Growing Resilience: How Gatsata’s Tree Planting is Protecting Lives and Livelihoods

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In the hilly neighborhood of Gatsata in Kigali, Rwanda, residents are taking matters into their own hands to address the mounting risks of landslides and flooding. As part of the Scaling Urban Nature-based Solutions for Climate Adaptation in Sub-Saharan Africa (SUNCASA) project, the City of Kigali and SUNCASA Kigali partners joined hands with residents in Gatsata to tackle the growing risks of landslides and flooding through massive tree planting . These trees will stabilize the soil, protect their homes, and foster a safer, more resilient environment. This effort, initiated during Umuganda is more than just planting trees; it’s about cultivating hope, safety, and a future of sustainability.

In response to increasing climate-related challenges, the Kigali city administration, SUNCASA project partners, and the local community have come together with a shared goal of reducing disaster risks and enhancing natural defenses. Through their collective efforts, they aim to strengthen the environment, mitigate the impacts of climate change, and contribute to Rwanda's climate goals.

This community-driven approach has sparked hope and encouraged a sense of patriotism. “Planting trees preserves life and shows love for our country and our people,” said Nshuti Prince from Hanika Village in Gatsata, echoing the sentiments of many who have participated. This article dives into the experiences and insights of local voices, highlighting the strength and resilience of the Gatsata community as they work to combat the effects of climate change.

The Local Impact: Tree Planting as a Shield Against Landslides

Planted trees will serve as natural barriers against erosion. Various native tree species, including bamboo, have been carefully selected for their strong root systems, which grip the soil tightly, helping to reduce erosion. These trees act as natural barriers, absorbing rainwater that would otherwise erode the soil and create dangerous landslides. According to Nshuti, this initiative goes beyond a single community event. “We’re not just planting trees; we’re creating a safer future for our children,” he emphasized. The trees act as protective shields, reducing the flow of water downhill and helping to prevent landslides.

For Nshuti, participating in the tree-planting effort is more than a civic duty. He explained that Gatsata’s steep terrain has made it challenging for families to manage rainwater runoff, especially in informal settlements where infrastructure is limited. “I witnessed the tragic consequences firsthand when a mudslide took the lives of two children,” Nshuti shared, reflecting on the emotional impact of these disasters on the community.

He feels strongly that this community initiative is a way to prevent similar tragedies in the future. “Loving your country is not just in words; it’s in actions,” he said. For Nshuti, each tree planted is a step toward preserving life and protecting future generations. His hopes for the project are clear: “I hope that as these trees grow, we’ll no longer experience landslides in our sector.”

Empowering Women: Economic and Social Benefits of Tree Planting

The tree-planting initiative offers more than environmental benefits. For many, it brings economic opportunities as well. Claudine Kabagire, a mother of two from Agatovu Village, is hopeful that this effort, part of the SUNCASA project, will create jobs for women in her community.

SUNCASA is a 3-year initiative funded by Global Affairs Canada, aiming to enhance resilience, gender equality, and biodiversity in urban areas through activities like agroforestry, reforestation, afforestation, gully and riverbanks stabilization and urban tree planting.

Claudine sees the project as a way to support her family while contributing to a safer, greener environment. “Some women will get a chance to earn an income and start savings, which will lead to the development of our neighborhood,” she said. For her, tree planting provides a unique opportunity for women to engage in local employment that balances family responsibilities.

“It’s tough raising children in an area prone to heavy rains and floods,” she said. “As mothers, we’re constantly worried about our children’s safety.” Claudine’s participation in the project stems from a deep concern for her community’s future. “In Gatsata, we need this kind of project,” she explained, hoping the job opportunities will empower women and uplift the neighborhood.

With a focus on community safety and stability, Claudine is determined to support an environment where children can grow up free from the persistent threats posed by landslides. Her message to the younger generation is clear: “When they cut down one tree, they should plant two in its place to protect our environment.”

The Role of Youth: Guardians of a Greener Future

For Gatsata’s youth, tree planting is not only about securing the present but also about building a resilient future. Munezero Clarisse, a young resident of Juru Village, expressed her determination to see the project succeed. “Youth are the driving force behind projects like this,” she said. “It’s up to us to protect these trees because we’re the ones who will live here the longest.”

Heavy rains and landslides have made roads impassable, leading to disruptions in everyday life. Clarisse recalls growing up with the constant worry of landslides impacting her family and community. “Supporting this project is a way to prevent that hardship in the future,” she explained, highlighting her hope for a safer, more stable environment.

Clarisse’s connection to the project is deeply personal. Having witnessed the toll that landslides have taken on her community, she feels a sense of responsibility. “The damage caused by heavy rains has been a constant struggle for us,” she shared. Her commitment to the project underscores her belief that youth have a unique role in shaping their community’s future.

Challenges and Hopes for Gatsata’s Future

While the community is making strides, there are challenges to overcome. Informal settlements, limited drainage systems, and scarce resources make it difficult to implement comprehensive flood control across the entire neighborhood. Despite these obstacles, the community is steadfast in its commitment to expanding tree planting and soil stabilization efforts.

Local leaders are aware of the complexity of the problem but remain optimistic. Collaborations between the government, non-profit organizations, and residents are helping to expand tree planting and soil stabilization efforts. By involving the community in every step, Gatsata is building a foundation of resilience that will protect not only the environment but also the people who call it home.

For Sandra, the project offers hope, especially for young women seeking employment close to home. Disasters have forced families to relocate, often separating them from friends, jobs, and community roots. Sandra sees the project as an opportunity to stay connected to her neighborhood while supporting herself financially. “Working close to home will help us balance work and family responsibilities,” she said. 

The road to a more resilient Gatsata may be long, but Sandra believes that community efforts like these are essential. “In situations where roads are damaged, having a stable environment is crucial,” she shared. She hopes that continued support will enable Gatsata residents to live safely and sustainably, despite the challenges posed by climate change.

A Call to Action: Supporting Community-Led Restoration for a Safer Future

Gatsata tree planting initiative showcases the power of community community involvement in addressing Rwanda's most pressing environmental challenges. By stabilizing the soil and preventing landslides, the initiative protects the local community while also advancing climate resilience efforts. Furthermore, it fosters economic opportunities that improve community well-being.

As Gatsata’s experience demonstrates, nature-based solutions involving community participation are essential for a sustainable future. With support from government policies, international funding, and public awareness, communities like Gatsata can continue to play a key role in Rwanda’s path to resilience—one tree at a time.

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