For years communities in Rushinga, living near mine contaminated areas faced significant challenges moving freely between their homes, farms, grazing areas and local markets. The presence of landmines limited safe access to productive land and essential services, affecting livelihoods and development opportunities. 

Today, signs of change are becoming visible. As UNDP funded demining teams continues to clear dangerous areas, local communities are beginning to see the benefits of restored access. In thepowerful scene above, an ox-drawn cart passes through a former mine-affected road while deminers continue their work nearby. The image captures a community in transition where land once considered dangerous is gradually being restored for safe civilian use through ongoing mine clearance operations. 

For community members, the ongoing clearance work represents more than the removal of mines, it represents the possibility of a better future. Safe access to land will enable farmers to cultivate larger areas, livestock owners to reach grazing lands more easily and families to travel more confidently between villages, markets, schools and health facilities. 

"For many years, we avoided some areas because we did not know whether they were safe," said a local community member travelling on the ox-drawn cart. "Seeing the deminers at work gives us hope. Once the land is cleared, we will be able to move freely, use more of our land and improve our livelihoods without fear." 

While clearance operations are ongoing, each square metre of land released creates new opportunities for communities to rebuild and prosper. The work being supported by UNDP is not only removing a deadly threat but is also laying the foundation for increased agricultural production, improved market access and stronger local economies. Long after the final mine is cleared, the benefits of safe and productive land are expected to support the well-being and resilience of communities for generations to come.