World News

Nonprofit footbridges in rural Rwanda boost local economies and school enrollment

A study finds pedestrian suspension bridges constructed by nonprofit Fika have expanded access to key services and increased household incomes.

Updated Aug 29, 2026 · 18:21 UTC1 reports

The short version

A July study co-authored by a University of Colorado Boulder researcher evaluated 96 pedestrian bridges built in Rwanda by nonprofit Fika, finding notable gains in household income, consumption, land cultivation, and school attendance.
Individual bridges, such as the 230-foot Cyangoga suspension bridge completed in 2025, helped increase health clinic visits by 40% and led to the re-enrollment of over 134 students in the local Mukungwa river valley.
Constructed at an average cost of $100,000 using funding from the Rwandan government and donors like USAID, the bridges aim to safely span hazardous terrain without heavy machinery.
Despite improved connectivity, residents express ongoing urgent needs for secondary infrastructure, including roads, electricity, and clean water.

The Kigali-based nonprofit Fika has constructed 96 pedestrian bridges in Rwanda since 2020 at an average cost of $100,000 per bridge.[NPR]
The bridge project received funding from the Rwandan government and foreign donors, including USAID prior to its overhaul under the Trump administration.[NPR]
A July study examining the program found that the bridges led to increases in household income, consumption, land cultivation, fertilizer use, and school attendance.[NPR]
In the Mukungwa river valley, the Cyangoga footbridge enabled a 40% increase in health clinic visits, tripled banana wine production, and prompted over 134 students to re-enroll in school.[NPR]
Local residents report that remote communities still face significant infrastructure deficits, including a lack of paved roads, electricity, and clean water.[NPR]