This paper analyses the contribution of thre programs of poverty reduction in Rwanda. It uses data from diferent reports and surveys with beneficiary por households of social protection programs. The activites developed by these programs have alowed the por in general and the widows of genocide in the Eastern Province of Rwanda in particular to improve their socioeconomic conditons, notably aces to education, acommodation and medical care. Moreover, the beneficiaries have developed activites that diversify households’ revenues and improve their economic resilence.