In the quiet village of Umubogora, nestled in Rwanda’s Gahara Sector of Kirehe District, lived a 43-year-old widow named Nyiramariza Gaudence. She was a mother, a farmer, and a woman living with a hearing impairment. Since the death of her husband, life had grown increasingly difficult. Raising children alone, she faced multiple layers of discrimination and poverty, much of it stemming from one critical issue: lack of secure access to land. For Nyiramariza, farming was more than a livelihood; it was her only hope for sustaining her family. But the land she relied on was gradually being encroached upon by neighbors, especially as boundaries remained unclear. Her disability made communication difficult, and without formal documentation, defending her land rights became nearly impossible. As a result, her economic situation worsened, and with it came growing isolation.

Then came a turning point. Through the Agricultural Systems Initiative, Landesa had begun supporting land boundary corrections and first-time land registrations in her region. The project emphasized inclusion, ensuring that even the most marginalized, including persons with disabilities, would not be left behind.

Nyiramariza was identified as one of the intended beneficiaries. Local land committee members reached out to her and helped explain the process. With the support of Landesa’s field team and local authorities, neighbors participated in identifying the rightful boundaries of her plot. Though she could not afford the standard fee of 30,000 Rwandan Francs for boundary correction due to her limited income and pressing expenses such as school fees, health insurance, and food; she received the service free of charge.

The process was not only accessible but also respectful of her communication needs. Simple sign language and community-based interpretation helped ensure she was included and understood what was happening. With cooperation from neighbors and officials, the correction was successfully completed.

This change brought a renewed sense of security for Nyiramariza. Having clear and recognized land boundaries allowed her to use her full plot without fear of dispute. She could now focus on increasing her farm’s productivity, hoping that better harvests would provide income and relieve some of her financial strain. More importantly, she no longer feared provoking conflicts with neighbors, conflicts that once made her feel even more isolated. Correcting her land boundaries was more than a technical process; it was a gateway to dignity, peace of mind, and community inclusion. For a widow living with a disability, it meant being recognized, respected, and no longer invisible. Her journey stood as a powerful reminder that when land rights are protected, the most vulnerable in society are empowered to rebuild their lives.