Geography

Topic area: Physical Geography 

Sub-topic area: Vegetation

Key unit competence 

By the end of this unit, you should be able to explain the importance of different vegetation types and evaluate methods of conservation in Rwanda.

Unit objectives 

By the end of this unit, you should be able to: 

• Give the meaning of vegetation.

 • Name the types of vegetation. 

• Give the importance of vegetation. 

• Identify the factors influencing vegetation. 

• Identify the measures of conserving vegetation.

Vegetation 

Case study 

Jane Ishimimana is a teacher of Geography at Rukundo Girls High School. She organised a fieldwork study for her students. They visited Nyungwe forest to observe the tree species and the characteristics of the forest. She also took her students to a farm near her school that had planted trees. The students observed that in Nyungwe Forest there was a thick undergrowth prevented them from getting deep into the forest. 

(a) What name is given to the trees and undergrowth that the students saw?

 (b) Name the different types of vegetations that are seen by the students.

 (c) Discuss the importance of Nyungwe forest to the country.

In Senior One, you learnt about vegetation. You defined vegetation as all the plant cover growing in a particular area. It also refers to the ground cover provided by plants. In Senior Four, vegetation of a place is defined as a community of plants such as trees, shrubs, herbs and grasses that cover a given area giving it a distinct character.

Types of Vegetation in Rwanda 

Activity 7.1 

Work in pairs. 

1. Observe the vegetation around your home area and school. 

2. Describe the types of vegetation that you see. 

3. Using the Internet and other Geographical documents, find out the types of vegetation present in Rwanda. 

4. Write down your findings and present them in a class discussion.

There are two types of vegetation in Rwanda. 

• Natural vegetation

 • Artificial or planted vegetation

(a) Natural vegetation 

Natural vegetation refers to the plants that grow in a given area without human influence. This type of vegetation is not planted. They grow on their own. The specific examples of natural vegetation in Rwanda include; Nyungwe Forest, Gishwati Forest, Mukura Forest, Birunga Bamboo Forest and moorland and Akagera grasslands. The natural vegetation cover in Rwanda occupies about 15% of the general land area. This leaves the remaining part of the land area of the country under other activities such as farming and different socio-economic activities. The natural vegetation in Rwanda is distinctively represented by the zones shown in the table below.

(b) Artificial vegetation 

This is the vegetation that grows under human influence. Humans plant this type of vegetation for various reasons. This is evidenced by the various eucalyptus trees planted along the road sides and on slopes that have been rehabilitated through reforestation programs.

This type of vegetation covers the greatest percentage of the land. Artificial vegetation ranges from trees to low crops and grasslands planted by humans as farmlands.

Importance of vegetation in Rwanda 

Activity 7.2 

The government of Rwanda has embarked on a serious program for conserving the vegetation in the country. The program seeks to conserve grasslands to densely forested areas. The government has even set aside a special day for tree planting and afforestation. The day is locally known as ‘Umunsi w’igiti translated to mean the day of the tree. Those who unnecessarily cut down trees are punished by the law. 1. Why do you think Rwanda as a country is advocating for the conservation and use of forests sustainably? 

2. Suppose you are appointed the Minister for Environment. Suggest what you would do to conserve the already existing forests and other types of vegetation. 

3. Explain why you would do so.

 4. Write your findings and discuss them in a class presentation.

In Rwanda, vegetation is a valued resource. This is because of its remarkable contribution towards the climate of the country. The importance of vegetation in Rwanda is discussed below

(a) Source of raw materials 

Vegetation is generally a source of raw materials for industries. The raw materials and industries include; timber used in furniture making, boat making industry, grass used in basketry and weaving, food plants used in the manufacture of food products etc. The industries play a significant role in the economic development of the country.

 (b) Source of cheap and available fuel 

The Rwandan population greatly depends on vegetation as a major source of fuel. For example, wood is used directly as firewood and also indirectly as charcoal for domestic use. Besides, there are some industries like the tea processing factories that use wood in the production process.

(c) Source of food Vegetation 

whether natural or planted, provides a reliable source of food. Edible fruits and nuts can be found from forests such as the tropical rain forests of Nyungwe and Gishwati. Planted vegetation produces coffee berries, vegetables, potatoes and yams which are common in many parts of Rwanda.

