integrated Food Security Phase Classification training and implementation.
The June 2012 revision process used all of the livelihood zone core elements as criteria for rezoning, including: means and mode of production, consumption patterns, geography, access to markets, and similar coping strategies. The revised livelihood zones are described in this document.
For more details on the HEA and principles, please visit the livelihoods section on www.fews.net or download the paper Application of the Livelihood Zone Maps and Profiles for Food Security Analysis and Early Warning.
1 See the Ministry of Local Government of the Republic of Rwanda, http://www.minaloc.gov.rw/index.php?id=450.
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RWANDA Livelihood Zones and Descriptions June 2012
RURAL LIVELIHOOD ZONES IN RWANDA
Rwanda is ecologically diverse for its small size, with highland mountain forests, savannah grasslands, and low-altitude marshes. The western part of the country is characterized by highland mountain landscapes and gentle slopes leading toward the lowland areas in the east. Most of the country benefits from two agricultural seasons, supported by two rainy seasons. In the lowland marshland areas, some households also have a third season. Rainfall varies across Rwanda, ranging from 1,200-2,000 millimeters (mm) in the western half of the country to 800-1,200 mm in the east.
Rwanda is one of the most densely populated countries in the Great Lakes region of Africa south of the Sahara with an
estimated population of 10.5 million, the average population density is 368 people per square kilometer.2 As the population
of the already densely populated fertile rural areas increases, access to Rwanda’s limited resources, particularly land, will become more competitive. Currently the majority of households cultivate less than 0.5 hectares of land, and with a population growth rate of 2.6 percent (for 2007), land owned and cultivated per household is expected to decrease further.
Agricultural production serves as the foundation for rural livelihoods across the country. Nearly all households hand-till their land and rely on the bimodal rains to support agricultural production. In general, poorer households have small plots and grow mostly food crops. Although most of what they produce is for household consumption, they may sell small portions of their harvest to purchase essential items. Wealthier households typically have larger plots of land; they hire laborers and produce for both household consumption and sale. Some of the wealthier households purchase crops when prices are lowest, usually after the harvest, and sell or trade when prices peak.
Although most of Rwanda’s rural areas are relatively food self-sufficient, poorer households cannot meet all of their annual food needs from their own fields alone. One of the main limiting factors is access to land and the ability to cultivate it, the main difference between poorer and wealthier households. In addition to own-production, poorer households depend on their labor capacity and sales of small ruminants to purchase food from the market. In many areas, poorer households also sell their labor in exchange for food. Highlights from a national overview of rural livelihood zones in Rwanda include:
Most livelihood zones in Rwanda are considered relatively food self-sufficient.
Bugesera Cassava Zone is the only food-deficit production zone in the country, but deficits occur only in poor production years. This zone is prone to drought.
Eastern Semi-Arid, Eastern Agro-Pastoral, and parts of the East Congo-Nile Highlands Farming Zones are at risk of acute food insecurity during poor production years.
The three eastern livelihood zones (Bugesera Cassava, Eastern Agro-Pastoral, and Eastern Semi-Arid Agro-Pastoral) are all prone to drought.
Poor households living in the Eastern Agro-Pastoral, Eastern Semi-Arid Agro-Pastoral, and Eastern Plateau Agriculture Zones rely on purchases to acquire significant portions of their annual food needs.
2 National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda (NISR), July 2007.
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RWANDA Livelihood Zones and Descriptions June 2012
Figure 1. National seasonal calendar for Rwanda
Seasons
Rainy season
Dry season
Lean season
Cropping
Season A
Season B
Season C
Livestock movement
Other
Local agricultural labor 2 2 2 2 2
Migrant labor
School fees 3 3
Hazards
Floods
Prolonged dry spell
Legend p p Land preparation s s Sowing w w Weeding h h Harvest
r r r r r r r
h h h h
l l
2
1 1 1 1 1
1 1
3
1 1 1 1 1
2 2 2 2 2
h
p h h
d d d
2
p
d
r
Sept Oct Nov DecJan Feb JulyMar Apr May Jun Aug
Most livelihood zones depend on both rainy seasons, A and B, to support two harvest periods. Season A crops are harvested from December to February; Season B crops are harvested in May and June. In the lowland marshland areas, some households have a third harvest of rice, vegetables, and some green maize, occurring from June to August (Season C).
Generally, rural Rwanda has two lean seasons. The first is the most intense and occurs from September to November. The second, less severe, lean season starts in April and ends around the middle of May or upon Season B’s harvest. Most agricultural labor is paid in cash or in kind and corresponds with the harvesting periods.
The main hazards affecting production are drought and floods. Any deficits incurred from these hazards not only affect the production of poor households but also the demand for labor. Poor households are more at risk of food insecurity during droughts since they depend mainly on their own production and in-kind payments, and market purchases mainly via agricultural labor, to meet most of their annual food needs.
To facilitate early warning, decision makers should monitor the zones at risk of prolonged dry spells in March and September. Insufficient rains during these months could increase the likelihood of poor harvests in May and December. Additionally, excessive rains in April/May and November/December result in landslides in highland areas, water-logging of crops, and stunting of normal crop growth.
Rwanda’s 12 livelihood zones are described individually in the next section.
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LAKE KIVU COFFEE & FOOD CROPS (ZONE 1)
Monitoring priority
Low, as this zone is relatively food self sufficient, rarely receiving external assistance.
Key livelihood activities
Poor Local agricultural labor Rainfed agriculture Small-scale animal rearing
Better-off Rainfed agriculture Small-scale animal rearing Trade
Staple foods and sources
Poor Cassava Kidney beans Banana Vegetables Sweet potatoes
Better-off Irish potatoes Rice Meat/fish Kidney beans
Main income sources
Poor Labor sales Crop sales (coffee, banana, beans) Livestock sales (goats, poultry, rabbits)
Better-off
Crop sales
Livestock sales Trade
Most important productive assets
Poor Farmland Small livestock Labor for hire
Better-off Farmland Livestock
Main markets
Mutongo, Katembe, Kibilizi
Shocks and hazards
Insufficient rainfall Crop pests and rodents Unfavorable crop selling price Crop and animal diseases Hail/frost
The Lake Kivu Coffee & Food Crops Zone is relatively food self-sufficient. Crop pests, frost, hail, and drops in international coffee prices are the most common drivers of food insecurity in this densely populated zone, which includes all sectors bordering the length of Lake Kivu and continuing east for several kilometers. The zone’s landscape is hilly with relatively fertile soils. It receives between 1,300-1,700 mm of rainfall annually.
The two rainy seasons support two growing seasons for coffee, bananas, maize, beans, and cassava. Although some households living along the lake engage in fishing, the majority of the zone’s population relies on agriculture. Land availability is one of the main constraints to agricultural production. Poorer households cultivate relatively small plots of land, which limits the amount of crops they harvest for sale and household consumption. Although relatively food self-sufficient, poorer households still often purchase staple crops.
Market access is good, as a major highway runs the length of the zone, connecting Rubavu district with Rusizi district. The zone’s proximity to Lake Kivu fosters strong trade ties with households living in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Coffee Arabica is the zone’s primary cash crop and is sold by nearly all households. From the fields, coffee is transported to washing stations and taken to coffee factories for processing and international sale. Bananas are also grown alongside coffee and sold by households at local markets. From the local markets, bananas are sent to larger markets in Huye, Gisenyi, Musanze, and the DRC. Mutongo market, located in the southern part of the zone, is its largest livestock market. Better-off households sell cattle, goats, and pigs, while poorer households sell goats, poultry, and rabbits.
Most of the labor demand is met by the poor wealth group. While few household members migrate outside the zone to seek work, some will travel within the zone from June to August to work in construction.
Notably, households living in Nzahaha and Bugarama sectors do not share the same livelihood patterns as most others households in this zone. Instead, these households have the same characteristics as those living in Imbo Plain Livelihood Zone of Burundi.
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Zone 1: Seasonal calendar
Rainy season
Dry season
Peak lean season
Cropping
Season A
Season B
Season C
Livestock movement
Other
On-farm labor 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2
Off-farm labor
Petty Trade 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2
Hazards
Floods
Prolonged dry spell
Legend p p Land preparation s s Sowing w w Weeding h h Harvest
r r r
h
1
1
Nov Dec
r r
1
l
2
Sept Oct
1
l
r
h h
Aug
h
1
d
July
d
Jun
d
May
1
2
Apr
1
1
Mar
p
h
Feb
p
r
h
Seasons
Jan
d
h
Zone 1: Primary food, income, and expenditure calendar
Staple foods
Beans op op op op mp mp mp mp mp mp op op op op pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm
Sweet potato op op mp mp mp mp mp mp mp mp mp mp op op op op mp mp mp mp mp mp op op
Maize op op op op op op
Cassava pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm
Banana pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm
Income
Sale of crops 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
Sale of livestock 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2
Labor 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
Expenditures
Staple food 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
Education 2 2 2 2 2 2
Legend op op Own production mp mp Market purchase ik ik In-kind c c Gathering
July AugFebJan Mar Apr May DecSept Oct NovJun
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WEST CONGO-NILE CREST TEA & FOOD CROPS (ZONE 2)
Monitoring priority
Medium due to very small landholdings for about a quarter of the population.
