To ensure the sustainability of landscape restoration efforts, the Rwanda Rural Rehabilitation Initiative (RWARRI) has introduced community-led seedling production and tree planting activities in Rubavu and Rutsiro districts, located in Rwanda’s Western Province. These initiatives are designed to foster a strong sense of ownership and environmental responsibility among residents, as well as the project’s sustainability.
This work is made possible thanks to funding from TerraFund for AFR100, which supports the Empowering Rutsiro and Rubavu Communities through Lake Kivu Catchment Forest Restoration-Igiti ni Ukubaho project, a local name that translates to ‘tree is living’, implemented in partnership with RWARRI.
For Nyirabuseruka Valentine, a member of the Nkora community in Mushonyi sector, Rutsiro district, the project has empowered local people to lead efforts in raising forest, agroforestry, and fruit tree seedlings, which are then planted in degraded areas around Lake Kivu landscapes. "What makes this initiative unique is the way it involves community members at every stage; from nursery establishment to tree planting and ongoing maintenance, all while providing financial compensation for the work done,” she shared with joy. “We are succeeding because we receive proper training and coaching sessions from RWARRI’s skilled technicians."
Ndagijimana Epaphrodite, from Rubavu district, highlighted how the project has transformed the community's mindset. "Before the Igiti ni Ukubaho project began in 2024, we thought only the government and its service providers could implement restoration activities. Today, we are fully capable of managing these activities ourselves, from seed sowing and nursery management to transplanting, planting, and maintenance, because we’ve been empowered with the necessary skills. Beyond that, we are also earning a decent income from the work we do,” he stated.
Meanwhile, Habinshuti Etienne, a resident of the Gitsimbi community in Nyamyumba sector, Rubavu district, expressed confidence in the sustainability of the project interventions. “We are thankful to RWARRI and its partner TerraFund for AFR100 for the knowledge and skills we gained, particularly in producing a variety of seedlings such as agroforestry and fruit trees, and the progress we’ve made so far. We are confident that seedling production will continue even after the project ends. We’ll keep generating income by selling seedlings to community members,” he explained. Habinshuti also noted that the trees planted in 2024 are thriving, and their impressive survival rates are contributing to the restoration of degraded land. “It makes us proud to see how our efforts are truly transforming our environment, our soil is healthy and is recovering”, he revealed in mentioning that at least 80% of the 180,000 trees planted last year survived.
In preparation for the 2025 tree planting season, community farmer groups committed to producing 180,000 tree seedlings in Rubavu District, at a cost of around 12.5 million Rwandan francs, and 200,700 tree seedlings in Rutsiro District, at a cost of around 18.3 million Rwandan francs. The tree seedlings to be produced and promoted under the Igiti ni Ukubaho project include Alnus acuminata, Grevellea robusta, Acacia angustifolia, Markhamia Lutea, Calliandra Calothyrsus, Senna siamea, Croton Megacarpus, Casuarina equisetifolia, Bambusa sp., Persea Americana, and Psidium guajava.