Rwamagana District eyes a Tree Nursery in each cell by 2022
By: TOP AFRICA NEWS Reporter, East
Officials in Rwamagana District of the Eastern Province of Rwanda have announced that during the fiscal year 2021/2022, each cell will have a Tree nursery which will make it easier for the public to access tree seedlings at a lower cost and even help some find employment.
The move was announced on November 21st, 2020, in Nyagahinga Village, Ruhunda Cell, Gishari Sector during an agroforestry planting exercise which was held as part of Rwanda’s annual season for Tree and Forests Planting.
According to Dr. Nitanga Jean de Dieu, in charge of Agriculture and Natural Resources in Rwamagana District, the 2021/2022 budget will allocate money for each cell to have a tree Nursery.
He said that this will be achieved in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment and one Acre Fund Tubura as a partner of the District in natural resources and Environment Sector.
He says it will make it easier for residents to get agroforestry as well as fruits trees which will contribute to the rise of employment among the communities.
“In partnership with our stakeholders, by 2021/2022 each cell will have a tree Nursery, residents will be able to find work to support their families, find trees near them and select the desired fruit trees,” he said.
The Government of Rwanda continues to increasing the area covered by forests and agroforestry species.
Rwanda currently has 30.4% of its total lands covered by forests, a milestone seen as contribution to the Country 10 year commitment to the reduction of Carbon emissions.
The role of agro-forestry species and fruit trees is also important in continuing to achieve the country’s reforestation goals.
The Minister of Environment Dr. Mujawamariya Jeanne d’Arc recently told residents in Nyanza District during the official launch of Forests planting season that forests play an important role to human health and the environment in general.
By pointing on the role of the trees in tackling the effects of climate change, experts believe that instead every village in Rwanda should have a tree nursery depending on what the population wants and can be produced in a certain area.
This can contribute to improved nutrition at home especially with fruit trees.
An area of 1,446 hectares in Rwamagana District will be planted with agroforestry species this year as of now they have reached 60% and will be completed by November this year.
