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Unit 16: FORESTRY IN RWANDA
Key unit competence
At the end of this unit, you should be able to investigate the impact of various forestry activities on sustainable development of Rwanda.Introduction
Forestry involves developing, caring and exploiting valuable forest products. Forestry is a primary activity. It is an important activity because it enables us to not only plant and care for forests and the environment but also through forestry we obtain fuel and raw materials for building and construction. Through forestry we are able to use forests sustainably.
16.1 Definitions of forest, forestry and silviculture
Activity 16.11.
Using a dictionary and other geographical sources, write down the meaning of the following words:
i. Forest
ii. Forestry
iii. Silviculture
iv. Agroforestry
2.Differentiate between natural and planted forests.
Planting trees in an area where a forest has been destroyed is referred to as reforestation. This is like repairing a forest that is worn out. Planting trees in a place that had no forest before is referred to as afforestation.
Activity 16.2
Identify the forested areas around your school and write a paragraph describing the distribution and characteristics of the forest within the local environment.
Share your findings with the rest of the class.
Rwanda lies at the Equator. The country receives high rainfall that is able to support large forests. Originally when the population of Rwanda was very small, most of the country was covered with forests. For example it is estimated that in 1960 the area under forest was about 6 340km². By 2010 this had reduced to 2 575 km² including planted forests. As the population increases, demand for land for cultivation increases and this has led to the decline of the land under forests. Nowadays, only about 20% of the total area is under forest part of which is under protection.
(Source: REMA, 2015)
Activity 16.3
1. Use a map of Rwanda showing vegetation, geographical documents and Internet to research on different forest areas and types of forests in Rwanda.
2. Come up with a list of major forests in Rwanda.
Present your findings for class discussion.
16.2 Types of forests and major forest areas in Rwanda
There are two types of forests in Rwanda. There are natural forests and planted forests.
The natural forests
These are found in the protected reserves which are in places that have not been affected by very serious exploitation. The largest natural forest in Rwanda is Nyungwe Forest.
Natural forest reserves are the typical tropical rain forests which are evergreen. They are characterised by hard wood trees consisting of many different species. The trees have straight trunks and grow in layers with the tallest ones exceeding forty metres in height. Branches of different trees extend into each other to form a continuous canopy that prevents sunshine from reaching the ground level. Where the canopy is open there is thick undergrowth. Unlike the tropical forests, the vegetation in the Volcanoes National Park is characterised by bamboo forests due to the high altitude.
Other natural forests are the savanna woodlands found in small patches in such areas as the Akagera National Park and Busegera in the eastern parts of the country and riverine forests along some of the main river valleys.
Activity 16.4
1. Use the map of Rwanda above to identify natural forests reserves in Rwanda.
2. Explain measures that the government of Rwanda has put in place to protect natural forests.
Planted forests
Notable quote:
“Most people know that forests are the lungs of our planet, literally playing a critical role in every breath we take. And that they are also home to incredible animals like the colobus monkeys and elephants, which will go extinct if we keep cutting down their forests.” – Chris Noth.
Activity 16.5
Read the article below.
Rwanda marks Tree Planting Day by planting 30,739,957 seedlings in afforestation and reforestation effort.
Rwanda marked the 39th Tree Planting Day by beginning to plant 30,739,957 seedlings around the country, as part of the National Tree Planting Season. This event was held under the theme “Enhancing climate change resilience through agroforestry” and recognises the role played by forests in the restoration of ecosystems and in enhancing climate change resilience.
The official ceremony to mark the National Tree Planting Day and launch the tree planting season took place in Rubavu District, Kanama Sector, whereby participants took part in the Community work (Umuganda) to plant around 15,000 trees of Alnus type, on 15 hectares.
Addressing participants at the event, Vincent Biruta, Minister of Natural Resources urged Rwandans to take a lead in conserving forests and plant more trees if the country is to mitigate the growing effects of climate change. He urged Rwandans to put more efforts in promoting agro-forestry adding that it has several advantages such as making the soil fertile, while the trees, once grown can be harvested for timber, construction materials among other advantages.