Key livelihood activities
Poor Local agricultural labor Cash crop production Small livestock rearing
Better-off Cash crop production Livestock rearing Trade
Staple foods and sources
Poor Maize Vegetables Beans Irish potato Sweet potato
Better-off Irish potato Rice Small fish Beans
Main income sources
Poor Labor sales Crop sales (coffee, banana, beans) Livestock sales (goats, poultry, rabbits)
Better-off Crop sales (tea, maize, Irish potato)
Livestock sales (cattle, pigs, goats)
Trade
Most important productive assets
Poor Small stock Small garden
Better-off Land ownership Livestock
Main markets
Mukamira – intermediary Kabaya – intermediary Rugabano – livestock
Shocks and hazards
Hail Crop disease Prolonged dry spell
This noncontiguous zone is situated in the mountainous areas between the Kivu Lake Coffee & Food Crops Zone and the East Congo-Nile Highlands Subsistence Farming Zone. This zone is relatively food–secure, endowed with moderately fertile soils and annual precipitation ranging between 1,700-2,000 mm. The zone’s residents are heavily dependent on tea and the labor demands associated with its production. Any threat to tea production or marketing increases the risk of food insecurity.
Land ownership and livestock holdings are the two main determinants of wealth in the zone. Wealthier households typically cultivate more land and are the main producers of tea. Their economic position and access to resources allow them to own large animals such as cattle, in addition to goats and pigs. Along with tea production, households also cultivate Irish potatoes, maize, and beans. Poorer households reserve most of their land to cultivate food crops such as maize, beans, Irish and sweet potatoes, and vegetables. They will sell surplus Irish potatoes, maize, and beans when available. Unlike their wealthier neighbors, poor households lack the land and/or ability to maintain cattle and pigs. They keep goats, poultry, and rabbits, which serve as an important source of food and income.
The mountainous terrain, poor road networks, and remoteness limit market access in the zone. Irish potatoes and maize are sold locally, then transported by wealthier households to the intermediary markets of Mukamira or Kabaya, and then to larger markets inside and outside the zone. Tea is taken from the fields to collection centers, then to any of the tea factories located in the zone (for example, Nyabihu, Rubaya, Pfunda, Gisovu, Gisakura, or Shagasha). Livestock is sold locally to traders, who transport them to the larger livestock markets in Rugabano for resale or to intermediary markets. Most livestock sold stays within the region. However, goats and pigs are also exported to DRC. As their own stocks run out, poor households purchase Irish potatoes and beans from the market. Irish potatoes are sourced locally while beans are sometimes
imported from DRC via Rusizi, Nyamasheke, Rubavu, Ngororero, or Rutsiro.
Tea plantations and factories serve as a labor magnet. The majority of poor households work on the tea plantations owned by wealthier households. A few poor household members travel outside the zone from June to August to work in construction. As a response to the effects of a bad year, poor households may implement one or more coping strategies to compensate for food and income losses, such as substituting cheaper foods and forgoing some nonfood purchases. They will also increase labor sales or migrate outside the zone to look for work. Although child labor is illegal in Rwanda, some households will pull children out of school to look for work, usually as housekeeping support.
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Zone 2: Seasonal calendar Seasonal Calendar
Rainy season
Dry season
Peak lean season
Cropping
Season A
Season B
Season C
Livestock movement
Other
Local agricultural labor 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2
Migrant labor
Hazards
Prolonged dry spell
Legend p p Land preparation s s Sowing w w Weeding h h Harvest
Seasons
h h h
h h
1 1 1 1
22
1
p p
h
h
l l
Oct Nov
r
d d d d
rr r r r
DecJan Feb Mar Apr May Jun July Aug
r
Sept
Zone 2: Primary food, income, and expenditure calendar
Staple foods
Beans op op op op mp mp mp mp mp mp op op op op pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm
Sweet potato op op mp mp mp mp mp mp mp mp mp mp op op op op mp mp mp mp mp mp op op
Maize op op op op op op
Cassava pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm
Banana pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm
Income
Sale of crops 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2
Labor 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
Sale of livestock 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2
Expenditures
Staple food 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
Education 2 2 2 2 2 2
Legend op op Own production mp mp Market purchase ik ik In-kind c c Gathering
MayJan Feb Mar Aug Sept Oct Nov DecApr Jun July
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NORTHWEST VOLCANIC IRISH POTATO (ZONE 3)
Monitoring priority
Medium due to very small landholdings for about a quarter of the population.
Key livelihood activities
Poor Agricultural production Agricultural labor Off-farm labor
Better-off Agricultural production Trade Livestock rearing
Staple foods and sources
Poor Irish potato Maize Beans Sweet potato
Better-off Irish potato Beans Maize Peas
Main income sources
Poor Labor sales
Better-off Crop sales (tea, maize, Irish potato) Livestock sales (cattle, pigs and goats) Trade
Most important productive assets
Poor Land ownership Household labor Agricultural tools
Better-off Land ownership Livestock sales Agricultural tools
Main markets (alpha order?)
Musanze town – retail and intermediate Mukamira – retail and intermediate Bigogwe – livestock and staple food crops Bugeshi – livestock
Shocks and hazards
Excessive rain Erratic rain High retail food prices
Situated along Rwanda’s northwest borders with DRC and Uganda, the Northwest Volcanic Irish Potato Zone is an extension of Uganda’s Southwest Potato, Sorghum and Vegetable Zone. Though years of agricultural production have made the once highly fertile volcanic soils less productive, this zone is rarely at risk of acute food insecurity, producing surplus food in normal years. The zone’s cool climate and forested landscape benefit from bimodal rains, receiving between 1,500-1,800 mm of precipitation annually. Rainfed agricultural production serves as the basis for rural household livelihoods, although some households living along Lakes Ruhondo and Burera also engage in small-scale fishing. Irish potatoes, maize, and beans are harvested twice annually while the main cash crop, 3 pyrethrum, is harvested throughout the year.
Land tenure defines wealth in the zone as it is the principal productive asset. As the zone is densely populated, most households are constrained to cultivating relatively small plots. The poor wealth group cultivates less than 0.5 hectares per household on average, which limits the amounts of crops harvested. This also limits the availability of crop residues, a limiting factor for keeping livestock. Most poor households in this zone reserve their harvest for consumption and do not sell. Labor sales, both on- and off-farm, are the only means for the poor to earn cash. Although some households will work on the farms of wealthier households, most pursue construction opportunities in Musanze or Gisenyi towns. A few poor household members will travel to DRC, Uganda, and/or Kigali to work.
Despite the mountainous terrain, market access in the zone is good. Reliable road networks and the zone’s proximity to urban centers allow for a steady stream of commodities. The zone is well-known for its Irish potato production, exporting surpluses throughout the country and across borders. Pyrethrum sold to cooperatives is then sold directly to the Sopyrwa Factory for processing. Musanze and Mukamira towns serve as the main intermediary market. Crops are sold locally to traders then transported to local destination markets
within Rwanda. Bigogwe and Bugeshi, the two main livestock markets for this zone, specialize in cattle sales. Livestock-owning households sell goats and cattle to traders locally. The traders then take the animals to the DRC via Gisenyi or to Kigali.
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Zone 3: Seasonal calendar
Rainy season
Dry season
Peak lean season
Cropping
Season A
Season B
Season C
Livestock movement
Other
Local agricultural labor 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2
Migrant labor
Hazards
Prolonged dry spell
Legend p p Land preparation s s Sowing w w Weeding h h Harvest
Seasons
h h h
h h
22
1 1 11 1
p p
h
h
l l
Oct Nov
r
d d d d
rr r r r
DecJan Feb Mar Apr May Jun July Aug
r
Sept
Zone 3: Primary food, income, and expenditure calendar
Staple foods
Beans op op op op mp mp mp mp mp mp op op op op pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm
Sweet potato op op mp mp mp mp mp mp mp mp mp mp op op op op mp mp mp mp mp mp op op
Maize op op op op op op
Cassava pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm
Banana pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm
Income
On-farm labor 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2
Off-farm labor 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
Expenditures
Staple food 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2
School fees 1 1 1 1 1 1
Legend op op Own production mp mp Market purchase ik ik In-kind c c Gathering
MayJan Feb Mar Apr Jun July Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec
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EAST CONGO-NILE HIGHLANDS SUBSISTENCE FARMING (ZONE 4)
Monitoring priority
Medium, as households are only at risk from prolonged dry spells or severe flooding.
Key livelihood activities
Poor Better-off Local agricultural Agricultural production labor Livestock rearing Agricultural Trading production Small livestock
rearing
Staple foods and sources
Poor Beans Sweet potato Maize Cassava
Better-off Beans Irish potato Rice Banana
Main income sources
Poor Labor sales Crop sales Small livestock sales
Better-off Crop sales Livestock sales Trade (livestock/non food items)
Most important productive assets
Poor Ownership of land Small livestock Household labor
Better-off Ownership of land Livestock (cattle)
Main markets (alpha order?)
Nyamagabe – intermediate and retail Gakenke – intermediate and retail Remera – intermediate and retail
Shocks and hazards
Excessive rain Prolonged dry spell Soil erosion
The East Congo-Nile Highlands Subsistence Farming Zone covers the high altitude mountainous areas of Rwanda’s Southern Province. The 1,200-1,600 mm of rainfall the zone receives annually sustain two agricultural campaigns, despite acidic soils. Most households survive on subsistence farming and are dependent on rainfed crop production as their main source of food and income. High population density and limited land availability confine households to own and cultivate small plots of land. As a result, poor households only cultivate food crops and sell small quantities after the January and June harvests to purchase essential food and nonfood items. Wealthier households typically have larger plots of land, allowing them to produce coffee and Irish potatoes, in addition to other food crops.