(d) Modification of climate 

Vegetation plays a great role in the modification of climate. Trees help in rainfall formation through the process of evapotranspiration. They also absorb excess carbon dioxide from the atmosphere hence reducing the effects of global warming.

(e) Conservation of soils 

Vegetation contributes to soil conservation. Trees act as anti-erosion agents because their roots bind soil particles together and stop them from being eroded by running water. In addition, the litter from tree leaves act as sponges and protect the ground from being eroded hence conserving the soils.

(f) Source of herbal medicine 

A handful of herbs and medicines are obtained from different types of vegetation. For example, the Cinchona tree which grows in the Amazon and Columbia forests are a source of quinine, a drug that is used to treat malaria. Vegetation is also important to people who use alternative or herbal medicines as a way of treatment.

(g) Home for wildlife 

Forests act as habitats for wild animals and plants. Birds and various other animals and plants collectively attract tourists thus earning the country foreign exchange. The mountain gorillas in Birunga and birds and monkeys in Nyungwe forest all justify the importance of vegetation.

Source of foreign exchange

 Vegetation provides products that are sold locally and internationally. The products include food items such as fruits, vegetables, flowers, spices, timber and other herbs and a wide range of products used as raw materials in production of other goods. Flowers, fruits and vegetables are exported as horticultural products thus earning the country foreign exchange.

(i) Source of capital in-flow 

Vegetation has contributed a lot to the capital inflow of the country. The exploitation of forests has for example attracted foreign investors who bring in capital and technical skills. This fosters the economic development of the country.

(j) Source of revenue 

The government raises revenue through taxes that are levied on lumbering companies and other organisations that are involved with the exploitation of vegetation.'

(k) Employment opportunities 

The exploitation of vegetation has led to the creation of employment opportunities. For example, the presence of tropical rain forests has created employment opportunities in the lumbering, and timber related industries. In addition to this, the presence of forests means the employment of forest officers, researchers and other environmentalists who earn a living from their careers.

(l) Research purposes 

Vegetation has offered a fertile ground for various researches. It should be noted that forests are used for research and study by students in higher learning institutions.

(m) Diversification of the economy 

The exploitation of other vegetation such as trees has led to the diversification of the economy. This has helped to reduce over reliance on agriculture.

Recreational activities Some 

types of vegetation are important for recreation purposes. They include forests, grassland savannas and woodlands. They act as hunting grounds for voluntary hunting, picnic sites and nature walk sites. All these are tourist attraction activities that bring in revenue and foreign exchange to the government.

(o) Infrastructural development 

The presence of vegetation in an area influences the development of infrastructure such as roads and railways. These link different areas to areas that have vegetation. For example, there are good roads and railway lines that link tea and coffee growing areas to other areas of the country. In Rwanda, all national parks are served with better roads, hotels and other facilities.

(p) Source of oxygen 

Vegetation produces oxygen which plays a great role in survival of humans, animals and other components of the eco-system. The absence of oxygen means death and destruction of all living things.

(q) Cleansing of the atmosphere 

Vegetation such as rain-forests harvest carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. In this way, they help in the cleaning of the atmosphere. A clean atmosphere leads to ideal climatic conditions that support various activities that are both socially and economically beneficial to humans.

(r) Water catchment areas 

Vegetation holds water especially the runoff which would otherwise be responsible for flooding, severe erosion, and mass wasting. This keeps the land and soils in a good form. Most forested highland areas are sources of rivers that flow into lakes and assist thousands of human activities along their course.

Activity 7.3 

Work in pairs.

 1. Discuss the importance of the vegetation that you see around your school and home.

2. Find out from the internet and other geographical sources other ways in which vegetation is significant. 3. Write down your findings and discuss them in a class presentation.

Negative effects of vegetation 

Activity 7.4 

Do this in pairs. 

1. Identify the negative effects of the vegetation around your home and school.

 2. Find out from the internet and other geographical sources any negative effects of vegetation. 

3. Write down your findings and present them in a class discussion.

Inspite of vegetation having a positive contribution towards the development and prosperity of the economy, it also has negative effects to it. Its negatives can be a hindrance to economic development. The negative effects include:

(a) Difficulties in the establishment of infrastructure

 Dense vegetation and impenetrable forests makes construction of transport and communication routes difficult and more costly. In some areas where there is dense vegetation such as in some parts of Nyungwe region, some villages are isolated and left out.