“We will plant over 30 million trees this season of which 60% will be agroforestry species. Individuals wishing to plant trees on their own farm can register at their Umudugudu (village) to get seedlings,” said Minister Biruta.
Minister Biruta also called upon Rwandans to adopt biogas in cooking and construct energy-saver stoves to reduce the consumption of wood fuel.
“Let’s all adopt use of biogas in cooking, energy saving stoves and reduce the use of firewood to the possible level we can,” he said.
By 2018, Rwanda aims to have 30% of its surface area covered by forests, up from 28.8% as of the end of 2013/2014. According to Biruta, every year, Rwanda will plant trees on 8,150 hectares to achieve that target and most of Rwandans now understand the importance of planting trees and conserving forests.
“I always thought that trees affect other plantations and did not put more efforts in planting them. Now that I understand the agro-forestry process, I am committed to plant more trees to benefit from them. I will also plant more fruit trees on my farm,” said Alphonsine Nyinawumuntu, a resident of Rubavu District.
Every year, Rwanda marks Tree Planting and Afforestation Day by dedicating a whole season to activities of planting trees and afforestation. The celebration of Tree Planting Day is a good opportunity to raise awareness on the importance of increasing forest resources.
Activities to plant trees as part of the tree planting day celebration were carried out in all districts and will continue for the entire planting season. The prepared seedlings include woodlots, agroforestry and fruits trees.
All citizens, local authorities, government institutions, civil society organisations as well as private sector institutions are encouraged to participate in afforestation activities and forest management.
Source: Notice – highlight, Latest – News; REMA (Nov, 2014)
1. When is the Tree Planting Day celebrated in Rwanda?
2. Explain the importance of forests in Rwanda.
16.3 Importance of forests in Rwanda
Rwanda, like any other country, cannot do without forests. The deforestation that has happened in the country over the last twenty years has caused effects which will take many more years to recover. Soils have been degraded, rivers clogged by silt, animal life affected and forest resources have declined. Forests have to be conserved and more trees planted for Rwandans to realise the following benefits:
a) Conservation of sources of rivers
Sources of rivers is also known as water catchment areas. The largest river in Rwanda is River Nyabarongo whose main tributary is the River Rukarara. Rivers Mbirurume and Mwogo, the headwaters of the Rukarara have their catchment area in the Nyungwe Forest. The forest vegetation prevents the springs that feed the rivers from evaporation which could reduce the water or cause the water to dry up.
Activity 16.6
In groups, identify the major rivers in Rwanda and research to find out their sources. Describe the source indicating whether it is s forest, swamp, lake or any other type. Ensure you give the names of all the tributaries of each river and where each gets its water from.
Present your findings in class for discussion.
b) Conservation of soils
Forests protect soil from agents of erosion such as running water or strong winds.The branches and leaves of trees reduce the force of the falling raindrops while the roots hold the soils together, thus soil erosion does not take place. Forest areas such as Nyungwe and Gishwati do not experience soil erosion while some slopes of hills where forests have been cleared are heavily eroded.
Farmers are encouraged to practice agroforestry so that they can meet their need for fuel and building materials using the trees they grow in their farms. Farmers plant fast growing trees such as eucalyptus and other species suited to particular environmental conditions. Some of the trees are planted along the ditches to control soil erosion. Tree planting efforts have slowly increased Rwanda’s forest cover significantly over the last decade.
Remember!
