Officials in Rubavu District have pledged support for farmers after heavy rains recently damaged 10,000 tree seedlings of agro-forestry trees that were about to be distributed ahead of the planting season, which begins in October.

Heavy rains that fell on the night of Wednesday, August 20, destroyed about 10,000 tree seedlings and several hectares of crop plantations in Rubavu District, particularly in the sectors of Rubavu, Nyundo, and Rugerero.

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The heavy rains in August not only destroyed plants and seedlings but also interrupted water supply in four sectors of Rubavu after the Gihira water treatment plant was affected.

The downpour washed away nurseries of grafted grevillea and pine trees that had been prepared through the One Acre Fund &039;Tubura,' programme, intended to be given to the local farmers.

Officials reassured that the losses will not disrupt the upcoming planting season despite the large number of seedlings destroyed.

The seedlings had been prepared to promote agroforestry and support more sustainable and productive farming systems to the local farmers.

"Farmers should not worry. The incident will not disrupt the upcoming planting season," Prosper Mulindwa, Mayor of Rubavu District, told The New Times.

"We are working closely with the supplier to prepare and deliver replacements. The district is working with the supplier to ensure the replacement seedlings are ready on time for the upcoming planting season,” he said.

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The launch of the tree planting season usually takes place in October.

During the last tree planting season, 65 million trees were planted across the country. This annual initiative is designed to combat climate change and restore degraded land, featuring a mix of both native and exotic tree species.

The Rwanda Forestry Authority noted that national efforts to plant trees will not only restore damaged forests but also enhance agricultural practices, protect vital river ecosystems, and provide crucial habitats for wildlife.

The Rwanda Water Resources Board estimates that severe erosion results in an economic loss of approximately Rwf 37.9 billion in agricultural productivity each season, highlighting the urgent need for resilient farming practices.

Estimations indicated that the country loses some 25 tonnes of topsoil per hectare annually, with over one million hectares at risk of degradation. That area is equivalent to 45% of Rwanda's total land area. Out of this vulnerable land, just about 280,000 hectares are adequately protected against erosion. The estimated annual value of losses linked to soil erosion stands at around Rwf810 billion.