Livestock ownership, a major determinant of wealth, is very important. As in other areas, land ownership dictates the quantity and type of livestock that households are able to keep. Wealthier households have the resources (for example, pastures and crop residues) to feed larger animals such as cattle. Poorer households can only keep smaller animals such as goats, pigs, and rabbits as they are unable to make the initial investment in larger animals and lack the resources to maintain them.
Like the neighboring West Congo-Nile Crest Tea & Food Crops Zone, market access is bad. Poor road conditions and the steep terrain obstruct access during the rainy seasons, when landslides occur more frequently. Transportation costs and poor market access may contribute to poorer households selling their commodities in local markets rather than at Nyamagabe, Gakenke, or Remera town markets.
Better-off households produce and sell coffee, which is taken from the farmgate to washing stations at Maraba or Ruli, and then to destination markets within the country and internationally. In addition to coffee, they also sell Irish potatoes, maize, and wheat. These crops are sold to traders at the farmgate and taken to external markets throughout Rwanda. The better-off also sell and
trade livestock. Cattle and goats are sold at Ruhango and Kaduha markets for local consumption. In addition to selling goats, the better-off will trade them for soap, oil, salt, and other essentials to sell in local markets.
Poor households cannot meet all their cash needs through crop sales. Therefore, they engage in local farm and off-farm labor to supplement their income. Most labor opportunities are found locally on the farms of wealthier households. However, some will find construction jobs in the zone or in cobalt mines outside the zone.
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Zone 4: Seasonal calendar
Rainy season
Dry season
Peak lean season
Cropping
Season A
Season B
Season C
Livestock movement
Other
Local agricultural labor 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2
Charcoal
Migrant labor 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3
Hazards
Land slide 2 2 2 2
Prolonged dry spell
Legend p p Land preparation s s Sowing w w Weeding h h Harvest
Seasons
h h h
h h
1 1
11 1 1 1
p p
h
h
l l
Oct Nov
r
d d d d
rr r r r
DecJan Feb Mar Apr May Jun July Aug
r
Sept
Zone 4: Primary food, income, and expenditure calendar
Staple foods
Beans op op op op mp mp mp mp mp mp op op op op pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm
Sweet potato op op mp mp mp mp mp mp mp mp mp mp op op op op mp mp mp mp mp mp op op
Maize op op op op op op
Cassava pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm
Banana pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm
Income
Crop sales 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2
Off-farm
Expenditures
Staple food 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2
Education
Legend op op Own production mp mp Market purchase ik ik In-kind c c Gathering
May
1 1 1
1 1 1 1 1 1 1
Jan Feb Mar Apr Jun July Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec
Famine Early Warning Systems Network 15
RWANDA Livelihood Zones and Descriptions June 2012
CENTRAL PLATEAU CASSAVA AND COFFEE (ZONE 5)
Monitoring priority
Medium, as the zone receives food and/or cash assistance once every five years.
Key livelihood activities
Poor Crop production Small livestock rearing Petty trading
Better-off Crop production Livestock rearing
Staple foods and sources
Poor Sweet potato Cassava Beans Groundnuts
Better-off Irish potato Rice Beans Banana
Main income sources
Poor Crop sales Small livestock sales Agricultural labor Petty trade
Better-off Crop sales Livestock sales
Most important productive assets
Poor Land ownership Livestock Bicycles
Better-off Land ownership Livestock Avocado trees
Main markets (alpha order?)
Ruhango – intermediate and retail Gitarama, Buringa, Musambira – intermediate and retail Kinanazi, Huye, Musha, Nyaruyeja – retail
Shocks and hazards
Prolonged dry spells Excessive rain, hail
Situated to the west of the East Congo-Nile Highlands Subsistence Farming Zone, this large, densely populated zone is characterized by sandy, moderately fertile soils, rolling hills, grassland, and bush shrubs. The zone receives between 800-1,200 mm of rainfall spanning two main rainy seasons. Residents of this relatively food self-sufficient zone depend primarily on rainfed agriculture for both food and cash. This zone’s hazards have the potential to disrupt normal crop production, affecting household access to food and income. Although the zone is not normally at risk of acute food insecurity, once every five years, poor households may require either food or cash assistance.
Land ownership and livestock were identified as the most important productive assets for all households in this zone. Increased population pressure has constrained access to land, resulting in the cultivation of small plots. This is significant for poorer households, since they are heavily dependent on crop production for cash and food. Unlike in other areas, most poor households do not supplement their income with labor. Instead, they rely on the sale of cassava, coffee, and beans as well as small livestock sales and petty trade.
A main transportation artery transects the zone, connecting the larger zone markets of Gitarama, Ruhango, Kinazi, Huye, and Gisagara with the larger urban market of Kigali.
The main food crops – cassava and beans – are sold locally by producers and kept within the area. Coffee, the main cash crop, is taken to washing stations and sold to the government-operated National Agriculture Export Development Board.
Most livestock sold in the zone are sold locally and traded within the zone. Cattle, sold mostly by wealthier households, are taken to Kigali to meet the urban demand for beef. Small stock, including goats and pigs, are sold locally by all households to varying degrees.
Famine Early Warning Systems Network 16
RWANDA Livelihood Zones and Descriptions June 2012
Zone 5: Seasonal calendar
Rainy season
Dry season
Peak lean season
Cropping
Season A
Season B
Season C
Livestock movement
Other
Local agricultural labor 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2
Migrant labor
Hazards
Prolonged dry spell
Legend p p Land preparation s s Sowing w w Weeding h h Harvest
Seasons
h h h
h h
1 1 1 1 1
2 2
p p
h
h
l l
Oct Nov
r
d d d d
rr r r r
DecJan Feb Mar Apr May Jun July Aug
r
Sept
Zone 5: Primary food, income, and expenditure calendar
Staple foods
Beans op op op op mp mp mp mp mp mp op op op op pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm
Sweet potato op op mp mp mp mp mp mp mp mp mp mp op op op op mp mp mp mp mp mp op op
Maize op op op op op op
Cassava pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm
Banana pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm
Income
Sale of crops 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2
Sale of livestock 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
Petty trade 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2
Expenditures
Staple food 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
Education 2 2 2 2 2 2
Legend op op Own production mp mp Market purchase ik ik In-kind c c Gathering
May Oct Nov DecJan Feb Mar Apr Jun July Aug Sept
Famine Early Warning Systems Network 17
RWANDA Livelihood Zones and Descriptions June 2012
NORTHERN HIGHLANDS BEANS AND WHEAT (ZONE 6)
Monitoring priority
Low, as most poor households can meet their annual food needs in a normal year through production or purchase, and there is rarely need for external assistance
Key livelihood activities
Poor Crop production Local agricultural labor Small livestock rearing
Better-off Crop production Livestock rearing Petty trade
Staple foods and sources
Poor Irish potato Beans Sorghum Sweet potato
Better-off Irish potato Beans Maize Wheat Vegetables
Main income sources
Poor Labor sales Crop sales Goat sales Sheep sales
Better-off Crop sales Livestock sales
Most important productive assets
Poor Household labor Land ownership Agricultural tools
Better-off Land ownership Livestock Agricultural tools
Main markets
Gitanga – retail and intermediary
Shocks and hazards
Erratic rainfall
Located between the eastern shores of Lake Burera and Lake Ruhondo and the Central-Northern Highlands Irish Potato, Beans and Vegetable Zone, this small livelihood zone’s households are able to meet most of their food needs from their own fields, supplementing the remaining food from the market and in-kind payment. Livelihoods in this densely populated, mountainous zone are dependent on agricultural production and animal husbandry. Some households living on the shores of the lakes engage in fishing, while those living near the marshlands along the Rugezi River produce Irish potato, maize, and cabbage. The zone has some minerals, such as gold and wolfram (tungsten).
The majority of households hand-till relatively small plots and depend on the 800-1,200 mm of rain the zone receives annually. Beans, wheat, vegetables, and maize are the primary crops produced for both household consumption and sale. All households sell surplus production after harvest. However, poorer households own and cultivate less land, and therefore have significantly lower production and crop sales than the wealthy. For the most part, poorer households earn the bulk of their cash by working on the farms of their wealthier neighbors. Poor households are also paid in kind. Beans, Irish potato, and sweet potato are provided in exchange after harvesting.
Market access in the zone is difficult as most farmers do not live near local markets. Gitanga is the largest retail/intermediary market in the zone, serving mostly the four sectors closest to it. Most of the commodities sold are taken to local markets and then to intermediary markets in the zone. Wheat can be transported as far as Gicumbi town, whereas beans go to Kigali or Musanze markets. Livestock (mostly goats and sheep) are brought to local markets and are then transported to the larger markets of Rubavu, Kigali, and Nemba (alpha order?).