If a farm is on a slope, the farmer must either:
(i) Make terraces to prevent soil erosion or
(ii) Practice agroforestry, which is planting crops and trees on the same piece of land.
c) Conservation of biodiversity
Biodiversity is the variety of the living things found in a place.Forests are important habitats for different living things including large mammals like rhinos, chimpanzees, gorillas and leopards. Also found in forests are birds, insects reptiles earthworms bacteria and fungi. Clearing a forest destroys the home for these living creatures which either die or migrate to other areas.
d) Provision of wood for fuel
Some people in Rwanda depend on wood fuel in form of firewood or charcoal for cooking since they cannot afford cooking gas or electricity. Wood fuel is obtained from trees. People are therefore encouraged to plant more trees so that as they cut some for fuel, other trees are growing for future use.
e) Provision of timber for building and construction
Many Rwandans build their houses using wood because building stones are more expensive. Without forests, timber for building houses and making furniture and other wooden items will not be available.
f) Provision of medicinal herbs
Some people in Rwanda use herbs to treat diseases. These herbs are collected from certain trees which grow in the forests.
g) Flood control
Forests regulate the flow of rivers in that water in the ground is prevented from rushing downslope in large amounts by thick vegetation. When there is heavy rainfall in forested areas, flooding is minimal unlike areas without vegetation where surface flow is rapid as soon as rain falls.
h) A measure against climate change/global warming
Climate change is a change in weather conditions for an extended period of time. One of the causes of climate change is deforestation. Trees absolve carbon dioxide in the air. Without trees, there is excess carbon dioxide in the air and this increases the global temperatures.
Remember!
Tree planting will save us and the future generations from the effects of global warming.
16.4 The concept of deforestation: causes, effects and control measures
Rwanda has experienced extensive deforestation caused by illegal logging to obtain timber for building and firewood and to give room for farming. Forest fires also affect parts of the forests and woodlands during the dry seasons. As a result there is remarkable decrease of the areas under forest cover. This caused a concern and tree planting is taken very seriously.
For instance, there has been a programme to reverse the deforestation of Gishwati Forest Reserve since 2007. There has been an establishment of forest plantations consisting of fast growing trees such as eucalyptus and pine trees.
Activity 16.7
In groups:
1. Use dictionaries and other geographical sources to find out the meaning of deforestation.
2. Carry out a research to find out the history of deforestation of the Gishwati forest. In your report, include:
a) The causes
b) The effects
c) The solutions that have been put in place
Make a class presentation.
Causes of deforestation
Activity 16.8
In groups explain how the following factors would lead to deforestation and make a class presentation.
i. Population pressure
ii. Bush fires
iii. Illegal logging of trees
iv. Climate change
Remember!
Avoid lighting fire carelessly. There is a saying that “one tree makes a million match sticks but one match stick can burn a million trees.”
Effects of deforestation
(i) Flooding
Deforestation is a major cause of flooding. When the trees have been removed, rains are followed by fast run off since there is no vegetation to hold back the water. All the rain water collects in ditches, gullies, streams and into rivers. The rivers get so much water that they burst their banks.
(ii) Landslides
When the rain falls on a slope where there is no vegetation, the soil gets soaked very easily. The wet soil becomes unstable and since there is no vegetation to hold it in position, it slides down the slope.
(iii) Soil erosion
Removal of vegetation exposes soil to agents of erosion such as running water. Steep slopes such as in Western and Northern provinces are heavily affected by soil erosion. In the drier areas in the eastern parts of the country, removal of vegetation exposes soil to strong winds during the dry seasons. The wind blows away the fertile top soil leaving behind the infertile sub-soil. Slowly, the area could become a semi-desert.
(iv) Shortage of wood raw materials and fuel
If we continue clearing forests, eventually there will be no mature trees which provide timber for building and construction. Also, there will be a shortage of firewood and charcoal which some Rwandans still rely on for cooking.
(v) Climate change
One of the effects of deforestation is the increase in global temperatures. With higher temperatures, there is more evaporation which could lead to drying up of rivers, wetlands and lakes which are the sources of water.