(b) Pests and diseases Vegetation 

such as forests harbour dangerous pests and diseases which affect people leaving near them. For example, mosquitoes which cause malaria to humans and tsetse flies which cause sleeping sickness to humans.

(c) Species of less economic value

 The vegetation of Rwanda hugely consists of a variety of species which are of less economic importance. They occupy large parts of the land that would otherwise be utilised for various economic developments.

(d) Obstacle to settlements

 Forested areas limit land for settlement and farming especially in densely populated areas. This is because the demand for land is so high. Many people have failed to get enough land for cultivation and places to build homes in favour of conservation.

(e) Wild animals 

Dense vegetation usually provide habitat to wild animals. The animals cause a lot of destruction to humans. An area like the Nyungwe forest is home to monkeys and buffaloes which destroy crops. There are also dangerous snakes that are a threat to human life. In demarcated areas such as Akagera, the wild animals go beyond the boundaries, completely destroying crops.

(f) Hide-outs 

Forested areas and other bushy parts of the country act as hide-outs for criminals who interfere with peace and order in the neighbouring communities. Sometimes, these areas act as short-cuts for illegal trade, especially the smuggling of illegal items such as kanyanga into the country.

 (g) Socio-economic barriers

 Vegetation in the form of forests acts as barriers between various communities especially those that live on opposite sides of the forested areas. Communication between the two areas is hindered.

Task 7.1 

1. Define vegetation. 

2. Describe the classification of the vegetation found in Rwanda. 

3. With the help of a sketch map, indicate the vegetation distribution of Rwanda. 

4. Explain the importance of vegetation to the socio-economic development of Rwanda. 

5. Examine the negative contribution of vegetation to the economic development of Rwanda. 

6. To what extent is vegetation a disadvantage rather than an advantage in the socio-economic development of Rwanda?

Factors influencing the types of vegetation 

Activity 7.5

 Use the Internet and other geographical sources. 

1. Find out the factors that influence the distribution and type of vegetation in Rwanda.

 2. Relate the factors that you find out to the vegetation that is in your neighbourhood.

 3. Write down your findings and discuss them in a class presentation.

There are a number of factors that directly or indirectly influence the distribution and types of vegetation in Rwanda. They include the following.

(a) Drainage 

Drainage plays a great role in determining the type of vegetation that is found in a given area. The amount of moisture and water contained in the soils has a great influence in the growth of plants. In swampy areas along the bank of rivers, lake shores and marshy areas, vegetation will thrive because they are near sources of water. In areas with little or moderate rainfall such as in the Eastern region of the country, savanna grasslands are dominant. The windward sides of mountainous areas always have dense vegetation due to high levels of water content in the soils. On the other hand, the leeward sides have scanty and poor vegetation due to the dry conditions in the region.

(b) Climate The nature, type and distribution of vegetation in Rwanda are greatly influenced by climate. The most significant climatic aspects that are directly related to the distribution of vegetation are rainfall and temperature. Areas which receive a lot of rainfall that is well distributed throughout the year support dense vegetation of equatorial nature. This can be seen in some parts of Rwanda in areas like; Nyungwe, Gishwati and the Birunga region. On the other hand,areas that experience low rainfall totals such as Umutara, Nyagatare, Kayonza, and Bugesera have savanna vegetation. Areas that are associated with high temperatures such as Bugesera, Kayonza, Kirehe, Nyagatare and Gatsibo have little savanna vegetation.

(c) Altitude Altitude has a great influence in the nature, type and distribution of vegetation. As one ascends a mountain, one notices the varying types of vegetation. This is due to differences in the type of soils, temperature and rainfall experienced at given altitudes. In the foot-hills of mountainous regions such as the lower parts of Mount Muhabura and Karisimbi, savanna vegetation is in abundance. This so especially in areas that have not been interfered with by humans. In higher altitudes, equatorial type of vegetation is found. Beyond this zone, bamboo vegetation is evident. The bamboo is followed by short grasslands/alpine grass and sometimes moorland. Below is an illustration of mountain vegetation.

