About Us
Development & Research Institute for Vision & Empowerment or “Institut Intégré de Recherche et Développement pour la Vision et Renforcement des Capacités” (DRIVE), is a social independent, non-governmental and community-led organization created and legally registered in the country of Rwanda to fight poverty and promote sustainable development especially among vulnerable populations.
We bring together self-helping groups, associations and cooperatives of farmers and vulnerable people from across Rwanda to tackle challenges in agriculture, environment and socio-economic inclusion. By combining research, innovation and community actions, DRIVE works to create practical solutions that address hunger, poverty, health issues and climate change.
Vision
A healthier society with improved agricultural and environmental strategies, social economic fitness, free from hunger, and progressing toward sustainable development.
Mission
The mission of the DRIVE is to upgrade quality of life of vulnerable people as a result of undertaking development works and scientific research in agriculture, environment, health, job creation for poverty reduction and sustainable development.
CHAIRPERSON'S MESSAGE
Ladies and Gentlemen,
As a woman, a farmer, and a member of a cooperative, it is both an honor and a responsibility to serve as the elected Chairperson of the Development & Research Institute for Vision & Empowerment (DRIVE). I am deeply proud to represent fellow farmers, associations, and cooperatives engaged in agriculture, environment, water and sanitation, and health promotion initiatives.
FOUNDER’S MESSAGE
When I founded the Development & Research Institute for Vision & Empowerment (DRIVE), I was guided by one principle that lasting development must be evidence-based, inclusive, and sustainable.
For too long, vulnerable communities in Rwanda; women, youth, people with disabilities, minority groups, and rural farmers; have been at the margins of development efforts, not because of a lack of potential but because their challenges were never properly documented or addressed.
Our Objectives & Values
Specific Objectives:
- Conduct scientific research in agriculture, environment, and poverty reduction;
- Design and implement evidence-based projects and SMART activities in agriculture, environment and poverty reduction for sustainable development;
- Assist self-help groups and associations to engage professionally in agricultural, environmental works and create jobs to become strong, self-reliant and market-oriented actors.
- Build capacities of right holders through training and awareness campaigns on modern techniques for high crop production, livestock, agribusiness, advocacy, health, water & sanitation, climate change and innovation;
- Foster social justice, social economic inclusiveness and fight extreme poverty through innovative approaches and technology; and
- Collaborate with national, regional, and international organizations and institutions to strengthen expertise and impact.
Core Values or Principles:
- Leave no one behind (Nothing about us without us): This is the same as inclusiveness. It is about empowering vulnerable populations and involving them during all processes of what is being done for them;
- Team spirit: Working together as a team, guided by the same direction;
- Integrity: Acting with transparency and accountability;
- Creativity: New initiatives, not relying on traditional thinking and practices;
- Efficiency: Cost effective and value of money;
- Innovation: Using research to design new solutions and applying impactful approaches basing on UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs);
- Sustainability: Promoting long-term impact in agriculture and environment;
- Collaboration: Build partnership at national and international levels in order to support vulnerable communities for greater impact.
By uniting cooperatives and associations of farmers, DRIVE set out to become a platform where research informs action; turning findings into programs that improve livelihoods, protect the environment, and build resilience against hunger and poverty.
Though still growing in visibility, DRIVE is firmly grounded in a decade of community engagement, a strong governance framework, and the expertise of its founder and members.
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