Restoring ecosystems, strengthening rural livelihoods, and empowering vulnerable populations across Africa.
We partner with rural smallholder farmers, women, and youth to restore ecosystems and create lasting opportunities. Through training, education, advocacy, and extension services, we promote sustainable agroforestry, land management, beekeeping, and alternative livelihoods. Our goal is to make restoration not only environmentally impactful but also economically rewarding—so that people and the planet thrive together.
Our work spans across ecological restoration, sustainable agriculture, natural beekeeping, child welfare, humanitarian support, and advocacy. Through training, partnerships, and field-based initiatives, we equip rural communities with the tools and opportunities they need to thrive while protecting the environment for future generations.
We break the cycle of rural poverty by restoring degraded landscapes and building climate-resilient livelihoods across underserved communities in Nigeria and Africa. Our work focuses on smallholder farmers, women, and youth—equipping them with the knowledge, tools, and support they need to transform their communities and become agents of change. RUWAI was founded by Uche Isieke, inspired by his own experiences growing up in a rural Nigerian community. Witnessing the daily struggles of poverty and the widespread impact of land degradation, he set out to create lasting solutions that restore ecosystems while empowering people to build better futures.
Rural Watch Africa Initiative (RUWAI) partners with underserved rural communities across Nigeria, particularly in regions hardest hit by land degradation, climate change, conflict, and poverty. Our projects span the North Central, Northeast, and Southeast regions, where more than 60% of people depend on agriculture for survival. Yet these communities face mounting challenges—from deforestation and erratic weather to insurgency and declining soil fertility. By working directly with farmers, women, and youth, we help turn these challenges into opportunities for resilience and renewal.
We understand that poverty and environmental degradation are deeply intertwined—and must be solved together. That’s why we work hand-in-hand with Indigenous and rural communities to reduce pressure on forests while creating sustainable pathways out of poverty. Our approach engages smallholder farmers, women, and youth in practical, nature-based solutions that restore land, strengthen resilience to climate change, and improve livelihoods. Unlike short-term aid, we invest in training, tools, and long-term empowerment that enable communities to thrive independently. By combining global knowledge with local wisdom, we design solutions that are inclusive, adaptable, and scalable—catalyzing lasting change across rural Africa.
At Rural Watch Africa Initiative, we plant trees because they carry the promise of healing—healing the land, restoring livelihoods, and strengthening communities. Across rural Nigeria and much of Africa, families who once thrived on fertile soil now struggle with cracked earth, vanishing forests, and unpredictable rains. Farming—once a proud inheritance—has become a daily fight for survival.
Trees anchor the soil that feeds us. They shade our crops, protect our streams, and call back the bees and birds that keep nature alive. They help mothers grow food closer to home, open green job opportunities for young people, and give entire communities the strength to stay rooted and thrive. For us, every tree is more than a seedling—it is a step toward dignity, resilience, and a livable land for the next generation. Where hope withers, trees help it grow back.
A passionate and diverse team whose expertise drives our mission forward.
Executive Director
Provides strategic leadership and ensures the effective implementation of all programs and initiatives. His guidance keeps RUWAI focused on creating lasting impact.
Beekeeping Program Coordinator
Manages natural beekeeping programs, supporting communities with training, hive establishment, and market opportunities.
Dir. Restoration & Livelihoods
Leads initiatives in food systems and sustainable farming, helping farmers adopt resilient agricultural practices.
Humanitarian & Children Care Officer
Focuses on the welfare of vulnerable individuals, particularly coordinating health, education, and child protection activities.
Agric-Extension Lead
Enhances the knowledge and skills of farmers through provision of extension services and dissemination of best practices.
Communication Lead
Leads our communications strategy with expertise in charity marketing, journalism, and PR.
Digital Designs & Social Media
Builds and engages our online community and strengthens advocacy programs through digital media communications.
Fundraising
Supports securing funding through clear, persuasive communication and data-led evidence from field research.
Borno State Field Operations
Oversees tactical field operations and community engagement within the Borno State region.
Communication Intern
Data analytics and M&E Officer
Education, Gender and Community Engagement
