In Gatsibo District, refugees from the Democratic Republic of the Congo and local Rwandans have formed a cooperative to harvest honey, rebuilding their incomes and fostering community ties. The Twisungane Cooperative manages beehives near Nyabiheke Refugee Camp, producing modest yields that members hope to expand. This initiative reflects Rwanda's efforts to integrate refugees through shared economic projects.
Seraphina Mujawamariya, who fled violence in Masisi, eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, now lives in Nyabiheke Refugee Camp in Gatsibo District. Every few months, she visits a cluster of wooden beehives to harvest honey as part of the Twisungane Cooperative. The group includes 21 members—11 refugees and 10 Rwandans—who oversee 31 beehives. Each hive yields 10 to 15 kilograms of honey every three months, offering a growing income source.
Mujawamariya shared, "I never imagined I would keep bees. Back home in Masisi, our family kept livestock. But after we fled the violence and came here, I had to learn something new to support my family."
With modern beehives introduced, members anticipate harvesting over 400 kilograms of honey. Daniel Cyiza, the cooperative's vice president, noted that collaboration has reduced isolation. "Working with local residents helped us overcome the feeling of isolation," he said. "Many refugees come with difficult experiences, but organising ourselves and working together gives us an opportunity to rebuild our lives."
The cooperative aims to supply more honey to local markets. Local resident Jean Claude Bugingo from Nyabicwamba Cell observed improved relations: "Before, people mostly kept apart. Now we work together through cooperatives and even visit each other during community events."
Refugee Olivier Majopo explained that the group started with those experienced in beekeeping from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. "It was something we knew and thought could help us earn some income while living in the camp," he said. Over time, locals joined, enhancing interactions: "Working together has helped us know each other better. Before, many people in the community did not interact much with refugees, but through this cooperative we meet regularly, share ideas and support each other."
This effort aligns with Rwanda's integration strategy. Gonzague Karagire from the Ministry in Charge of Emergency Management (MINEMA) stated, "Our goal is to support refugees so they can become more self-reliant while also contributing to the development of the areas where they live. When refugees and host communities work together in initiatives like agriculture, livestock or beekeeping, they create livelihoods and strengthen social cohesion."
He emphasized inclusive projects: "One of the key principles is that projects should benefit everyone in the community, not only refugees. That is why you see investments in schools, health facilities and other infrastructure in districts that host refugee camps."
The Jyambere Project, launched on August 14, 2019, with $84 million, funds such initiatives. Of 306 planned projects, 274—or 89 percent—have been completed in districts including Gatsibo, Gisagara, Karongi, Kirehe, Nyamagabe, and Gicumbi.
