Women cadres and veterans of the liberation struggle of Rwanda have embarked on planting trees to combat desertification in Eastern Province and other parts of the country. The tree-planting initiative was launched in Bugesera District on March 23.
Historically, 40 or 50 years ago, Rwanda’s Eastern Province had enough forest cover. But it experienced deforestation as people cut trees in search of agricultural land, charcoal, firewood as well as construction materials, according to Rwanda Forestry Authority.
“Bugesera District, historically, has faced drought due to deforestation. This caused food insecurity in some communities. By planting trees in this region, rains will be back and thus crops will grow,” said Maj. (Rtd) Betty Mukarugwiza, a member of Organization Ndabaga, a non-governmental organization (NGO) founded by women cadres and veterans of the liberation struggle of Rwanda from 1990 to 1994.
She mentioned that in the last 30 years, women, after liberating the country, have significantly contributed to national development, a trend that needs to be nurtured and maintained.
“We still have a long journey to go and, therefore, combating climate change is timely because it is one of the main drivers of hunger. We have to fight against stunting and malnutrition by planting fruit trees,” she noted.
The organization has been actively engaged in empowering women and promoting community development since its establishment in 2001.
With a commitment to improving the well-being of its members and fostering peace and security in Rwanda and neighboring countries, Ndabaga has embarked on a transformative journey to address the challenges posed by climate change and environmental degradation.
Rwanda, like many other nations, faces the adverse impacts of climate change, including increased frequency of extreme weather, loss of biodiversity, and disruptions to agricultural systems.
“With over 30% of its surface covered by forests, Rwanda recognizes the importance of environmental conservation in mitigating climate change and ensuring food security for its population,” she said.
The project also seeks to strengthen the resilience of 5,000 households in Bugesera to climate change impacts, distribute 500,000 agroforestry trees and 350,000 fruit trees across different regions of Rwanda.