Famine Early Warning Systems Network 18
RWANDA Livelihood Zones and Descriptions June 2012
Zone 6: Seasonal calendar
Rainy season
Dry season
Peak lean season
Cropping
Season A
Season B
Season C
Livestock movement
Other
Local agricultural labor 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2
Migrant labor
Hazards
Prolonged dry spell
Legend p p Land preparation s s Sowing w w Weeding h h Harvest
Seasons
h h h
h h
1 1 11 1
h
p p
h
l l
r
d d d d
rr r r r r
Sept Oct Nov
2 2
DecJan Feb Mar Apr May Jun July Aug
Zone 6: Primary food, income, and expenditure calendar
Staple foods
Beans op op op op mp mp mp mp mp mp op op op op pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm
Sweet potato op op mp mp mp mp mp mp mp mp mp mp op op op op mp mp mp mp mp mp op op
Maize op op op op op op
Cassava pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm
Banana pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm
Income
Agricultural labor 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2
Sale of crops 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
Sale of livestock 2 2 2 2 2 2
Expenditures
Staple food 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
Education 2 2 2 2 2 2
Legend op op Own production mp mp Market purchase ik ik In-kind c c Gathering
MayJan Feb Mar Aug Sept Oct Nov DecApr Jun July
Famine Early Warning Systems Network 19
RWANDA Livelihood Zones and Descriptions June 2012
CENTRAL-NORTHERN HIGHLANDS IRISH POTATO, BEANS AND VEGETABLES (ZONE 7)
Monitoring priority
Low, as most households are relatively food self-sufficient.
Key livelihood activities
Poor Local agricultural labor Agricultural production Small livestock rearing
Better-off Agricultural production Livestock rearing Trading
Staple foods and sources
Poor Irish potato Beans Sweet potato Maize
Better-off Irish potato Beans Sweet potato Maize
Main income sources
Poor Labor sales Crop sales Livestock sales
Better-off Crop sales Livestock sales Trade
Most important productive assets
Poor Household labor Land ownership Agricultural tools
Better-off Land ownership Livestock, including oxen Agricultural tools
Main markets (alpha order?)
Byumba – retail and intermediary Yaramba – retail and intermediary Miyove – retail and intermediary
Shocks and hazards
Erratic rainfall Drop in crop selling price
The Central-Northern Highlands Irish Potato, Beans and Vegetables Zone stretches across the eastern part of Burera district and covers a large part of Rulindo district and Gicumbi district as a whole and several sectors of Nyagatare and Gatsibo districts. The zone’s mountainous terrain is covered with savannah grasslands, forests, and small, terraced farm plots. The zone is considered food self-sufficient, rarely at risk of acute food insecurity.
Agriculture and livestock husbandry form the foundation of rural livelihoods. Production of Irish potato, beans, wheat, sweet potato, and vegetables is supported by two rainy seasons – one from September to December and the other from February to May. Annually, 1,000-1,500 mm of rainfall sustain two harvests. Livestock and livestock product sales are important for both household consumption and cash.
The type and number of livestock that households keep is determined by their ability to maintain the animals sustainably. Wealthier households can afford to keep cattle, in addition to goats and pigs. Poorer households lack sufficient capital to invest in larger animals like cattle and do not have the resources to maintain them. Therefore they are limited to raising small stock such as goats, sheep, and rabbits. Rabbits serve as a source of income when school fees are due, whereas goats and sheep are more of an income source during the lean season.
Market access is good in this zone. One of Rwanda’s main transportation corridors runs through the center of the zone, connecting producers with the urban market of Kigali and the Ugandan border town of Gatuna. Most of the crops produced for the market (and livestock for the livestock products market) are bound for Kigali. Producers sell commodities locally, where traders
buy and then transport them to Kigali via intermediary markets. Byumba, Manyagiro, and Gicumbi serve as the zone’s main intermediary and retail markets. Maize flour and beans from Uganda are brought in from Gatuna and make their way to local markets.
Labor opportunities are the main income source for poorer households. On-farm labor is compensated both in kind and in cash. Most of the labor performed is land preparation, planting, weeding, and harvesting of agricultural commodities. Some households migrate seasonally outside the zone from August to October to look for work in Kigali and/or Uganda.
Famine Early Warning Systems Network 20
RWANDA Livelihood Zones and Descriptions June 2012
Zone 7: Seasonal calendar
Rainy season
Dry season
Peak lean season
Cropping
Season A
Season B
Season C
Livestock movement
Other
Local agricultural labor 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2
Migrant labor
Hazards
Flood
Prolonged dry spell
Legend Harvest
Seasons
h h h
h h
1 1 1 1 1
h
h
p p
l l
rr r r
d d d d
r r
Sept Oct Nov
r
DecJan Feb Mar Apr May Jun July Aug
2 2 2 2
p Land preparation s Sowing w Weeding h
1 1
Zone 7: Primary food, income, and expenditure calendar
Staple foods
Beans op op op op mp mp mp mp mp mp op op op op pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm
Sweet potato op op mp mp mp mp mp mp mp mp mp mp op op op op mp mp mp mp mp mp op op
Maize op op op op op op
Cassava pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm
Banana pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm
Income
Agricultural labor 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2
Crop sales 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
Rabbit sales 2 2 2 2 2 2
Expenditures
Staple food 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
Education 2 2 2 2 2 2
Legend op op Own production mp mp Market purchase ik ik In-kind c c Gathering
MayJan Feb Mar Apr Jun July Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec
Famine Early Warning Systems Network 21
RWANDA Livelihood Zones and Descriptions June 2012
BUGESERA CASSAVA (ZONE 8)
Monitoring priority
High, as this drought-prone zone typically has a food production deficit.
Key livelihood activities
Poor Agricultural production Livestock rearing On- and off-farm labor
Better-off Agricultural production Livestock rearing Cross-border trading
Staple foods and sources
Poor Beans Sorghum Maize Cassava
Better-off Beans Cassava Maize
Main income sources
Poor Goat sales Crop sales Labor sales
Better-off Crop sales Livestock sales Trade
Most important productive assets
Poor Land ownership Small livestock Household labor
Better-off Land ownership Livestock Small trucks (rented and owned)
Main markets
Nyamata – retail Ruhuha – intermediary Rweru – intermediary
Shocks and hazards
Prolonged dry spell Crop diseases Animal and poultry diseases Floods (Akagera and Akanyaru marshlands)
The Bugesera Cassava Zone encompasses all of Bugesera district and includes Rukumberi and Jarama sectors of Ngoma district, Gahanga sector of Kicukiro district, and several sectors of Nyanza district. All households in this zone rely on rainfed agriculture to support their livelihood. Like other areas in Rwanda, this zone is bimodal. However, one out of every two years, the first rainy season is insufficient, resulting in deficit crop production. Households can typically recover from initial losses during the second harvest. However, in a bad year households, especially poor ones, are at risk of food insecurity.
This relatively flat, lowland zone is characterized by savanna grassland and bush shrubs intermingled with small and fragmented farms. The zone receives approximately 800 mm of rain annually, supporting the production of cassava, maize, beans, and sorghum. Households living around the small lakes in the zone are also involved in fishing with nets.
Primary productive assets are similar across the wealth spectrum. Land under cultivation, which is determined by ownership, dictates the amounts households can harvest given optimal conditions. Livestock, cattle, goats, and poultry are important assets for households as they are sold during times of need. Poorer households are restricted to owning small stock as they lack the resources to maintain larger animals. In addition to land and livestock, wealthier households own or have the means to rent small trucks, used to transport beans, cassava, bananas, and maize to neighboring communities in Burundi in exchange for cash, beer, and poultry.
Market access is considered good as the zone is relatively close to Kigali and Burundi. Road networks are well maintained and the terrain is relatively flat. The main local/regional markets in the zone are Nyamata (cassava), Ruhuha, and Rweru. The main crops sold are cassava, maize, and sorghum, and the main livestock sold are goats,
poultry, and cattle. Farmers take their produce to local markets where they are bought by consumers within the same area. Cassava is also purchased from local markets, taken to a processing plant near Nyamata, and then sold to consumers across the region. Livestock, mostly goats and poultry, are sold at the local market and then transported north to Kigali for the hotel and restaurant industry. Cattle are mostly consumed within the region.
The labor market is mainly restricted to rural areas. However, some poorer household members find construction work in Kigali and/or Burundi. Most on-farm labor is performed during cropping seasons, primarily paid in kind.
Famine Early Warning Systems Network 22
RWANDA Livelihood Zones and Descriptions April 2015
Zone 8: Seasonal calendar
Rainy season
Dry season
Peak lean season
Cropping
Season A
Season B
Season C
Livestock movement
Other
Local agricultural labor 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2
Migrant labor
Hazards
Prolonged dry spell
Legend p p Land preparation s s Sowing w w Weeding h h Harvest
Seasons
h h h
h h
2 2
1 1 11 1
May Jun
p p
d
r r
Oct Nov
h
r
l l
h
d d d
Dec
r r r r
July Aug SeptJan Feb Mar Apr
Zone 8: Primary food, income, and expenditure calendar
Staple foods
Beans op op op op mp mp mp mp mp mp op op op op pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm
Sweet potato op op mp mp mp mp mp mp mp mp mp mp op op op op mp mp mp mp mp mp op op
Maize op op op op op op
Cassava pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm
Banana pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm
Income
Crop sales 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2
Goat sales 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
Off-farm income 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2
Expenditures
Staple food 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
Education 2 2 2 2 2 2
Legend op op Own production mp mp Market purchase ik ik In-kind c c Gathering
May DecJan Feb Mar Apr Jun July Aug Sept Oct Nov
Famine Early Warning Systems Network 23
RWANDA Livelihood Zones and Descriptions June 2012
EASTERN PLATEAU MIXED-AGRICULTURE (ZONE 9)
Monitoring priority
Low, as this zone is elatively food self-sufficient and rarely needs external food or cash assistance.
