The dialogue, held recently, addressed long-standing challenges such as the lack of dedicated agroforestry extension services, low tree survival rates, and insufficient resources for farmers and forestry officers.
Discussions centered on embedding agroforestry into Twigire Muhinzi, the country's flagship agricultural extension system, which currently focuses on crops and livestock. Experts believe this integration will be pivotal in advancing agroforestry adoption and achieving Rwanda's ambitious environmental restoration goals.
Athanase Mukurarinda, Country Director of the World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF), highlighted the historical oversight that left agroforestry out of key agricultural programs. 'When the Ministry of Agriculture designed Twigire Muhinzi, they didn't include agroforestry. Agroforestry means integrating trees with crops or livestock, and this gap has hindered its adoption,' he said.
Mukurarinda emphasized the importance of introducing incentives to encourage farmers to plant and care for trees on their farms. 'We've seen incentives work in food security, where farmers receive support for mineral fertilizers, compost, improved seeds, and pesticides. Similarly, we need a system that incentivizes tree planting and ensures higher survival rates in agricultural landscapes,' he explained.
Rwanda is committed to restoring two million hectares of degraded land by 2030, a target that experts say requires a radical shift in current practices. Dr. Ivan Gasangwa, Division Manager of Research at the Rwanda Forestry Authority (RFA), explained how the new guidelines would address existing gaps.
'We're now working with the Ministry of Agriculture and the Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Board to integrate agroforestry into the existing extension framework. This will bring more focus to tree planting on farms and provide farmers with the tools, skills, and incentives they need to succeed,' Gasangwa said.
The guidelines will include a comprehensive package for farmers, covering capacity building, nursery management, tree care, and data recording. Gasangwa believes this structured approach will not only increase tree survival rates but also make monitoring more effective.
'For too long, we've relied on ad-hoc monitoring. With these changes, farmers will be trained to record data, and we'll have a clear framework for tracking progress. This will completely change the way trees are managed on farms,' he added.
Going forward, there is need for collaboration among various stakeholders, including government agencies, local authorities, and development partners. Gasangwa expressed optimism about the impact of these efforts, noting that the integration of agroforestry into Twigire Muhinzi would create a ripple effect.
'Farmers will now have the training, resources, and incentives to plant and sustain trees, which will not only improve tree cover but also contribute to sustainable farming practices,' he said.
As the country approaches the 2030 deadline for its restoration commitments, the urgency to act is clear. 'This is why we need to do things differently, business as unusual. These guidelines and incentives are not just about planting trees; they're about ensuring that those trees survive and thrive,' Gasangwa said.
There is a shared commitment to prioritize agroforestry as a critical component of Rwanda's agricultural and environmental strategy. With the right policies, resources, and collaborative efforts, agroforestry could play a transformative role in building a more sustainable and resilient future for the country.
Sam K Nkurunziza
