Women cadres and veterans of the liberation struggle of Rwanda have embarked on planting trees to combat desertification in Eastern Province, and other parts of the country. The tree planting initiative was launched in Bugesera District on March 23.

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Historically, 40 or 50 years ago, Rwanda’s Eastern Province had enough forest cover. But it experienced deforestation as people cut trees in search of agricultural land, charcoal, firewood as well as construction materials, according to Rwanda Forestry Authority.

"Bugesera District, historically, has faced drought due to deforestation. This caused food insecurity in some communities. By planting trees in this region, rains will be back and thus crops will grow,” said Maj (Rtd) Betty Mukarugwiza, a member of Organization Ndabaga, a non-governmental organisation (NGO) founded by women cadres and veterans of the liberation struggle of Rwanda from 1990 to 1994.

She mentioned that in the last 30 years, women, after liberating the country, have significantly contributed to national development, a trend that needs to be nurtured and maintained.

"We still have a long journey to go and, therefore, combating climate change is timely because it is one of the main drivers of hunger. We have to fight against stunting and malnutrition by planting fruit trees,” she noted.

The organisation has been actively engaged in empowering women and promoting community development since its establishment in 2001.

With a commitment to improving the wellbeing of its members and fostering peace and security in Rwanda and neighbouring countries, Ndabaga has embarked on a transformative journey to address the challenges posed by climate change and environmental degradation.

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Rwanda, like many other nations, faces the adverse impacts of climate change, including increased frequency of extreme weather, loss of biodiversity, and disruptions to agricultural systems.

"With over 30 per cent of its surface covered by forests, Rwanda recognises the importance of environmental conservation in mitigating climate change and ensuring food security for its population,” she said.

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The project also seeks to strengthen the resilience of 5,000 households in Bugesera to climate change impacts, distribute 500,000 agroforestry trees and 350,000 fruits trees across different regions of Rwanda.

Jeanne d’Arc Mukuranyange, Ndabaga’s vice president, said the activities will help restore two million hectares of degraded and deforested land by 2030, as per Rwanda’s commitment under the Bonn Challenge.

"We will collaborate closely with local communities, particularly women, in implementing sustainable agribusiness practices and tree planting initiatives. Community participation and ownership will be central to the success of the project,” she said.

The activities will also equip women with the knowledge and skills necessary for sustainable agricultural practices, including agroforestry techniques, soil conservation, and climate-smart farming methods.

"The distribution of agroforestry nature trees and tree fruits will be conducted systematically, prioritizing areas vulnerable to climate change impacts and deforestation. This initiative will not only enhance biodiversity, but also contribute to soil stabilization and water conservation,” she noted.

The project looks at the restoration of degraded land through planting 850,000 trees, contributing to biodiversity conservation and ecosystem restoration.

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"By combating climate change, environmental degradation, and food insecurity in Rwanda, we have to empower women, promote sustainable agriculture, and advocate for policy change to create a more resilient and sustainable future for Rwanda and its people,” she added.

Bonifride Mukarurayi has been living in Bugesera District for the past eight years.

"There are few trees and therefore it affects rainfall. For instance, for the last three years, we have not had rain. The trees we were given need survival because they are also attacked by insects,” she said.

Samuel Furaha said support in forestation is needed considering that the insects have attacked mango fruit trees due to lack of rains.

"We need both agroforestry and fruit trees. Due to drought, we always shift to urban areas for jobs. Fighting desertification in Bugesera will help combat hunger,” he said.