The Prime Minister yesterday launched a new campaign against land degradation during a special Umuganda exercise as the country rallies to curb soil erosion and associated challenges.Over the last few years, heavy rains have caused devastating floods, resulting in mass destruction of property, particularly crops, and sometimes costing lives.By extension, this has threatened the country’s food security targets, with small holder farmers increasingly counting losses whenever it rains heavily.Hilly regions are normally hit hardest, particularly where deforestation has taken its toll on environment. Considering the country’s hilly topography, poor environment practices naturally make almost the entire country highly susceptible to disastrous floods.Since environment affects every aspect of life, the importance to conserve it can never be overstated. Much as environmental concerns are worldwide, countries that take good care of their environment stand better chances of delivering their development agendas.In Rwanda, environment is principally considered a cross-cutting issue, with almost every sector expected to play a part in one way or another. Nonetheless, pro-environment practices are still largely driven by the central government, with minimal participation from districts.For instance, why shouldn’t districts that are more prone to soil erosion mobilise their residents to embrace green development, without necessarily waiting for the government’s intervention?As long as this kind of attitude remains, it will be difficult to roll back the negative effects of environmental degradation.It is commendable that the government has taken steps to institute watchdog committees, through the grassroots, but meaningful public participation can only be realised if this process is owned by the local leaders and the community at large.Pro-environment practices such as planting and conserving trees, and terracing should be central to local leaders’ targets in their annual performance contracts (Imihigo), with regular assessment.The nationwide campaign that was launched yesterday in Rubavu District is indispensable and must be supported by everyone for the common good.
