Overview
TLC empowers communities to improve livelihoods, food security, and climate resilience. In Gicumbi District, programs include conservation agriculture, village savings and loan associations, small livestock distribution, clean water access, and gender-based violence awareness, while youth train as guardians of the environment through tree planting and sustainable practices.
The program strengthens community self-reliance and environmental sustainability in Gicumbi District by targeting interconnected socioeconomic and ecological challenges. By combining climate-smart farming with financial tools and community advocacy, the initiative builds long-term resilience against economic and environmental shocks.
The core interventions of the program include:
- Conservation Agriculture & Climate Justice: Farmers adopt sustainable practices like terracing, mulching, and agroforestry to protect local watersheds. Youth actively participate as environmental guardians through large-scale tree planting initiatives.
- Village Savings & Loan Associations: Community-led financial groups provide members with safe places to save money and access small, affordable loans. These funds help diversify household income streams and kickstart local businesses.
- Small Livestock Distribution: Households receive small livestock to improve food security and nutrition. The animals offer a sustainable source of organic manure for farming and act as an emergency financial asset.
- Clean Water Access: Infrastructure improvements ensure reliable access to safe drinking water, which significantly lowers the incidence of waterborne diseases and reduces the time women and children spend fetching water.
- Gender-Based Violence Awareness: Educational campaigns and community workshops address social inequalities. Promoting shared household decision-making ensures that economic gains benefit the entire family equitably.