(d) Soils 

Soils play great role in influencing the nature, type and distribution of vegetation. Areas with fertile soils such as the western and northern parts of the country have dense vegetation. On the other hand, areas with poor soils have stunted or no vegetation. This kind of vegetation is evident in the Eastern parts of Rwanda. In marshy areas with soils that are water logged, there are swamp vegetation and other types of aquatic plant growth.

(e) Slope aspect 

The slope aspect also has a direct influence in determining vegetation. Slope aspect helps in determining the degree of exposure of vegetation to sunshine which is very helpful for plant growth. Therefore, the parts of the slope that are exposed to too much sunshine have dense vegetation than the opposite slope.

(f) Biotic factors

 Biotic factors such as animals and diseases have a direct influence on vegetation. A combination of animals such as birds, monkeys and other living organisms influence vegetation distribution in an area. This is true because animals carry seeds of plants and dispense them in different areas hence contributing to their spread. On the other hand diseases and pests can lead to serious destruction of vegetation. Overgrazing by animals can also lead to destruction of vegetation in a given area.

(g) Human activities 

Human activities play a role in the distribution of vegetation. In Rwanda, the government initiatives have led to the planting of various vegetation ranging from crops to trees under environmental conservation. On the other hand, human activities like deforestation lead to the destruction of vegetation.

Causes of destruction of vegetation in Rwanda

 Activity 7.6 

Work in groups of three. 

1. Go outside your classroom. 

2. Observe the state of the vegetation in the area.

3. List down and explain by way of discussion the causes of destruction of the vegetation within your school compound and in the area near your school. 

4. Discuss the measures that can be put in place to conserve the vegetation. 

5. Give reasons why it is important to conserve the vegetation.

 6. Present your findings in a class discussion.

There are a number of factors that account for the destruction of vegetation in Rwanda. They include the following:

(a) The harsh climatic conditions 

In many parts of the country, climate has played a great role in the destruction of vegetation. In the Eastern Province, unreliable rainfall and prolonged drought has left little or no vegetation cover on the ground. The bare soils are exposed to agents of erosion leaving poor infertile soils. In areas with very heavy rainfall, floods are common occurrences. The flood water destroys vegetation by decomposing them or burying them in silt and mud. Strong winds break tall trees, eventually destroying them.

(b) High population

 The ever increasing population has created pressure on the existing vegetation. Some parts of the forests are cleared, swamps are reclaimed and grasslands are cleared in search of more land for settlement and agriculture. Refugees from neighbouring countries such as Burundi have been resettled in areas that were once forested but have been cleared to create land for settlement.

(c) Lumbering 

Lumbering is the felling of trees for timber sales. The number of industries that use raw materials derived from forests are on the increase in Rwanda. Most of the materials are used in the construction sector. The materials include; timber and poles.

(d) Urbanisation 

The development and establishment of urban centres has affected vegetation. This is because vegetation has to be cleared as the towns grow and expand towards the conserved areas. The ambitious master plans of various urban centres in the country has led to the destruction of vegetation in order to allow for space to expand the towns.

(e) Improper farming methods

 The rural population in Rwanda is still devoted to the use of traditional methods of cultivation. Some of these methods involve clearing and burning of vegetation. This has left the soils bare exposing them to soil erosion.

(f) Natural causes 

Landslides and mass wasting have left scars along the slopes of most hilly areas of Rwanda. The scars are more common in areas in Rubavu, Musanze and the western regions during the rainy season. When the landslides occur, much of the vegetation is destroyed.

(g) Biotic factors

 There are many diseases and insects that destroy the vegetation in Rwanda. For example, the Eastern Province of the country has poor vegetation due to termites which eat up the vegetation during the dry season. The destruction of the vegetation exposes the soil leaving it bare and prone to erosion.

Overgrazing and search for animal feeds

 In some parts of the country where farmers keep large numbers of cattle, vegetation is scarce due to overgrazing. An example of such an area is the Umutara area. Farmers practice zero grazing and trees are cut down to construct fences. This demand leads to the destruction of vegetation.

(i) Infrastructural development 

The government has invested money in infrastructural development. New roads are constructed leading to the destruction of vegetation.

(j) Fuel needs

 The Rwandan population is rural in nature. They depend on wood and charcoal as the convenient sources of fuel for domestic use. This has led to the cutting down of trees in search of fuel. This activity destroys vegetation.

