EASTERN PROVINCE Rural farmers in Nyagatare and Gatsibo districts have embarked on agro forestry in order to speed up the restoration of forest cover. Most of the farmers in the Karangazi and Musenyi Sectors, believe enhancing agro forestry could pave way for their success, as it would improve land productivity. “Before we took up the plan my land had lost fertility, but now the situation has changed,” Jonathan Ngamije, one of the farmers in Karangazi told The New Times. Ngamije and others, who originally practised nomadic farming five years ago, secured permanent land for agriculture which they say has changed their living conditions. Now, they have adopted agro forestry practices to conserve their farm land. According to the farmers, they embraced agro forestry after being sensitised by various government institutions including the Ministry of Natural Resources. Claudien Habimana, a senior official in the Ministry of Natural Resources, said Tuesday that promoting agro forestry would reduce natural calamities like storms. “I can give you an example, Musenyi farmers whose crops used to be destroyed by heavy rains and storms are now safe from such threats because of agro forestry,” he noted. Initially, the rural communities were reluctant to offer their gardens to meet the demanding requirements of the government’s forestry policy. However, after trying the policy, these communities have started realising the benefits, and appeal to authorities for more support. They have taken full ownership of forest areas which they guard jealously against illegal tree fellers. “It is good for individuals to have control of trees in their gardens to avoid blaming local leaders for illegal fellers,” says Alex Guma, an agro forestry activist. Apart from taking up protection responsibilities, having stringent laws to protect forests has also helped to protect forest cover. “This management plan (of forests) is for the future of my children,” says Guma. “So they don’t have to leave their home and become beggars, like others I know who don’t have land.” Ends
