ACORD Rwanda was initiated and established in 1979 by ACORD International, to support the most affected communities to strengthen coping mechanisms and build community based structures in response to the poor socio-economic conditions, famine outbreaks, and scarcity of land, population growth and environmental degradation as well as conflict.

The first projects addressed issues of reintegration of returnees from Uganda in the early 1980's, particularly through community-based savings and loan banking system, together with the promotion and initiation of local NGOs which led to the creation of ARDI, ARAMET, DUHAMIC, ADEHAMU, KORA , CCOAIB, among others.

In the post-genocide era projects focused on the reintegration and rehabilitation of returnees and victims of the genocide. Material and psycho-social support were provided as well as construction and rehabilitation of social infrastructure. ACORD Rwanda’s work is putting more emphasis on creating space for poor citizens to engage in research, activities and dynamics that create social justice and reduce poverty while also responding to the basic needs of the most vulnerable and marginalised communities.