Rubavu District, Western Province – On Thursday, March 14, 2025,
a coalition of environmental conservation champions gathered in Nyakiliba, Rubavu District, to observe and support the ongoing land restoration efforts spearheaded by ARDE/KUBAHO.
The event, which was supported by the World Resources Institute (WRI) through initiatives like Terrafund and other partner organizations, focused on tackling erosion and environmental degradation in the Western Province.
The field visit allowed participants to assess the current challenges of land erosion, water retention issues, and the underlying causes contributing to environmental deterioration in the region. Representatives from various organizations, all dedicated to improving environmental sustainability, engaged in in-depth discussions about effective strategies to combat these issues.
Following the assessments, attendees participated in a hands-on community work session, where practical methods for controlling erosion, preventing landslides, and improving water retention were shared and implemented. These techniques, essential to protecting the land from further degradation, reflect the collaborative efforts of local communities and environmental organizations working together for a more sustainable future.
Thacien from the Terrafund Program:
The WORD Resources Institute, together with other resource champions and farmers, is conducting an assessment to explore capacity gaps and knowledge needs for these champions.The goal is to enable them to restore their land and forests effectively and efficiently.
They are learning about best practices for restoring landscapes and degraded land to transform their lives in the near future.They are receiving training on erosion control, water management, soil enhancement, tree planting, and tree maintenance best practices. For example, they are learning how to create soil bands and water banks to reduce water speed. They are being trained here so they can implement
these practices in their local areas across the Western Province.
Thacien from Terrafund
After learning at this ARDE/KUBAHO site, they are expected to apply what they have learned on their own sites. We are working on a curriculum that will be used to train other farmers.
We are very pleased with our collaboration with ARDE/KUBAHO, which includes tree planting, capacity building, and erosion control. It is important to continue these efforts to protect the land in Rubavu.‘‘Thacien said.
This occasion was a testament to the power of collaborative environmental action, highlighting the importance of long-term, community-driven land restoration initiatives. Through projects like these, significant strides are being made to protect the landscape of Rubavu, ensuring its resilience against climate challenges in the years ahead.
John, a Field Technician on the Terrafund Program:
We received training on strategies used to combat or reduce erosion. As you can see, this area has been severely affected by erosion. We’ve already learned many new things that will help us address erosion sustainably. This includes using sacks, trees, and other methods to create structures that reduce water speed. Over there, you can see people constructing terraces starting from the top where the water originates down to the lower areas, gradually reducing the water speed.
This field visit is just one of many steps in ongoing efforts to bring about meaningful
environmental change in Rwanda, with both local and international stakeholders committed to preserving the natural resources of the region for future generations.