Key livelihood activities
Poor Local agricultural labor Agricultural production Small livestock rearing
Better-off Agricultural production Livestock rearing
Staple foods and sources
Poor Bananas Beans Sweet potatoes Maize
Better-off Bananas Beans Maize Groundnuts
Main income sources
Poor Labor sales Crop sales
Better-off Crop sales Livestock sales
Most important productive assets
Poor Land ownership Agricultural tools
Better-off Land ownership Livestock
Main markets
Kiramuruzi, Karubamba, Mugera, Rwagitima, Ngarama, Mimuli– retail Gasange, Kabarore – livestock
Shocks and hazards
Prolonged dry spell Animal disease
This medium-populated zone borders Lake Muhazi to the south, the Central-Northern Highlands Irish Potato, Beans and Vegetables Zone to the west, and the Eastern Agro-Pastoral Zone to the east. The zone is hillier in the south and becomes flatter towards the north. The zone receives between 1,000-1,200 mm of rainfall annually during its two rainy seasons. The zone is food self-sufficient and is rarely in need of external food or cash assistance.
Land ownership, livestock, household labor, and agricultural tools are considered the main productive assets in the zone. Although poor households typically cultivate less land than their better-off neighbors, landholdings in the zone are larger than in the zones located in the west. Larger tracts of land allow for a greater concentration of livestock holdings, especially goats. In addition to small ruminants, better-off households raise cattle.
Agricultural production and the labor associated with it form the basis of livelihoods in this zone. Wealthier households rely on livestock and crop production, specifically bananas, for both consumption and income. Poorer households rely on crop production as well, but also earn significant food and cash given the labor demand of better-off and middle households.
The main cash crops of the zone are bananas, coffee, and maize. A minority of the population with access to localized marshlands in the northern part of the zone grows season C rice as a cash crop as well. As own-food stocks subside, poor households rely on the market in addition to in-kind payments to meet their remaining food needs.
Reliable road networks and relatively flat terrain allow easy circulation of trucks, bicycles, and motorcycles delivering commodities within the zone and to/from the main urban market in Kigali.
The supply of labor is absorbed almost entirely by local agricultural demand. A few households travel to Kigali and/or Nyagatare to look for work in construction or in the neighboring tin mines.
Famine Early Warning Systems Network 24
RWANDA Livelihood Zones and Descriptions June 2012
Zone 9: Seasonal calendar
Rainy season
Dry season
Peak lean season
Cropping
Season A
Season B
Season C
Livestock movement
Other
Local agricultural labor 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2
Migrant labor
Hazards
Animal disease 2 2 2 2 2 2
Prolonged dry spell 1 1 1 1
Legend p p Land preparation s s Sowing w w Weeding h h Harvest
Seasons
h h h
h h
1 1 11 1
p p
h
h
l l
Oct Nov
r
d d d d
rr r r r
DecJan Feb Mar Apr May Jun July Aug
r
Sept
Zone 9: Primary food, income, and expenditure calendar
Staple foods
Beans op op op op mp mp mp mp mp mp op op op op pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm
Sweet potato op op mp mp mp mp mp mp mp mp mp mp op op op op mp mp mp mp mp mp op op
Maize op op op op op op
Cassava pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm
Banana pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm
Income
Crop Sales 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2
Agricultural labor 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
Expenditures
Staple food 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2
Education 1 1 1 1 1 1
Legend op op Own production mp mp Market purchase ik ik In-kind c c Gathering
MayJan Feb Mar Apr Jun July Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec
Famine Early Warning Systems Network 25
RWANDA Livelihood Zones and Descriptions June 2012
SOUTHEASTERN PLATEAU BANANA (ZONE 10)
Monitoring priority
Medium, as in normal years most households are able to produce enough to meet their food needs. Once every five years, hazards result in production deficits.
Key livelihood activities
Poor Local agricultural labor Agricultural production Poultry rearing
Better-off Agricultural production Livestock rearing Trading
Staple foods and sources
Poor Bananas Beans Cassava
Better-off Bananas Rice Beans Maize
Main income sources
Poor Crop sales Labor sales Poultry sales
Better-off Crop sales Livestock product sales Trade
Most important productive assets
Poor Land ownership Small livestock Household labor
Better-off Land ownership Livestock
Main markets (alpha order?)
Nyakarambi – intermediary Ngoma – intermediary Rwamagana – intermediary Kabarondo – intermediary
Shocks and hazards
Crop disease/pests Animal/poultry disease Prolonged dry spell Windstorms Hail
The Southeastern Plateau Banana Zone encompasses most of Ngoma and Rwamagana districts and some sectors of Kirehe and Kayonza districts. The relatively flat terrain becomes increasingly hillier toward the border with Burundi. The 900-1,100 mm of rainfall the zone receives annually allow for surplus production of food and cash crops. The zone is rarely at risk of acute food insecurity, and has not needed food or cash assistance over the past ten years.
Renowned for being the first area in Rwanda to produce bananas, this zone also grows beans, rice, sorghum, maize, cassava, and coffee for household consumption and sale. Poorer households lack the land and agricultural resources to produce and sell coffee. Instead, these households opt to produce food crops, selling a portion of their harvests to finance essential nonfood items or preferred food items. Poor households do not source all of their food from their own production. They also receive beans, cassava, and other in-kind payment for working on farms of better-off households. Bananas are purchased as own stocks dwindle.
Livestock sales, mostly of cattle, goats, and pigs, are a significant source of income for better-off households. Poorer households also keep goats as a livelihood safety net. Poultry and rabbits are the livestock most commonly sold by poorer households throughout the year. Poultry are sold at local markets, and then transported to Nyakarambi, Kabarondo, Ngoma, or Rwamagana.
Market access is considered good, with a major highway cutting through the zone’s core. The relatively flat terrain allows for year-round market access. Coffee produced and sold is taken by producers to washing stations, then transported to Kigali. Bananas are brought to local markets, where traders transport them to Nyakarambi, Kabarondo, Ngoma, and Kigali. Maize is also sold locally, then transported to Nyakarambi, and finally to destination markets in Kigali.
Famine Early Warning Systems Network 26
RWANDA Livelihood Zones and Descriptions June 2012
Zone 10: Seasonal calendar
Rainy season
Dry season
Peak lean season
Cropping
Season A
Season B
Season C
Livestock movement
Other
Local agricultural labor 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2
Petty trade
Migrant labor 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2
Hazards
Livestock disease 1 1 1 1 1 1
Crop pests, disease
Floods 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
Prolonged dry spell 2 2
Legend p p Land preparation s s Sowing w w Weeding h h Harvest
Seasons
h h h
h h
2 2
1 11 1 1
p p
h
h
l l
Oct Nov
r
d d d d
rr r r r
DecJan Feb Mar Apr May Jun July Aug
r
Sept
Zone 10: Primary food, income, and expenditure calendar
Staple foods
Beans op op op op mp mp mp mp mp mp op op op op pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm
Sweet potato op op mp mp mp mp mp mp mp mp mp mp op op op op mp mp mp mp mp mp op op
Maize op op op op op op
Cassava pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm
Banana pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm
Income
Sale of crops 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2
Agricultural labor 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
Poultry sales 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2
Expenditures
Staple food 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
Education 2 2 2 2 2 2
Legend op op Own production mp mp Market purchase ik ik In-kind c c Gathering
May Nov DecJan Feb Mar Apr Jun July Aug Sept Oct
Famine Early Warning Systems Network 27
RWANDA Livelihood Zones and Descriptions June 2012
EASTERN AGRO-PASTORAL (ZONE 11)
Monitoring priority
Medium, as - in normal years, most households are able to produce enough to meet their food needs. Onc every five years, hazards result in production deficits.
Key livelihood activities
Poor Local agricultural labor Crop production
Better-off Crop production Livestock rearing Trading
Staple foods and sources
Poor Better-off Maize Maize Beans Beans Cassava Cassava Bananas Bananas
Main income sources
Poor Labor sales Crop sales Small livestock sales
Better-off Crop sales Milk sales Livestock sales Trade
Most important productive assets
Poor Land ownership Small livestock
Better-off Land ownership Livestock Bicycles and trucks
Main markets
Karangazi, Nyawera, Gabiro– livestock Nyagatare – intermediary crops Rwagitima, Rwimiyaga –crops and livestock
Shocks and hazards
Prolonged dry spell Windstorm Crop pests Animal disease
This sparsely populated zone is typically a food surplus-producing area. However, one out of five years, prolonged dry spells and/or windstorms result in food deficits. The long, thin zone extends from the border with Uganda south through the western parts of Nyagatare, Gatsibo, and Kayonza districts. The sandy, moderately fertile soils support agricultural production and the growth of bush scrub and pastures. Two rainy seasons deposit 900-1,000 mm of rain, sustaining crop production and pasture growth and recharging livestock watering holes.
