Republic of Korea, WFP sign USD 1.2M deal to boost sustainable farming and green jobs in Rwanda
The five-year project will target youth and women in Gatsibo District through training, infrastructure, and new employment opportunities.
RWANDA – The Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) and the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) have signed a USD 1.2 million agreement to support sustainable agriculture and youth employment in Rwanda’s Gatsibo District.
The grant arrangement was formalized in Kigali, with Jinhwa Kim, KOICA Country Director, and Kaori Ura, WFP Rwanda Deputy Country Director, leading the ceremony.
The partnership forms part of a broader USD 14.8 million programme called “Supporting Agricultural Climate Resilience and Creating Green Jobs for Youth in Rural Communities (CRCSP),” which will run from 2025 to 2030.
Focus on skills and green livelihoods
The CRCSP project will be led by the Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB) under the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources (MINAGRI).
It will target sustainable land use and rehabilitate 500 hectares of marshland while developing rural infrastructure.
Through its component, WFP will support 340 vulnerable youth and women with vocational training, entrepreneurship coaching, and access to finance and markets.
The project also plans to open 60 youth-led Farmer Service Centers, enabling about 400 more people to gain employment and strengthen their skills.
“This partnership stands as a model of how joint efforts can deliver tangible and lasting impacts to communities,” said Kim.
“KOICA remains committed to working hand in hand with the Government of Rwanda and WFP. Together, we strive to build resilient livelihoods, foster green growth, and promote inclusive prosperity.”
Ura echoed the importance of the collaboration, saying, “This collaboration with KOICA allows WFP to contribute to Rwanda’s efforts in building climate resilience and creating economic opportunities for young people. Through targeted investment in skills and inclusive agribusiness, we are equipping communities, especially youth and women, to become more self-reliant and better prepared for future challenges.”
Broader impact and long-term partnership
The CRCSP project blends large-scale infrastructure works, such as flood protection and post-harvest facilities, with WFP’s efforts to empower youth and women as active players in local food systems.
By combining structural improvements with direct community support, the initiative aims to strengthen food security while creating green jobs in rural Rwanda.
This programme also adds a new chapter to an already strong partnership. KOICA has worked with WFP in Rwanda for more than a decade.
Since 2012, the agency has contributed USD 21.2 million through different projects to support rural development and inclusive growth.
Officials from both organizations said the latest project represents a continued commitment to building sustainable livelihoods in Rwanda’s rural communities, while addressing both climate challenges and the urgent need for youth employment.
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