Unveiling Impact, gaps and Progress: UN Rwanda's Dynamic Field Visit in Rutsiro, Rwanda

In a proactive step toward assessing and enhancing ongoing joint interventions, the United Nations Country Team in Rwanda conducted a third field visit to Rutsiro district in Western Rwanda on the 27th of September 2023. The visit, amidst the refreshing rain that graced the hilly terrain, aimed to delve deep into initiatives focusing on the UN Joint Nutrition Project Phase III which aims to support the Government of Rwanda's efforts to reduce malnutrition with a focus on infants, children under-five, adolescents, and women and with emphasis on reducing stunting in two districts; Ngororero and Rutsiro. The Joint Nutrition Project is implemented by the four participating UN agencies (WFP, UNICEF, WHO, and FAO)  

Jointly organised by UNICEF,  the Office of the UN Resident Coordinator and the office of the Mayor of Rutsiro District, this field visit was part of the UN's relentless efforts to evaluate and monitor the impact of these vital joint interventions in the fight against child stunting.

While in the field, the UN Country Team briefly met the Minister of Agriculture and Animal Resources, Hon. Ildephonse Musafiri, who appreciated the initiative to bring all UN Agencies on the ground and meet the people they serve.

"Oh, so you are all here? - this is very nice for you to come to the field to learn," he smilingly asked. He added, "Many partners just stay in the capital and file reports. I also commend UN Rwanda’s joint efforts to work hand in hand with the government to eradicate malnutrition. We appreciate your cooperation, and moving together, we can make it," said the Honorable Minister.

Exploring Impact and Progress

The main objective of this field visit was to assess the impact and progress of ongoing initiatives within the unique context of Rutsiro district. The delegation, comprising heads of UN Agencies  representatives from the UNCT Programme management team, UN field staff and a representative from the Development Coordination Office, Addis Ababa, aimed to identify tangible impacts on the beneficiaries and understand the operational context in which these initiatives operate. Equally important was acknowledging the critical role played by implementing and funding partners in successfully executing these initiatives that foster sustainable change.

 "This field visit is of paramount importance. It helps us reflect on what we have learned, what we need to change, what we need to do better, what we need to collaborate more with the government, what are strategic policies, and other issues we need to address. The field visit of UNCT is indeed a great tool to deliver as One," said Ozonnia Ojielo, UN Resident Coordinator.

Visiting a Home-Based Early Child Development Centre

The UN Rwanda Team members kicked off the field visit at a home-based Early Childhood Development. It is a modest house located on one of the hills in Rugaragara village, Rundoyi cell in  Ruhango sector, Rutsiro district, Western Rwanda. The house is owned by Clementine Zaninka, commonly known in the village as Mama Zaninka, a volunteer caregiver who selflessly donated her house to serve as a home based ECD.

"It gives me great joy to see kids here, eating eggs, singing, and learning new things. I am happy that I and my fellow mothers can provide our modest contribution to addressing stunting in our country," said Mama Zaninka.

Mama’s voice is accompanied in the background by the sweet voices of kids singing “we like to study, and we will be leaders.”

"The government appreciates your contribution," said the Honorable Minister of Agriculture and Animal Resources while handing her a certificate of appreciation.

Early Childhood Development programme play a pivotal role in laying the foundation for a child's future success. This programme provides a nurturing environment for young children, fostering their cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development, setting them on a trajectory toward lifelong learning and well-rounded growth.

UNICEF relentlessly advocated for setting up and scaling of center, community, and home-based Early Childhood and Development as a means of ensuring the holistic development of a child right from their early years providing holistic access to early learning, good nutrition, hygiene, and protection for improved nutrition status, enhanced health and wellbeing and cognitive stimulation, among other benefits a child accrues when regularly taken to a home-based ECD center as opposed to being left at home, often unattended.

UNICEF also supported caregivers' capacity building via training workshops, and actively engaged with government officials from the central to local levels, to ensure that setting up – and maintaining – home-based ECDs is prioritized and mainstreamed in the district’s planning and budgeting processes.

Visit to Kayove Health Centre

The next stop of the UNCT’s field visit was Kayove Health Centre. At the health centre, around 20 lactating mothers were attending weekly nutrition rehabilitation sessions where children's nutritional status is assessed; individual counseling, and nutrition education session are provided; and cooking demonstrations are conducted. They are selected depending on the malnutrition types and severity.

"My baby is 10 months old. She only had 5.2Kgs when I came here, but thanks to the training on cooking healthy diets and participating in cooking demonstrations here at the health centre, now she has 6.5 Kgs," said Cecile Ntawuhorakize, a 40-year-old mother of five. She added, "here we participate in weekly/monthly growth monitoring and nutrition promotion sessions, and it is very helpful. I really thank the United Nations in Rwanda for supporting this health centre."

The UNCT appreciated the complementarity of UN Agencies and the local authorities in detecting and addressing malnutrition at early stage. Through collaborative efforts, the essential development of human capital can be achieved defying all odds.

Nutrition sensitive Village Savings and Loans Association (VLSA)

A Village Savings and Loans Association within a local community empowers individuals by providing access to financial resources and fostering a culture of saving. It encourages financial discipline, promotes entrepreneurship, and facilitates community members in achieving their personal and collective goals, improving feeding practices, ultimately contributing to economic growth and self-sustainability at the grassroots level.

The house of Jemima Yafashije, a member of Twiyubake Kayove VSLA is indeed a testament. "On a weekly basis, each member of our association contributes 500 Rwf and an additional 50 Rwf to an emergency fund. Loans and contributions helped me renovate my house and buy chicken to provide eggs for my children. My life has really improved thanks to this saving group. I have three children, and they can eat eggs and vegetables," she said, standing in front of her refurbished house. The UN Country Team visited Jemima’s Association and appreciated their efforts in promoting farming as a business that not only puts a plate on their tables but also generates more income.

The team concluded the 3rd joint field visit with a meeting to reflect on registered gains and lessons learned and identified gaps in the joint nutrition project. This is an excellent opportunity to strategise on enhancing collaboration and delivering as one cohesive team.