Liberal Party (PL) has pledged to ensure delivery of projects that will plant more forests in Bugesera District so as to help farmers tap into the carbon market. Due to deforestation, the district is often prone to drought affecting farmers and livestock production. ALSO READ: Carbon market: A look at Rwanda’s probable prices The carbon market serves as an incentive for farmers' efforts in conserving the forests. Farmers could receive financial incentives based on the amount of carbon emissions their forests have reduced and sold on the carbon market each year. ALSO READ: Can Rwanda make the best out of carbon markets? A carbon market is a trading system in which tonnes of reduced carbon emissions (climate-polluting gasses) are sold. Reduced tonnes of emissions were dubbed “carbon credits”. One carbon credit is equivalent to one tonne of reduced carbon emissions. This market enables climate polluters to fund projects that reduce carbon emissions in other countries, and they can then include these emission reductions in their climate targets while still emitting greenhouse gasses. The market is one of the mechanisms to mobilize climate finance for projects that combat climate change. Rwanda expects to sell 7.5 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (MtCO2e) – carbon credits – estimating that they could generate $337 million (approx. Rwf420 billion). We will ensure more forests are planted in Bugesera District given that there is potential carbon market for Rwanda, said Donathille Mukabalisa, the PL President who is also a former Speaker of Parliament. Making use of nine lakes to green the district Mukabalisa said that PL will closely scrutinize government activities so that nine lakes in Bugesera District are leveraged to scale up irrigation. ALSO READ: Rwanda Decides: 12 Key Pledges in Liberal Party’s Five-Year Manifesto By 2021, only 3,800 hectares had been irrigated in Bugesera District due to limited budget for irrigation yet the district has nine lakes and a number of wetlands. Bugesera has nine lakes and a lot of wetlands that should be exploited to irrigate arable land and increase agriculture productivity. The district has a fertilizer plant that could boost production if irrigation is scaled up across the district, she said. The district has an international airport and special economic zone being developed which Mukabalisa said residents have to be supported to benefit from such big projects. ALSO READ: Why joint venture to develop Bugesera special economic zone is timely These are opportunities to be tapped into.We want more agro-processing factories to add value to the agricultural produce that is expected to increase. With irrigation and water supply we want to be increased will also trigger an increase in milk production by growing irrigated quality fodder varieties and supplying water to livestock. For instance there is need for clean water supply in Rweru sector, she noted. We saw irrigation projects on Rweru Lake and other lakes which are using irrigation powered by solar power to grow vegetables. We want such projects to be extended on the hillside, said Gabriel Gasasira, a resident from Mayange Sector. Ignatienne Mukamana, a resident of Rilima Sector said that livestock are severely affected during dry spells. Some cows die due to scarcity of fodder during dry spells. Those who get seats in parliament should consider projects that respond to grassroot communities, she said. Pl president Mukabalisa added that feeder roads will also be increased to help transport farmers' harvest and milk to the markets. We want more jobs to be created for local residents through such potential projects. Mukabalisa also explained to Bugesera residents about why they have to vote for Paul Kagame for president. She said: We have endorsed Incumbent Paul Kagame in his reelection bid. After voting him we urge residents to vote for PL Parliamentary aspirants who will support Kagame in his rule once elected. She told residents Kagame led the army that stopped 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi and liberated the country. We have experienced remarkable development since the country was liberated. Bugesera District was once made a destination for discriminating against the Tutsi,” she noted. The area was covered with forest full of lions, leopards and Tsetse fly, among other animals which they thought could kill Tutsi.Currently the areas has developed real estate, infrastructure including both excellent secondary schools and university, stadium among others and it is inhabited by President Paul Kagame, she added.
