Editor,

Water levels in our rivers and streams are on the decline in many places. Rivers that used to overflow until their banks burst no longer do—except when there is a heavy downpour that results to a deluge.

Small permanent streams that used to find their way between our farms from terrains of hills down towards the main stream no longer exist.

Another beckoning reality is that our farms rarely produce expected harvest as they used to do back in the days. Most of our insufficient agricultural   productivity stems from poor soils and poor farming methods.

Our low land productivity and drying up of streams is because we have neglected our environment.

We have forgotten the importance of trees and their contribution to farming. Trees are known to be crucial in rainfall formation and environment conservation.

We can avoid soil erosion by planting trees; their roots hold the soil firm while their leaves fall to the ground to add manure to the soil when they rot.

When left bare, our lands are subject to soil erosion that carries away the top fertile layer of the soil, leaving poor soils for cultivation and hence resulting in low yields.

To increase food production, we should also focus on environmental conservation as that is our responsibility.

Barack Oduor, Rwanda