Control measures for deforestation
The government is putting measures in place to ensure that these demands are met without causing further deforestation. That way the country can achieve sustainable development in forestry.
a) Reduce population growth
If the people in Rwanda will be encouraged to have small families, then deforestation is likely to reduce. The smaller the family size, the less the pressure on the remaining forests for new human settlement and land use.
b) Increase the area of protected areas
The minimum area of forest to be protected is generally considered to be 10 per cent of total forest area. Slightly over 10 per cent of Rwanda’s forest are located within protected areas. Natural forests have the highest proportions in protected areas.
c) Increase the area of forest reserved for timber production
The most serious problem in forest management is the lack of dedicated forests specifically set aside for timber production. If the forest does not have a long-term plan for timber production, then there is no expected benefit of taking care of the forest. The government should therefore either set aside forest areas for timber production or allow for exploitation of current forests with replacement of cut trees being emphasised.
d) Promote sustainable management
In order to promote sustainable forest management, silviculture should be encouraged. This, however, should not reduce biodiversity. It should aim at controlling soil erosion and improving soil fertility. This way, forest health and vitality will be safeguarded.
e) Encouraging charcoal and timber substitutes
For all purposes where charcoal or timber is used, other woods or materials could be substituted. We can stop using charcoal and timber and urge others to do the same. As long there is a market for wood products, trees will continue to be cut down. Was of helping consumers to choose environmental friendly fuels and timbers should be undertaken by the government as well as other forest support organisations.
f) Increase area of forest plantation
Increasing the area of forest plantations by using vacant or unused lands and waste and marginal lands especially as road side, on contours, avenues, boundaries and on land not suited for agricultural production should have a net positive benefit. Planting trees outside forest areas will reduce pressure on forests for timber, fodder and fuelwood demands. Moreover the deforested areas need to be reforested.
g) Land reforms
Land reform is essential in order to address the problem deforestation. Moreover, the rights of indigenous forest dwellers and others who depend on intact forests must be upheld.
h) Increase investment in research, education and extension
Training and education helps people understand how to prevent and reduce environmental effects associated with deforestation and forestry activities. It also helps them take appropriate action when possible. Generally, there is a lack of knowledge and information in the community about forests and forestry. Forest managers and those developing forest policies need to be comprehensively educated and need to appreciate the complexity of the interacting ecological, economical, social, cultural and political factors involved.
Activity 16.9
In pairs, discuss ways in which the following factors that lead to deforestation can be mitigated:
i. Population pressure
ii. Bush fires
iii. Illegal logging of trees
iv. Climate change
Write a report to present to the rest of the class.
Activity 16.10
In groups and using geographical materials, maps, photographs and Internet, carry out a research on one area that is affected by deforestation in Rwanda.
1. Draw a map of Rwanda showing the location of the area of your study.
2. How has deforestation affected the local community?
3. What is being done to reverse the situation?
Make a class presentation on your findings.
16.5 Areas under the risk of deforestation in Rwanda
The following are some of the areas under the risk of deforestation in Rwanda.
1. Gishwati forest
This is one of the worst threatened forest reserve. It has declined from about 280 km² in 1960 to just about 88 km² in 1990. Between 1990 and 1996 about 75km² was deforested. This was mainly due to the resettlement of the returning refugees following the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi.
The Gishwati Area Conservation Programme was started in 2007 and through it, reforestation of the degraded areas was initiated with plantations of pine trees being established in parts of the former forest.
2. Volcanoes National Park
The park is also under threat due to the demand for bamboo trees. Bamboo is on demand because it is used formaking furniture that is highly priced. It is also used for making floors and ceilings of houses. When dry, it is used as firewood.
3. Mukura forest
The forest was originally about 30 km². However, it has been declining until it is almost non-existent.
4. Bugesera woodlands
The woodlands have been cleared for settlement and agriculture. The local community also collect firewood from the forest. The demand for charcoal in Kigali and other nearby towns has led to large scale charcoal production in Bugesera woodlands. This has reduced the woodlands drastically.
END OF UNIT REVISION EXERCISE
1. Draw a map of Rwanda and locate the forest areas.
2. Explain the importance of forests in Rwanda.
3. Identify the causes of deforestation and discuss the solutions being undertaken in Rwanda.
4. Explain why some areas in Rwanda are under more risk of deforestation than others.
5. Explain the effects of forestry on the sustainable development in Rwanda.