The Development Bank of Rwanda (BRD) has embarked on planting trees to reduce adverse effects of drought as well as exposure to wind which often destroys residential houses and other buildings in Eastern Province. The area is prone to such adverse climatic conditions with government and environmental activists agreeing that planting trees is one of the means to addressing the problem. In line with the move, the bank joined residents, environmentalists, as well as officials in the district’s Rwinyemera Cell, Karangazi Sector in planting over 2,000 trees of different types species suitable to the area, during the community service Umuganda held on Saturday, November 24. Mbabazi Odette, the Chief Human Capital and Administration at BRD said that the Eastern Province low forest cover calls for more afforestation efforts in the area. “We have a plan to plant trees in phases and replace them if need be. We also envisage making field visits every year so that we ensure that those we grew have thrived, and that they have the expected impact on the lives of the communities,” she said. Eilsa Tumwesigye, programs and project manager at ‘Compagnie Agricole et Environnement’ – a NGO promoting forestry cover especially through agroforestry – said that the trees are able to resist the climatic conditions in the Eastern Province which is prone to drought, and storms, adding that they can be beneficially mixed with crops. “Many of the people are livestock farmers. You realise that more often they would encroach the Akagera National Park in search for fodder for their domestic animals. But thanks to this intervention, they will be able to get fodder (from some of the tress branches) for their livestock,” Tumwesigye said. Jean Damascene Habanabakize, one of the residents of Rwinyemera Cell, Karangazi Sector of Nyagatare District, said that trees can help protect residents from disasters such as wind blowing away house roofs. He said that, earlier this month, wind destroyed residential houses and a church in Nyagatare, claiming lives of two people. The incident also 23 others injured. “Trees will serve as windbreaker to shield our residential houses from destructive winds. We can also get firewood which is a relief as there is shortage of firewood in this area currently. In addition, we can get timbers from trees to make doors and other furniture products,” he said. The bank started afforestation last year when it grew 2,000 tree seedlings. Next year, she said, they plan to grow other 2,000 trees or more if necessary. Also the bank has announced that it will integrate the planting of fruit trees in order to address the issue of malnutrition and stunting among children, generating income to the beneficiary families, hence improving their nutrition and wellbeing. The primary fuel used for cooking in Nyagatare District is firewood which is used by 83.5 per cent of the population, followed by charcoal accounting for 7.3 per cent, according to the State of Environment and Outlook Report 2017, by the Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA). The REMA report warns that droughts related to climate change are an important environmental issue and they have already had impacts on the dairy and crop industry in the district. editorial@newtimes.co.rw