All households in the zone consume the same types of food; however, the quality and quantities of crops produced for consumption and sale increase with wealth. Better-off households are able to produce surplus food to cover their annual needs and sell the remainder on the market. Poorer households typically do not produce enough food to sustain themselves throughout the year. They sell a small portion of maize and cassava immediately after harvest to cover pressing economic needs. As their own food stocks run out, they exchange labor for food and purchase food from the market.
To finance food and nonfood payments, poor households work on the farms of better-off households, performing weeding and harvesting. In addition to on-farm work, they work in nearby mines and towns and across the border in Uganda.
Maize, bananas, and beans are the main crops sold in the zone. Most producers sell their goods at local markets to traders or to associations/cooperatives. Better-off households buy goods at local markets and transport them to the intermediary markets of Nyagatare, Rwagitima, and Rwimiyaga using trucks, motorcycles, or bicycles. During the rainy season, the quantities sold at local and regional markets are reduced due to poor road conditions. Cattle, goats, and poultry are the main types of livestock sold in the zone. Like crops, livestock are sold by households at local markets to traders or associations.
Famine Early Warning Systems Network 28
RWANDA Livelihood Zones and Descriptions June 2012
Zone 11: Seasonal calendar
Rainy season
Dry season
Peak lean season
Cropping
Season A
Season B
Season C
Livestock movement
Other
Petty trade 2 2 2 2 2 2
Agricultural labor
Migrant labor 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2
Hazards
Prolonged dry spell 1 1 1 1
Legend p p Land preparation s s Sowing w w Weeding h h Harvest
Seasons
h h h
h h
1 1 1 1 1 11 1 1 1 1 1
h
h
p p
l l
d dd d
r r r rr r r
Sept Oct Nov DecJuly AugJan Feb Mar Apr May Jun
Zone 11: Primary food, income, and expenditure calendar
Staple foods
Beans op op op op mp mp mp mp mp mp op op op op pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm
Sweet potato op op mp mp mp mp mp mp mp mp mp mp op op op op mp mp mp mp mp mp op op
Maize op op op op op op
Cassava pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm
Banana pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm
Income
Agricultural labor 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2
Sale of crops
Sale of livestock 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2
Expenditures
Staple food
Education 2 2 2 2 2 2
Legend op op Own production mp mp Market purchase ik ik In-kind c c Gathering
May
1 1 1 1 1 11 1 1 1 1 1
1 1 1 1 1
Sept Oct Nov DecJan Feb Mar Apr Jun July Aug
Famine Early Warning Systems Network 29
RWANDA Livelihood Zones and Descriptions June 2012
EASTERN SEMI-ARID AGRO-PASTORAL (ZONE 12)
Monitoring priority
High, as vulnerability to drought is relatively high compared to the rest of the country.
Key livelihood activities
Poor Agriculture Labor
Better-off Agriculture Trade
Staple foods and sources
Poor Banana Beans Cassava
Better-off Banana Maize Beans Cassava
Main income sources
Poor Crop sales Livestock sales Local off-farm work
Better-off Crop sales Livestock sales Trade
Most important productive assets
Poor Land Goats and poultry
Better-off Land Cattle
Main markets
Bananas and maize: Kayonza>Kigali Sorghum: Kigali>Ruhengeri Cows: Nyagatare/ Gatsibo/ Kayanza> Kigali/other provinces Goats: local markets>Kigali
Shocks and hazards
Drought Animal diseases
A thin sliver of this zone borders the Akagera National Park from north to south and expands into the southeastern corner of the country, bordering Tanzania. The zone is moderately populated, and more sparsely populated towards the north. It is a flat area, covered with shrubs and forests due to its proximity to the national park. Average annual rainfall is 900 mm. The soil is moderately fertile and clay-based.
Land is the most important productive asset for all households, and reliance on agriculture is notable across the population. The zone is historically prone to drought. With many households dependent on agriculture, the level of vulnerability to drought is relatively high compared to the rest of the country. The southeastern regions of Rwanda have become highly specialized in the large-scale production of bananas. Bananas (cooking, dessert, and brewing varieties) provide a source of food and income for households in these regions. Although agriculture is the main activity of the zone, pastoral and agropastoral groups are present and most households own some livestock: cattle and goats by the better-off and goats and poultry by the poorer households. Fishing is practiced (using nets) in the zone’s small lakes and rivers, especially in Ndego, Nasho, and Mpanga sectors. However, fish stocks are declining.
Market access is good throughout the zone. A paved road links the south of the zone with Kigali, and a second national road lies to the west of the zone. Trade is very important for the wealthier households; some own (or rent) small trucks to assist them in their commercial activities. Migration in search of work within the zone commonly takes place between May and July and again in November and December. A small percentage of the population leaves for Kigali to work in
construction or for the mining areas of the country.
Famine Early Warning Systems Network 30
RWANDA Livelihood Zones and Descriptions June 2012
Zone 12: Seasonal calendar
Rainy season
Dry season
Peak lean season
Cropping
Season A
Season B
Season C
Livestock movement
Other
Local agricultural labor 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2
Migrant labor
Hazards
Animal disease 2 2 2 2 2 2
Prolonged dry spell 1 1 1 1
Legend p p Land preparation s s Sowing w w Weeding h h Harvest
Seasons
h h h
h h
1 1 1 1 1
p p
h
h
l l
Oct Nov
r
d d d d
rr r r r
DecJan Feb Mar Apr May Jun July Aug
r
Sept
Zone 12: Primary food, income, and expenditure calendar
Staple foods
Beans op op op op mp mp mp mp mp mp op op op op pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm
Sweet potato op op mp mp mp mp mp mp mp mp mp mp op op op op mp mp mp mp mp mp op op
Maize op op op op op op
Cassava pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm
Banana pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm
Income
Crop sales 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2
Livestock sales
Agricultural labor 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2
Expenditures
Staple food
Education 2 2 2 2 2 2
Legend op op Own production mp mp Market purchase ik ik In-kind c c Gathering
1 1 1
May
1 1 11 1 1
Aug SeptJun July DecOct Nov
1 1
111 1 1 1
Jan Feb Mar Apr
Famine Early Warning Systems Network 31
RWANDA Livelihood Zones and Descriptions April 2015
PROVINCE, DISTRICT, SECTOR AND POPULATION BY LIVELIHOOD ZONE
Livelihood Zone 1: Lake Kivu Coffee & Food Crops Zone
Province District Sector Population
Western Karongi Rubengera 21,573
Western Karongi Bwishyura 25,171
Western Karongi Gishyita 15,591
Western Karongi Mubuga 16,434
Western Nyamasheke Gihombo 20,387
Western Nyamasheke Mahembe 13,744
Western Nyamasheke Kirimbi 18,981
Western Nyamasheke Macuba 23,736
Western Nyamasheke Kagano 26,337
Western Nyamasheke Kanjongo 24,903
Western Nyamasheke Nyabitekeri 29,263
Western Nyamasheke Bushenge 20,193
Western Nyamasheke Karengera 25,455
Western Nyamasheke Bushekeri 19,248
Western Nyamasheke Rangiro 13,203
Western Nyamasheke Shangi 23,579
Western Nyamasheke Karambi 24,971
