Kigali, Rwanda — October 25, 2025
When the World Congress on Agroforestry (WCA 2025) came to Kigali from October 20–24, it brought together more than 700 participants from around the world ; including scientists, policymakers, farmers, and environmental advocates , all united by one vision: restoring our planet through trees, people, and profits.
For ARDE/KUBAHO, this global gathering was more than just a conference. It was a powerful moment to showcase Rwanda’s community-led restoration success stories and to strengthen partnerships with organizations advancing climate-smart solutions across Africa.
As a Rwandan development organization championing sustainability and community empowerment, ARDE/KUBAHO participated in the Congress through partnerships with the World Resources Institute (WRI) and the Rwanda Green Fund ; two key allies in driving agroforestry and landscape restoration efforts across the country.
“Our participation in the World Congress on Agroforestry reinforces the power of local organizations in delivering global impact,” said Paul MURENZI, ARDE/KUBAHO President.
“We are not only restoring land ; we are restoring hope and livelihoods.”
Paul MURENZI, ARDE/KUBAHO President
Agroforestry is the future of our planet.” — The Minister of Environment calls for collective action to restore Rwanda’s landscapes and strengthen community livelihoods.
Showcasing Impact: From Rubavu’s Hills to Kamonyi’s Fields
Throughout the week, ARDE/KUBAHO presented its flagship agroforestry projects ; the Rubavu Landscape Restoration Project through TERRAFUND for AFR100 and the Kayumbu Climate-Smart Farming Project supported by Rwanda Green Fund , both demonstrating how community-driven initiatives can restore ecosystems while transforming lives.
1. Restoring Landscapes and Livelihoods in Rubavu
In Rubavu District, ARDE/KUBAHO is leading a six-year landscape restoration project across Nyakiriba and Cyanzarwe sectors, through TERRAFUND for AFR100.
The initiative aims to plant 250,000 agroforestry trees across 1,500 hectares, creating 507 local jobs and supporting 10 farmers’ groups and 11 environmental clubs.
So far, 189,952 trees : including bamboo, calliandra, grevillea, avocado, leucaena, and alnus ; have already been planted. The trees protect against erosion, enrich the soil, and improve agricultural yields in Rubavu’s hilly terrain.
“What we see in Rubavu is proof that when communities take ownership of restoration, the results are sustainable and far-reaching,” said Bellyse Dusabimana, The Project Manager.
Beyond the environmental gains, residents have earned income through nursery management, tree planting, and maintenance, while learning new skills in sustainable land management and financial literacy.
Farmers in Nyakiriba Sector preparing tree seedlings for planting under the ARDE/KUBAHO–TERRAFUND for AFR100 project.
2. Building Climate Resilience in Kamonyi
In Kamonyi District, ARDE/KUBAHO is implementing the “Enhancing resilience to climate change for food security, livelihoods improvement and sustainable land use management of Kayumbu watershed” project, funded by the Rwanda Green Fund.
This two-year project is transforming the Kayumbu watershed through:
- Construction of progressive terraces on 140 hectares of hillside farmland
- Installation of a solar-powered irrigation system covering 10 hectares of marshland
- Planting of 25,000 agroforestry trees and 5,000 fruit trees
The project directly benefits 500 farmers (60% women, 20% youth) and indirectly reaches over 4,500 community members through training in climate-smart agriculture, market access, and environmental stewardship.
Aligned with Rwanda’s Vision 2050, Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), and National Strategy for Transformation (NST2), the project demonstrates how local action contributes to national and global sustainability goals.
Terrace digging in Nyarubaka
ARDE/KUBAHO’s Message: Local Action, Global Impact
At the World Congress, ARDE/KUBAHO’s participation carried a clear message ; local organizations are essential to global environmental progress.
While international institutions provide research and financing, it is grassroots organizations like ARDE/KUBAHO that ensure solutions are grounded in community needs and lived realities.
Through partnerships with WRI, FONERWA, and other global actors, ARDE/KUBAHO continues to prove that agroforestry is not just about trees — it’s about people, prosperity, and partnership.
ARDE/KUBAHO team during the World Congress Of Agroforestry
Rwanda’s hosting of the World Congress on Agroforestry 2025 highlighted the country’s growing role as a leader in climate-smart agriculture and sustainable land restoration.
As Minister of Environment Dr. Bernadette Arakwiye noted at the opening ceremony:
“Agroforestry is not just a technical solution. It is a shared endeavor that brings together people, disciplines, and landscapes around a common purpose ; to live well with and from our land.”
That shared purpose defines ARDE/KUBAHO’s work. From Rubavu to Kamonyi, its initiatives embody Rwanda’s vision for resilient, inclusive, and sustainable growth.
Dr. Bernadette Arakwiye, Minister of Environment
As WCA 2025 concludes, ARDE/KUBAHO leaves its mark on the global stage ; as a Rwandan organization driving real transformation through community-centered environmental action.
Through strong partnerships, community ownership, and evidence-based practice, ARDE/KUBAHO is proving that restoring the environment means restoring lives, and with every project, Rwanda’s story of resilience and leadership continues to inspire the world.
