Due to the high population growth and the trend towards increased urbanization and in the light of the high economic dominance of subsistence agriculture, there is a high pressure on arable land in Rwanda and Burundi. The young rural generation is forced to seek for alternative off-farm employment in order to secure their livelihood. Brick making is one of the common side activities for this young generation. In addition, the high population growth challenges the sustainable use of natural resources. Fuel wood continues to be widely used in traditional brick making in order to respond to the growing housing demand. The government of Rwanda and Burundi have taken several measures to protect the environment, manage natural resources and develop economically viable solutions for professional and climate responsive building material production. However, many of these governmental efforts only have limited impact. SDC’s support at regional level to promote viable climate responsive technologies and off-farm employment is therefore needed.

Promoting off-farm employment and income generation through climate responsive building material production

Building material workers, entrepreneurs, raw material suppliers and business service providers, vocational training centres and research institutes, rural families, district officers and local decision makers, national authorities in charge of environment and housing

Phase 1 01.03.2012 - 30.06.2016   (Completed)