Western Rubavu Nyundo 23,986
Western Rubavu Nyamyumba 27,487
Western Rusizi Nkanka 16,638
Western Rusizi Giheke 18,827
Western Rusizi Gihundwe 20,964
Western Rusizi Kamembe 29,895
Western Rusizi Mururu 19,153
Western Rusizi Nyakarenzo 13,224
Western Rusizi Gitambi 18,476
Western Rusizi Gashonga 19,752
Western Rusizi Gikundamvura 13,913
Western Rusizi Rwimbogo 15,605
Western Rusizi Nzahaha 23,326
Western Rusizi Bugarama 20,271
Western Rusizi Muganza 16,781
Western Rusizi Nkombo 13,359
Western Rusizi Butare 16,932
Western Rusizi Bweyeye 12,567
Western Rusizi Nyakabuye 24,283
Western Rutsiro Kivumu 27,400
Western Rutsiro Ruhango 24,875
Western Rutsiro Murunda 22,457
Western Rutsiro Mushonyi 22,232
Western Rutsiro Boneza 17,139
Western Rutsiro Musasa 18,110
Western Rutsiro Mushubati 19,799
Western Rutsiro Gihango 18,370
Famine Early Warning Systems Network 32
RWANDA Livelihood Zones and Descriptions June 2012
Livelihood Zone 2: Western Congo-Nile Crest Tea and Food Crops Zone
Province District Sector Population
Western Karongi Rugabano 26,897
Western Karongi Gitesi 20,058
Western Karongi Rwankuba 34,120
Western Karongi Twumba 21,248
Western Ngororero Muhanda 23,640
Western Nyabihu Karago 25,498
Western Nyabihu Rambura 26,181
Western Nyabihu Muringa 20,175
Southern Nyamagabe Gatare 13,857
Southern Nyamagabe Buruhukiro 19,039
Southern Nyamagabe Uwinkingi 19,330
Southern Nyamagabe Tare 18,438
Southern Nyamagabe Kitabi 21,678
Western Nyamasheke Rugarambuga 20,407
Western Nyamasheke Cyato 20,625
Southern Nyaruguru Mata 10,570
Southern Nyaruguru Nyabimata 15,376
Southern Nyaruguru Ruheru 19,226
Southern Nyaruguru Kivu 14,666
Western Rusizi Nkungu 17,984
Western Rutsiro Nyabirasi 23,992
Western Rutsiro Manihira 13,069
Western Rutsiro Rusebeya 17,379
Western Rutsiro Mukura 24,970
Livelihood Zone 3: Northwestern Volcanic Irish Potato Zone
Province District Sector Population
Northern Burera Kagogo 15,852
Northern Burera Cyeru 18,913
Northern Burera Kinoni 21,035
Northern Burera Gahunga 18,232
Northern Burera Cyanika 29,907
Northern Musanze Cyuve 18,913
Northern Musanze Musanze 24,961
Northern Musanze Gacaca 22,082
Northern Musanze Muko 17,137
Northern Musanze Nkotsi 12,199
Northern Musanze Muhoza 35,816
Northern Musanze Kimonyi 12,971
Northern Musanze Busogo 16,810
Northern Musanze Rwaza 19,769
Northern Musanze Gataraga 20,003
Northern Musanze Shingiro 18,060
Northern Musanze Kinigi 22,019
Famine Early Warning Systems Network 33
RWANDA Livelihood Zones and Descriptions June 2012
Northern Musanze Nyange 22,819
Western Nyabihu Mukamira 25,830
Western Nyabihu Kintobo 15,508
Western Nyabihu Jenda 25,673
Western Nyabihu Bigogwe 32,317
Western Nyabihu Kabatwa 14,957
Western Rubavu Bugeshi 25,383
Western Rubavu Busasamana 24,816
Western Rubavu Mudende 20,645
Western Rubavu Cyanzarwe 19,301
Western Rubavu Kanzenze 20,161
Western Rubavu Rubavu 18,088
Western Rubavu Nyakiliba 15,894
Western Rubavu Rugerero 24,252
Western Rubavu Gisenyi 51,461
Western Rubavu Kanama 21,179
Livelihood Zone 4: Eastern Congo-Nile Highlands Subsistence Farming Zone
Province District Sector Population
Northern Gakenke Cyabingo 17,763
Northern Gakenke Gashenyi 19,290
Northern Gakenke Rusasa 17,571
Northern Gakenke Busengo 20,391
Northern Gakenke Janja 15,296
Northern Gakenke Gakenke 20,998
Northern Gakenke Mugunga 17,051
Northern Gakenke Rushasi 17,662
Northern Gakenke Muzo 19,183
Northern Gakenke Muyongwe 15,784
Northern Gakenke Mataba 13,416
Northern Gakenke Minazi 13,664
Northern Gakenke Muhondo 19,926
Northern Gakenke Ruli 16,457
Northern Gakenke Coko 15,218
Kigali Gasabo Jabana 20,174
Kigali Gasabo Jali 18,704
Southern Huye Kigoma 20,995
Southern Huye Maraba 20,286
Western Karongi Murundi 22,457
Western Karongi Gashari 21,577
Western Karongi Murambi 18,003
Western Karongi Ruganda 14,498
Western Karongi Mutuntu 21,317
Southern Muhanga Nyabinoni 17,724
Southern Muhanga Rongi 19,339
Southern Muhanga Kibangu 19,337
Southern Muhanga Kiyumba 25,777
Famine Early Warning Systems Network 34
RWANDA Livelihood Zones and Descriptions June 2012
Southern Muhanga Rugendabari 16,559
Southern Muhanga Kabacuzi 24,134
Southern Muhanga Mushishiro 20,206
Western Ngororero Matyazo 24,165
Western Ngororero Kabaya 28,978
Western Ngororero Ngororero 25,206
Western Ngororero Hindiro 21,102
Western Ngororero Kageyo 21,455
Western Ngororero Kavumu 23,389
Western Ngororero Muhororo 18,374
Western Ngororero Sovu 21,168
Western Ngororero Bwira 16,018
Western Ngororero Gatumba 20,363
Western Ngororero Ndaro 19,979
Western Ngororero Nyange 18,412
Western Nyabihu Rugera 22,962
Western Nyabihu Rurembo 23,171
Western Nyabihu Shyira 16,956
Western Nyabihu Jomba 19,,139
Southern Nyamagabe Musange 124,05
Southern Nyamagabe Mugano 169,03
Southern Nyamagabe Kaduha 166,93
Southern Nyamagabe Nkomane 159,35
Southern Nyamagabe Mushubi 121,46
Southern Nyamagabe Mbazi 9,225
Southern Nyamagabe Musebeya 19,647
Southern Nyamagabe Kibirizi 17,577
Southern Nyamagabe Gasaka 25,151
Southern Nyamagabe Kamegeli 11,254
Southern Nyamagabe Kibumbwe 10,980
Southern Nyamagabe Cyanika 19,749
Southern Nyanza Nyagisozi 20,730
Southern Nyaruguru Ruramba 14,265
Southern Nyaruguru Muganza 16,774
Southern Nyaruguru Munini 16,084
Southern Nyaruguru Busanze 20,424
Southern Nyaruguru Kibeho 15,983
Northern Rulindo Rusiga 9,657
Northern Rulindo Shyorongi 18,319
Northern Gakenke Cyabingo 17,763
Famine Early Warning Systems Network 35
RWANDA Livelihood Zones and Descriptions June 2012
Livelihood Zone 5: Central Plateau Cassava and Coffee Zone
Province District Sector Population
Southern Gisagara Mamba 24,502
Southern Gisagara Gikonko 16,914
Southern Gisagara Save 25,331
Southern Gisagara Gishubi 17,033
Southern Gisagara Ndora 18,572
Southern Gisagara Kibilizi 22,584
Southern Gisagara Muganza 21,321
Southern Gisagara Mugombwa 18,575
Southern Gisagara Kansi 15,650
Southern Gisagara Mukindo 22,755
Southern Gisagara Kigembe 19,421
Southern Gisagara Nyanza 18,737
Southern Gisagara Musha 18,039
Southern Huye Kinazi 17,095
Southern Huye Rwantiro 15,692
Southern Huye Rusatira 19,561
Southern Huye Simbi 20,031
Southern Huye Ruhashya 18,424
Southern Huye Mbazi 25,625
Southern Huye Huye 16,933
Southern Huye Karama 13,555
Southern Huye Ngoma 28,828
Southern Huye Tumba 21,225
Southern Huye Gishamvu 11,457
Southern Huye Mukura 15,739
Southern Kamonyi Ngamba 12,506
Southern Kamonyi Kayenzi 14,669
Southern Kamonyi Karama 20,949
Southern Kamonyi Rukoma 31,030
Southern Kamonyi Kayumbu 13,657
Southern Kamonyi Runda 24,621
Southern Kamonyi Gacurabwenge 21,511
Southern Kamonyi Musambira 27,371
Southern Kamonyi Rugalika 23,118
Southern Kamonyi Nyamiyaga 25,452
Southern Kamonyi Nyarubaka 19,945
Southern Kamonyi Mugina 26,507
Southern Muhanga Cyeza 28,313
Southern Muhanga Muhanga 23,926
Southern Muhanga Nyarusange 22,924
Southern Muhanga Nyamabuye 34,035
Southern Muhanga Shyogwe 34,945
Southern Nyanza Busoro 24,146
Southern Nyanza Mukingo 27,904
Southern Nyanza Cyabakamyi 18,018
Famine Early Warning Systems Network 36
RWANDA Livelihood Zones and Descriptions June 2012
Southern Nyanza Kigoma 26,956
Southern Nyanza Muyira 22,793
Southern Nyanza Rwabicuma 12,555
Southern Nyanza Kibirizi 22,032
Southern Nyanza Busasamana 33,828
Southern Nyanza Ntyazo 16,247
Southern Nyaruguru Rusenge 18,853
Southern Nyaruguru Ngera 20,005
Southern Nyaruguru Cyahinda 17,281
Southern Nyaruguru Nyagisozi 15,644
Southern Nyaruguru Ngoma 19,039
Southern Ruhango Mbuye 31,436
Southern Ruhango Mwendo 20,354
Southern Ruhango Byimana 28,492
Southern Ruhango Kinihira 21,103
Southern Ruhango Kinazi 24,996
Southern Ruhango Ntongwe 26,800
