Project: Organic Farming for People and Gorillas in Rwanda
2025 Project Partner: Muhisimbi – Voice of Youth in Conservation
We’re proud to support a new grassroots conservation and community project in Rwanda through our 2024 year-end giving (March 2025). This small but powerful initiative is led by Obed Niyitegeka, a young agricultural graduate with a big vision: to help his community improve food security through sustainable organic farming—while supporting the protection of endangered mountain gorillas.
Donate or Set up a Fundraising Page to support this project here.
The connection to this project came through conservationist Ian Redmond OBE, a long-standing friend of Explorers Against Extinction and a tireless advocate for great ape protection. Ian first met Obed several years ago and has helped support his education at agricultural college in Musanze, northern Rwanda, near Volcanoes National Park—home to a significant population of mountain gorillas.
A Changing Landscape
In recent years, the Rwanda Development Board has taken the bold step of restoring land to Volcanoes National Park—land that was originally cleared for agriculture in the 1970s. At the time, the area was used for a European Economic Community-backed pyrethrum cultivation scheme (pyrethrum flowers are processed to make biodegradable insecticides).
The restoration aims to expand gorilla habitat, strengthen biodiversity, and improve watershed resilience in the long term.
However, in the short term, this conservation effort has required the relocation of families who have farmed the land for decades. Although the government has provided new homes and vocational training, the reduction in available farmland presents a pressing challenge: how can families grow enough food on less land?
That’s where Obed comes in.
A Seed of an Idea
Obed’s goal is to become a certified seed multiplier, helping his community improve food yields using high-quality seed stock and organic farming techniques. Many farmers in the area are reluctant to change traditional practices without seeing results firsthand. Obed hopes to change minds by leading through example—establishing a demonstration plot to trial new methods, restore soil health using organic manure, and showcase improved productivity.
Our support will help fund this project, including seed potatoes for the coming growing season, after a funding shortfall meant only maize could be planted last time.
Long-term, Obed’s vision includes building a seed store, securing his status as a licensed supplier, and reaching more farmers. The project has already helped around 100 local families earn income and access better farming resources.
Why It Matters
By helping local people grow more food on smaller plots, this project directly supports the success of the Volcanoes National Park restoration. It reduces pressure on remaining farmland and builds goodwill towards gorilla conservation efforts. It also addresses wider issues like food security, youth unemployment, and climate resilience—all while promoting sustainable, organic agriculture.
This is exactly the kind of community-led, conservation-minded work we’re proud to support.
We’re delighted to share that Explorers Against Extinction has donated £1,900 to support this project as part of our end-of-financial-year giving (April 2025). Of this, £1,320 will enable planting to go ahead this season, with the remainder supporting future crop cycles. With three growing seasons each year in Rwanda, this contribution gives vital momentum to help Obed’s vision take root.
Our thanks go to local NGO Muhisimbi VYC and its founder, Emmanuel Harerimana—born and raised at the foot of Rwanda’s Virunga Mountains—for receiving the funds on behalf of Obed’s project.
Can You Help?
If you’d like to support this inspiring community initiative, please consider making a donation. Every contribution helps build a more sustainable future—for people and for gorillas.
Image of Ian and Obed courtesy of Ian Redmond.
To find out how you can support please click here.
To make a donation to our Project Fund, please follow the link. Thank you.
“I would like to start by expressing my deepest gratitude to each one of you for your invaluable support toward my farming project, which aims to produce high-quality Irish potato seeds for my local community in Kinigi, Musanze.
Ian, thank you so much for your mentorship and sponsorship. Your belief in my vision means a great deal to me, and I am inspired by your continued guidance throughout this journey.
Emmanuel, I sincerely appreciate your role as the founder and owner of Muhisimbi, and for acting as the receiver of the funds on my behalf. Your assistance has been instrumental in helping me take this important step forward.
Sara and Robert, thank you kindly for your generous support through your charity. It’s heartening to know that people like you are committed to empowering small-scale farmers and helping us create meaningful impact in our communities.”