Local producers, especially those in the agriculture sector, have been urged to employ production methods that protect the environment to reduce global warming. Ernest Ruzindaza, the Ministry of Agriculture permanent secretary, challenged the business people to, not only focus on profits and growing their enterprises, but also to ensure they protect environment. “With the rapid population growth globally, we will need 2.5 planets to support the nine billion people by 2050. This is why we should minimise pollution and waste and use sustainable means of production.” Ruzindaza was speaking during a conference on how to make winning decisions for business and the environment at the Kigali Serena Hotel. William Archer, the director for global sustainability at SC Johnson, an American-based firm, urged businesses to adopt practices that reduce pollution and waste. “Recycle and reuse some of the items to minimise environmental degradation and global warming.” Archer noted that if a farmer, for example, used more of fertilisers than was necessary, the excess would be hazardous to the environment in the long-run. The government has taken steps to ensure a balance between economic development and environmental protection, as well as to prevent degradation. Notable among the measures taken is the ban on making and use of polythene bags.
