WESTERN PROVINCE

KARONGI — The Anglican Church of Rwanda has started to assess the impact of their ‘climatic change campaign’ in Karongi district.

The assessment follows numerous campaigns to prevent land degradation in the area by Christian Aid, a US-based organisation in Gitesi and Gasenyi sectors.

During the assessment, a team of the project facilitators found that the residents of the two sectors have embarked on terracing, zero-grazing, afforestation and digging up large ditches to tap rain water for use during the dry season, to cope with climatic changes.

However, they noted lack of funds to buy improved seeds, mechanisms to water their crops during the dry season, and access to fertilizers as some of the challenges. "Our land is too hilly, soil erosion is inevitable at times but we at least need fertilizers and aid in terracing the whole place," said one of the residents. During the rain season, residents said, they plant crops like tomatoes and egg plants.

The campaign was carried out by Sector coordinators, secondary school students grouped in environmental clubs, and religious leaders.

"These two areas were chosen because they are the most affected by climatic changes in Karongi. Like currently a lot of sunshine is experienced yet it’s supposed to be a rainy season. This adds to its very poor soils," said Clement Migambi the Project Officer.

"It’s the Responsibility of the Anglican church to fight poverty through mastering climatic changes and knowing which crops are drought resistant according to seasons," said Reveraland Justine Zigiranyirazo the Arch Deacon of Kibuye Anglican Church.

During the discussions held, Gasenyi residents blamed people felling trees, improper disposal of polythene materials, and improper use of farming chemicals for causing climatic changes.

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