POPULATION COUNCIL
Climate Resilience, Health, and Socio-Economic Vulnerability of Adolescents and Girls in Rwanda: Western Province – Karongi and Gakenke Districts
SUMMARY
This case study examined the intersection of climate change, adolescent health, education, and socio‑economic vulnerability in Rwanda’s climate‑affected districts of Karongi (Western Province) and Gakenke (Northern Province). Rwanda is administratively divided into 5 provinces and 30 districts, among which Karongi and Gakenke are particularly exposed to floods, landslides, and droughts due to their mountainous terrain and reliance on subsistence agriculture. Karongi lies along the shores of Lake Kivu in Western Province, approximately 130 kilometers west of Kigali the capital of RWANDA. Gakenke is situated in Northern Province, about 80 kilometers north of Kigali, characterized by rugged highlands and valleys where landslides and soil degradation frequently disrupt livelihoods (Gakenke District official site).
IMPLEMENTATION
The study adhered closely to the original mixed-methods protocol with minor field-level adaptations to ensure data quality and participant safety.
Methodological Adaptations
Participation and Sample Characteristics
Protocol Adherence
KEY FINDINGS
The key findings presented in this report are organized into thematic categories to ensure clarity and analytical coherence. These categories reflect the main areas of evidence and insight that emerged during the data analysis and reporting process, and they form the basis upon which the report’s conclusions and recommendations were developed
Primary Climate-Related Health Risks Identified
The Climate-SRHR Nexus: A Critical Gap
Education Disruption and Gendered Impacts
Health System Responses and Persistent Gaps
Local Coping Strategies and Resilience Practices
Unexpected and Notable Findings
IMPACTS AND APPLICATION
The impacts and applications of the findings are presented across key dimensions that highlight their immediate relevance, scalability, and contribution to existing knowledge. These areas illustrate how the evidence generated by the report can inform action, policy, and future research at different levels.
Immediate Applications at Multiple Levels
Scaling Potential
Value Added to Existing Knowledge
RECOMMENDATIONS
Based on the findings, the following recommendations outline priority actions to guide community-level interventions, strengthen health systems, inform policy development across governance levels, and define key areas for follow-up research. These recommendations are intended to support practical implementation, strategic planning, and evidence-based decision-making.
Community-Based Interventions
Health System Improvements
Policy Changes Across Governance Levels
Follow-Up Research Priorities