Rubavu District has initiated a new fruit tree planting initiative to boost children nutrition. According to Deogratias Nzabonimpa, the Vice Mayor in charge of Economic Development, the initiative is a key part of a five-year District Development Strategy ending in 2029. ALSO READ: Ministry mulls Rwf18 billion plan to plant 6m fruit trees, fight malnutrition Planting fruit trees is also in line with efforts aimed at increasing forest coverage and promoting agroforestry, with residents also encouraged to participate in the ongoing program, which is expected to cost Rwf500 million. We plan on planting more fruit trees in towns so that our population has better access to fruits, Nzabonimpa explained. He said that over 500,000 trees will be planted across the district, including avocados, mangoes, papayas. These will also help in preventing landslides and soil erosion. All these programs help us combat stunting in children because fruits are necessary for a balanced diet. They contribute greatly to a healthy body. So, we urge households to join the initiative by planting at least one to three trees, Nzabonimpa said. ALSO READ: Youth-centred model fruit orchards launched in secondary cities He highlighted that all ongoing efforts align with government policies to increase forestry and fruit production. So far, 5,000 fruit trees and 10,000 agroforestry trees have been planted in Nyamyumba Sector. The lakeside sector is actively involved in extensive tree planting campaigns as part of broader environmental restoration and food security efforts, access to Jean d’Amour Ufitebeza, the Executive Secretary of Nyamyumba. While many residents understand that fruit trees provide long-term environmental and economic opportunities, specific awareness activities have been integral to the planting campaigns,” Ufitebeza said. He noted that the sector plans to plant 27,000 tree seedlings before the end of the year. Ufitebeza argued that fruit tree planting is expected to contribute to combatting child stunting and a component of the national plan to enhance nutrition and food security. In Gisenyi Sector, which covers the largest part of Rubavu city, Executive Secretary Francine Uwineza, linked the tree planting to urban greening efforts and beautifying the tourism and business gateway as well as food production for residents.
