Muhoza Sector Implements Radical Terracing to Combat Soil Erosion

A construction project involving radical terraces is underway on 57 hectares of land in the Muhoza Sector, intended to address soil erosion and improve agricultural productivity in the Volcanoes region. The initiative, a partnership with the Volcanoes Community Resilience Project (VCRP), aims to mitigate the effects of climate change and prevent environmental degradation.

Communities near Volcanoes National Park have faced persistent challenges regarding soil degradation and heavy rainfall. Runoff water from the park’s slopes has frequently damaged farmland and crops. Radical terraces are being utilized to conserve soil and water in these mountainous areas by reducing the speed of runoff, thereby preventing fertile soil loss and creating stable platforms for farming.

Local leaders indicate that the development in Muhoza Sector is expected to improve food security for hundreds of households. Jean Bosco Bazeneza, a farmer in the sector, stated that previous heavy rains would wash away his crops, leading to low harvests. “Now, I am confident that my land is protected, and I expect a better yield this season,” he said.

Another resident, Vumilia Mutesire, noted that the rainy season previously resulted in financial losses. She observed that the terraces now hold the soil, allowing crops to grow more effectively. Additionally, the project has provided temporary employment for residents. Eric Ndayambaje, a worker on the site, mentioned that the construction work has provided income to support his family while contributing to community infrastructure.

In conjunction with the terracing, the Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA) and the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) are implementing a plan to manage water flow from Volcanoes National Park. This effort targets the prevention of floods and landslides caused by heavy runoff from the mountainous terrain, aiming to protect both biodiversity and local settlements.

The VCRP initiative is part of a wider strategy to build climate resilience through watershed management and ecosystem restoration. Residents have reported an increased understanding of environmental conservation through the process. Beatrice Uwingabire, a beneficiary of the project, remarked, “We have learned that protecting the soil means protecting our future”.