Spearheaded by the Ministry of Environment, alongside the Rwanda Forestry Authority (RFA) in collaboration with International Union for Conservation of Nature-IUCN and Belgian Development Agency- Enabel and various other partners, the National Agroforestry Conference took place on 28^th May and concludes today, 29 May 2024.  

The conference brought together research and academic institutions, government institutions, farmer organizations, civil society organizations, international organizations, private sectors, media, and development partners among many others to share preliminary research results and discuss how agroforestry solutions could be applicable to the country, and contribute massively to the execution of the Agroforestry Strategic Plan in Rwanda. A strategic endeavor aimed at addressing the pressing challenges posed by climate change. Central to this initiative is the integration of regenerative farming methodologies within the framework of agroforestry-based restoration, nature-based solutions, thereby fostering a symbiotic relationship between agricultural production and environmental conservation.

At the core of the discussions lies the imperative need to overcome entrenched barriers hindering the widespread adoption of improved agroforestry practices among farmers. These obstacles pose a significant challenge to the realization of the strategic plan's objectives. Consequently, the conference serves as a platform to identify and address these bottlenecks, paving the way for the swift and scalable implementation of initiatives geared towards enhancing agroforestry practices.

On that note, the significance of agroforestry research in informing and guiding these efforts cannot be overstated. The necessity for robust research endeavors looms prominently, underlining the pivotal role research plays in driving innovation and facilitating informed decision-making within the realm of agroforestry. Through collaborative partnerships and concerted efforts, stakeholders aim to surmount existing challenges and propel the adoption of sustainable agroforestry practices forward, thereby contributing to both agricultural productivity and environmental preservation.

Bonn Challenge context

In recent years, Rwanda has emerged as a beacon of economic progress, marked by a concerted effort to prioritize environmental sustainability and natural resource management. At the heart of this endeavor lies a commitment, made during the Bonn Challenge in 2011, to restore two million hectares of land by 2030. This ambitious pledge underscores Rwanda's determination to cultivate a green ethos, integrating environmental stewardship into its national development agenda.

The August 2022 census paints a picture of a nation in motion, with a population exceeding 13.2 million and a growth rate of 2.3%. Yet, this rapid demographic expansion, coupled with a heavy reliance on woody biomass for cooking, has exerted immense pressure on land and forest resources, precipitating their over-exploitation and degradation. Like many nations worldwide, Rwanda grapples with the stark realities of climate change, manifested in extreme weather events such as floods, landslides, and droughts, which exact a toll on its landscape and populace.

Dr. Jeanne d’Arc Mujawamariya, the Minister of Environment in Rwanda highlighted the significance of the agroforestry: ‘’Agroforestry epitomizes resilience. In a world increasingly susceptible to the adverse effects of climate change, the integration of trees within agricultural landscapes serves as a formidable defense mechanism. Trees mitigate soil erosion, regulate water cycles, and enhance soil fertility, thereby fortifying our agricultural systems against the ravages of climate variability.’’

Sustainable Development Goals

Against this backdrop, Rwanda has embraced the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as a blueprint for action, championing a forest landscape restoration (FLR) approach underscored by agro-ecological principles and nature-based solutions. Central to this strategy is the promotion of agroforestry, hailed as a linchpin of Rwanda's agricultural advancement. By allocating 1.1 million hectares to landscape restoration through agroforestry, Rwanda not only seeks to enhance crop productivity but also to mitigate soil erosion, conserve water and soil nutrients, sequester carbon, and foster biodiversity.

Dr. Concorde Nsengumuremyi, Director General of the Rwanda Forestry Authority said:  ‘’ We are putting more efforts, in close collaboration with our partners, to put into effect an agroforestry strategic plan (2018-2027) tailored to effect rapid, scalable initiatives that yield manifold sustainable development dividends. These initiatives encompass regenerative farming practices designed to agroforestry-based restoration, thereby facilitating a harmonious coexistence between agriculture and conservation,’’ he underscored, adding that Rwanda endeavors to bolster crop pollination, augment crop yields, and elevate produce quality by championing functional agrobiodiversity practices, such as the proliferation of semi-natural habitats like hedgerows and woodlots.

This holistic approach underscores Rwanda's unwavering commitment to nurturing a green revolution that not only safeguards its natural heritage but also uplifts its populace through sustainable, inclusive growth.

As Rwanda propels forward on its path towards sustainable development, the imperative for agroforestry research looms large. This ongoing inquiry seeks to unravel the intricacies of various ecosystem services—ranging from erosion control to enhanced crop production and pollination—emanating from diverse agroforestry systems and management techniques. Central to this discourse is an exploration of the potential for meeting escalating energy demands through heightened biomass growth and enhanced energy systems.

Indeed, the nexus between agroforestry and energy security is a pressing concern, prompting a critical examination of the feasibility of leveraging increased biomass growth to satiate the burgeoning energy appetite. Yet, amidst this quest for energy sufficiency lies a labyrinth of challenges, including technological constraints, resource limitations, and infrastructural inadequacies, which necessitate innovative solutions and robust policy frameworks.

Improved Agroforestry

Crucially, the adoption of improved agroforestry practices hinges on overcoming entrenched bottlenecks that impede farmer uptake. Chief among these barriers are access to finance, knowledge dissemination, and market linkages, underscoring the imperative for targeted interventions that empower farmers and amplify the beneficiary effects of new value chains.

To navigate this complex terrain, effective monitoring mechanisms are indispensable, enabling government agencies to track the evolution of agroforestry systems and gauge their impact. Here, a suite of tools—from satellite imagery and remote sensing technologies to participatory monitoring frameworks—emerge as indispensable allies, furnishing policymakers with real-time insights and actionable intelligence.

In this context, the Ministry of Environment's forthcoming conference assumes heightened significance, serving as a crucible for interdisciplinary dialogue and knowledge exchange. Underpinning this endeavor is the DesIRA project—a collaborative endeavor spearheaded by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and the Belgian Development Agency (Enabel), with support from the European Union (EU) and a consortium of esteemed academic institutions.

Through a multifaceted approach encompassing action research, capacity-building, and market-oriented interventions, the DesIRA project seeks to catalyze transformative change within Rwanda's agroforestry landscape. By nurturing synergies between science, policy, and practice, DesIRA endeavors to fortify smallholder livelihoods, enhance climate resilience, and foster sustainable, inclusive growth.

As Rwanda charts a course towards a greener, more prosperous future, the imperative for collaborative action and evidence-based policymaking looms large. By harnessing the collective expertise of scientists, policymakers, and practitioners, Rwanda can unlock the full potential of agroforestry as a catalyst for sustainable development and a bulwark against the vagaries of climate change.