Rwanda’s river bridges lift livelihoods and learning

Rwanda’s Fika charity has built 96 pedestrian bridges since 2020 to connect river-valley communities, enabling easier access to clinics, schools, and markets. An independent study found these bridges increased household consumption and income, expanded farmland, boosted fertilizer use, and raised school enrollment, with a 120% return on investment in the first year. Each bridge costs about $100,000 and is designed for rugged terrain without heavy machinery, dramatically reducing dangerous crossings, though residents still need broader improvements like roads, electricity, and clean water.