Southern Ruhango Kabagari 19,376
Southern Ruhango Bweramana 22,239
Southern Ruhango Ruhango 51,037
Livelihood Zone 6: Northern Highlands Beans and Wheat Zone
Province District Sector Population
Northern Burera Kivuye 16,154
Northern Burera Gitovu 15,861
Northern Burera Bungwe 14,826
Northern Burera Rwerere 18,757
Northern Burera Rusarabuge 13,702
Northern Burera Gatebe 16,807
Northern Burera Rugendabari 13,954
Northern Burera Ruhunde 16,924
Northern Burera Nemba 17,346
Northern Burera Butaro 30,780
Northern Burera Kinyababa 21,129
Northern Burera Rugarama 20,580
Northern Gakenke Kamubuga 19,257
Northern Gakenke Kivuruga 16,980
Northern Gakenke Nemba 14,438
Northern Gakenke Karambo 11,698
Northern Musanze Gashaki 14,786
Northern Musanze Remera 19,874
Famine Early Warning Systems Network 37
RWANDA Livelihood Zones and Descriptions June 2012
Livelihood Zone 7: Central Northern Highlands Irish Potato, Beans and Vegetables Zone
Province District Sector Population
Eastern Gatsibo Nyagihanga 21,298
Northern Gicumbi Kaniga 15,274
Northern Gicumbi Rushaki 12,668
Northern Gicumbi Cyumba 13,190
Northern Gicumbi Rubaya 96,72
Northern Gicumbi Mukarange 16,902
Northern Gicumbi Shangasha 15,234
Northern Gicumbi Manyagiro 18,050
Northern Gicumbi Byumba 35,435
Northern Gicumbi Bwisige 14,108
Northern Gicumbi Nyankenke II 18,667
Northern Gicumbi Miyove 15,039
Northern Gicumbi Rukomo 20,760
Northern Gicumbi Ruvune 16,284
Northern Gicumbi Kageyo 30,367
Northern Gicumbi Nyamiyaga 15,121
Northern Gicumbi Mutete 18,065
Northern Gicumbi Muko 14,941
Eastern Nyagatare Karama 19,727
Eastern Nyagatare Kiyombe 16,483
Northern Rulindo Cyungo 12,598
Northern Rulindo Rukozo 13,974
Northern Rulindo Kisaro 18,209
Northern Rulindo Base 14,620
Northern Rulindo Kinihira 14,306
Northern Rulindo Bushoki 18,240
Northern Rulindo Buyoga 20,187
Northern Rulindo Tumba 17,840
Northern Rulindo Burega 12,757
Northern Rulindo Cyinzuzi 12,193
Northern Rulindo Mbogo 15,522
Northern Rulindo Masoro 16,565
Northern Rulindo Ntarabana 12,211
Northern Rulindo Murambi 14,300
Northern Rulindo Ngoma 9,768
Livelihood Zone 8: Bugesera Cassava Zone
Province District Sector Population
Eastern Bugesera Mwogo 12,162
Eastern Bugesera Juru 19,211
Eastern Bugesera Ntarama 13,977
Eastern Bugesera Nyamata 18,966
Eastern Bugesera Rilima 27,346
Eastern Bugesera Musenyi 20,840
Famine Early Warning Systems Network 38
RWANDA Livelihood Zones and Descriptions June 2012
Eastern Bugesera Gashora 15,248
Eastern Bugesera Mayange 14,392
Eastern Bugesera Shyara 9,933
Eastern Bugesera Mareba 19,100
Eastern Bugesera Ngeruka 25,900
Eastern Bugesera Nyarugenge 15,343
Eastern Bugesera Ruhuha 17,316
Eastern Bugesera Rweru 19,637
Eastern Bugesera Kamabuye 17,404
Eastern Ngoma Rukumberi 16,971
Eastern Ngoma Jarama 18,434
Kigali Nyarugenge Mageragere 14,008
Livelihood Zone 9: Eastern Plateau Mixed-Agriculture Zone
Province District Sector Population
Kigali Gasabo Rutunga 13,598
Kigali Gasabo Nduba 15,679
Kigali Gasabo Gikomero 12,457
Eastern Gatsibo Ngarama 19,815
Eastern Gatsibo Gitoki 22,918
Eastern Gatsibo Gatsibo 21,265
Eastern Gatsibo Muhura 21,951
Eastern Gatsibo Kiziguro 20,667
Eastern Gatsibo Gasange 18,141
Eastern Gatsibo Murambi 18,862
Eastern Gatsibo Kiramuruzi 21,674
Northern Gicumbi Rwamiko 11,233
Northern Gicumbi Giti 12,622
Northern Gicumbi Bukure 15,328
Eastern Kayonza Rukara 23,204
Eastern Nyagatare Rukomo 20,945
Eastern Nyagatare Gatunda 19,716
Eastern Nyagatare Mimuli 22,452
Eastern Rwamagana Fumbwe 13,752
Eastern Rwamagana Musha 13,802
Famine Early Warning Systems Network 39
RWANDA Livelihood Zones and Descriptions June 2012
Livelihood Zone 10: Southeastern Plateau Banana Zone
Province District Sector Population
Kigali Gasabo Rusororo 24,158
Eastern Kayonza Mukarange 19,538
Eastern Kayonza Nyamirama 19,359
Eastern Kayonza Ruramira 11,399
Eastern Kayonza Kabarondo 19,418
Eastern Kayonza Murama 14,105
Eastern Kirehe Mushikiri 17,541
Eastern Kirehe Nyarubuye 10,832
Eastern Kirehe Kirehe 16,374
Eastern Kirehe Gatore 19,596
Eastern Kirehe Gahara 29,659
Eastern Kirehe Musaza 18,284
Eastern Kirehe Kigina 16,520
Eastern Ngoma Remera 17,167
Eastern Ngoma Rurenge 17,363
Eastern Ngoma Kibungo 23,286
Eastern Ngoma Rukira 18,127
Eastern Ngoma Kazo 18,318
Eastern Ngoma Murama 16,775
Eastern Ngoma Sake 16,533
Eastern Ngoma Mutenderi 14,415
Eastern Ngoma Mugesera 19,135
Eastern Ngoma Zaza 16,772
Eastern Ngoma Karembo 10,749
Eastern Ngoma Gashanda 11,064
Eastern Rwamagana Muhazi 25,766
Eastern Rwamagana Gishari 15,017
Eastern Rwamagana Munyiginya 11,072
Eastern Rwamagana Gahengeri 14,891
Eastern Rwamagana Kigabiro 23,906
Eastern Rwamagana Mwulire 13,091
Eastern Rwamagana Muyumbu 15,763
Eastern Rwamagana Munyaga 11,079
Eastern Rwamagana Nzige 12,475
Eastern Rwamagana Rubona 15,877
Eastern Rwamagana Nyakariro 15,568
Eastern Rwamagana Karenge 18,443
Eastern Kirehe Nyarubuye 10,832
Eastern Kirehe Kirehe 16,374
Eastern Kirehe Gatore 19,596
Eastern Kirehe Gahara 29,659
Famine Early Warning Systems Network 40
RWANDA Livelihood Zones and Descriptions June 2012
Livelihood Zone 11: Eastern Agro-Pastoral Zone
Province District Sector Population
Eastern Gatsibo Kabarore 21,556
Eastern Nyagatare Matimba 13,476
Eastern Nyagatare Musheli 14,742
Eastern Nyagatare Rwempasha 11,428
Eastern Nyagatare Rwimiyaga 16,802
Eastern Nyagatare Nyagatare 19,475
Eastern Nyagatare Tabagwe 18,553
Eastern Nyagatare Katabagemu 22,101
Livelihood Zone 12: Eastern Semi-Arid Agro-Pastoral Zone
Province District Sector Population
Eastern Kayonza Kabare 25,896
Eastern Kayonza Ndego 9,071
Eastern Kirehe Nasho 20,146
Eastern Kirehe Mahama 13,130
Eastern Kirehe Nyamugari 23,380
Eastern Kirehe Kigarama 21,670
Eastern Kirehe Mpanga 22,336
Famine Early Warning Systems Network 41
RWANDA Livelihood Zones and Descriptions June 2012
WORKSHOP PARTICIPANTS
NAME TITLE ORGANZITION
Alexis Benimana District Agronomist Ngororero District
Claude Bizimana MINAGRI/Permanent Secretary Representative
Jean Damascene Nsengiyumva District Agronomist Kirehe District
Laura de Franchis VAM WFP
Brian Frantz USAID/CDO
Janvier Gasasira Coordinator MINAGRI/PAPSTA
Vedaste Gaseruka Engineer USAID
Justine Gatsinzi National Coordinator/VUP MINALOC/VUP
Dominique Habimana Director/NISR NISR
Fidele Hakizimana P.W. Specialist MINALOC/VUP
Eugene Kanyandekwe This is not a title CAP/PAPSTA MINAGRI/PAPSTA
Zacharie Manirarora Senior Agriculture Officer CRS
Eric Maniyo District Agronomist Kayonza District
Vedaste Mpagaritswenimana District Agronomist Muhanga District
Theodomir Mugiraneza GIS Officer National University of Rwanda/GIS
Cesarie Mugorukeye BDC Manager Gicumbi District
Philomene Mukabavuna Agriculture Officer Musanze District
Agnes Mukamana Program Manager CARE
Donatha Mukamuganga District Agronomist Nyamagabe District
Vestine Mukamurenzi Disaster Researcher MIDIMAR
Clarisse Munezero Agriculture Officer Gisagara District
Angelique Murungi Red Cross
Andrế Ndagijimana Coordinator MINAGRI
Ananie Niyibeshaho District Agronomist Nyamasheke District
Juvenal Ntambara Principle Statistician NISR
Jean Pierre Nyirimanzi Agriculture Officer Nyabihu District
Jean Luc Rugema District Agronomist Bugesera District
Jean Claude Rumenera Development Facilitator World Vision
Venant Safali Food Security Specialist USAID
Fabien Safari District Agronomist Karongi District
Providence Tumukunde Kiziba Camp Socio - Protection MIDIMAR
Didier Uhoraningoga Agronomist MINAGRI/PAPSTA
Catherine Uwamariya Veterinary technician World Vision
Jean Baptiste Uwizeyimana Agro-meteorologist MINAGRI
Famine Early Warning Systems Network 42