On 13 February 2026, in Karongi District, Action pour la Protection de l’Environnement et la Promotion des Filières Agricoles (APEFA), in partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resouces ( MINAGRI) in the Project funded by Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN) launched “Five Fruit Trees per Household Awareness Campaign through Football Competition 2026.” in the 5 Districts (Rusizi, Nyamasheke, Karongi, Rutsiro and Nyabihu) of the Western Province of Rwanda.
The campaign, part of the project “Five Fruit Trees per Household and Youth-Led Orchards Across 5 Districts of Western Rwanda – Rooted for health for a greener tomorrow”, uses football competition as a dynamic platform to mobilize communities and raise awareness on planted fruits care, maintenance and nutrition.
Through matches and community outreach sessions, participants received key messages on proper fruit tree management including watering, mulching, and regular maintenance as well as the importance of fruit consumption for improved health, livelihoods, and household income.
Speaking at the launch, Oscar NZABONIMPA, APEFA’s Executive Director, commended the Government of Rwanda for its continued efforts to improve citizens’ welfare. He also referenced the World Health Organization, noting that fruit consumption in Rwanda remains below recommended levels.
NZABONIMPA emphasized that the project aims to improve nutrition, strengthen food security, and protect the environment. He urged communities to take ownership of the planted trees to ensure long-term impact and sustainability.
The campaign was implemented across key 5 project districts, including Karongi, Rutsiro and Nyabihu (men’s teams), as well as Nyamasheke and Rusizi (women’s teams). The competition began at the sector level and and finalized to the provincial level, fostering greater community engagement and wider impact across the Western Province.
Under the Five Fruit Trees per Household and Youth-Led Orchards Across 5 Districts of Western Rwanda – Rooted for health for a greener tomorrow project, APEFA have successfully planted 200,000 fruit trees (including avocadoes, Mangoes, citrus, Guajava, jackfruits, passion fruits and bananas) to 32,000 households , 74 schools , 20 health facilities , 29 ECDs including homebased and established 5 fruit tree orchards managed by youths, to enhance food security, improve nutrition, and promote sustainable livelihoods in Western Rwanda.
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