Abstract: This study examined the impact of Rwanda’s Environment and Climate Change Policies on sustainable development, with a focus on the Green Gicumbi Project (GGP) implemented from 2019 to 2024. Although Rwanda has adopted strong environmental policies to promote climate resilience and green growth, limited evidence has documented their effectiveness at the community level. The research therefore aimed to assess how these policies have influenced sustainable development outcomes in Gicumbi District. Three objectives guided the research: evaluating the environmental and climate policies applied in the GGP, identifying sustainable development indicators achieved through the project, and determining the relationship between the policies and sustainable development outcomes. A mixed-methods design was used, involving surveys from 399 respondents across nine sectors, along with interviews with project leaders and observations. Findings revealed high stakeholder awareness of the project and strong support for policies guiding forestry, energy, agriculture, and sanitation. The study also identified notable achievements, including watershed protection, climate-smart agriculture through radical terraces and agroforestry, restoration of 1,244 hectares of forest, distribution of 19,900 improved cookstoves, and promotion of climate-resilient settlements with rainwater harvesting. These interventions contributed to improved livelihoods and reduced carbon emissions. Overall, the research confirmed a strong positive relationship between targeted climate policies and sustainable development in the GGP area. The study concluded that well-designed environmental policies and integrated rural projects like the GGP significantly enhance climate resilience and sustainable development in Rwanda. Recommendations included increasing public awareness, strengthening policy monitoring, scaling up the initiative, and expanding collaboration with surrounding communities. Future studies were advised to examine long-term sustainability, community participation, and social inclusion within similar interventions.
Keywords: Environment, environmental policy, climate change, sustainable development, Green Gicumbi Project.
Title: Impact of Environment and Climate Change Policies on Sustainable Development in Rwanda (2019-2024), Case of Green Gicumbi Project
Author: MPAKANIYE Laban, Dr. Deny UWIMPUHWE
International Journal of Life Sciences Research
ISSN 2348-313X (Print), ISSN 2348-3148 (online)
Vol. 13, Issue 4, October 2025 - December 2025
Page No: 31-43
Research Publish Journals
Website: www.researchpublish.com
Published Date: 02-December-2025
