Role of Community Based Organizations in Transferring Climate Change Information in Rwanda

Abstract

Background and Objective: Climate change poses a threat for agriculture and development in Rwanda. The agricultural sector in Rwanda is the engine of economic growth and modernization. This study examines the role of community based organizations (CBOs) in transferring climate change information to farmers’ communities in Rwanda. Materials and Methods: Three districts (Kirehe, Rwamagana and Ngoma) were studied and two active CBOs (RWIRRI and RADO) were selected for data collection. A total of 100 farmer households were interviewed. A focus group discussion of fifteen participants was conducted in the community. Results: The results showed that the CBOs played a good role in increasing farmers’ awareness related to climate change and adaptation strategies. CBOs had built a capacity in the local communities regarding improved agricultural methods, climate variability and climate change effects. The adaptation strategies could improve the livelihood conditions of the communities. Conclusion: CBOs had played a role in increasing farmers’ awareness and had built their capacity regarding to climate change and crops productivity