(k) Fire outbreaks

 There is a common tendency in some areas of the country where in the dry season, grasslands are intentionally or accidently burnt. Most of the time, swamp vegetation burn destroying a host of the ecosystem.

Activity 7.7 

Do this in pairs. 

Use the geographical knowledge that you have acquired and your local environment to; 

1. Relate the destruction of vegetation to the climate in the country. 

2. Write an essay on your findings.

 3. Present it to your teacher for assessment and to the class for a discussion.

The conservation measures of vegetation 

Activity 7.8 

The government of Rwanda encourages every citizen to look after the vegetation and their surroundings. Laws have been put in place restricting unnecessary felling of trees. People found illegally cutting down trees and burning charcoal are put in prison. Swamps are also being carefully reclaimed. All these activities are efforts to conserve the environment.

 1. Explain why the government of Rwanda is seriously protecting the vegetation in the country. 

2. Describe the conservation measures indicated in the passage above. 

3. Suggest other measures that can be implemented to protect the vegetation of Rwanda sustainably. 

4. Write down your findings and discuss them in a class presentation.

Activity 7.9 

Work in groups.

 1. Go outside your classroom. 

2. Observe the environment around your school. 

3. Describe its state. 

4. Describe the specific measures that should be put in place to conserve the vegetation in the area within and near your school.

 5. Discuss why it is important to conserve the vegetation within and near your school.

There are many conservation measures put in place aimed at sustainable conservation of vegetation in the country. They include the following.

(a) Afforestation 

Afforestation is the establishment of a forest in an area where there was no forest before. In the recent past, eucalyptus trees have been planted on the slopes of various highlands of Rwanda.

(b) Reforestation

This is the re-establishment of forests in areas where they were before. The citizens of Rwanda are aware of the need of planting two trees or more where one tree has been cut. An example of an area where reforestation has taken place is the slopes of the hilly areas around Kigali town.

(c) Strict laws 

The government has enacted laws that restrict unnecessary cutting down of trees and burning of vegetation. People found violating the laws are punished.

(d) Agroforestry

This is the act of growing crops and planting trees on the same piece of land at the same time. This practice increases vegetative cover.

(e) Forest reserves 

There are areas which have been put aside where the vegetation is protected. Such areas are restricted and people are not allowed to clear or cut down any vegetation. In this way, vegetation is conserved and protected. Examples of protected vegetation areas in Rwanda include; Nyungwe and Gishwati Forests

(f) Mass education 

The masses are sensitised on the usefulness of conserving and protecting vegetation. The majority of people are aware of the influence and importance of vegetation on the environment. This education has yielded values and attitudes that positively favour the existence of vegetation and the environment.

(g) Terracing 

Terracing is the making of a number of level flat areas resembling a series of steps on a sloping land.

In its efforts to conserve vegetation and the environment, the government of Rwanda has encouraged the construction of terraces along the steep slopes in the country to control landslides and mass wasting. In the past, a lot of vegetation was destroyed by erosion, landslides and mass wasting.

Introduction of improved plant species 

The government has created various tree nurseries where the trees and other seedlings are offered to the people free of charge. These seedlings are of quick maturing trees that have enabled the regeneration of vegetation.

(i) Green belts in urban centres 

This involves the creation and establishment of areas that contain green vegetation within urban areas. Such areas are protected and the vegetation in them conserved. This has increased the size of vegetation in Rwanda.

Did you know? 

• Much of Rwanda’s natural rainforest – once covering a third of the country has been cut down to make way for its ever-growing population.

 • The only remaining large stands of forest remain at the Nyungwe Forest National Park and, to a lesser degree, the Volcanoes National Park. 

• The forest at Nyungwe is a true rainforest and is one of Africa’s oldest forests. It has a very high biodiversity – at least 200 species of tree and a similar number of orchids. 

• Mountain grassland and moorland traditionally covered much of Rwanda’s rolling highlands but terraced agriculture now dominates. This has led to serious soil erosion in some areas.

 • The wetlands of the Akagera National Park are fringed by riverine forests and papyrus swamps. 

• The poor soils of the eastern part of Rwanda support open savannah and broad-leafed woodland species, acacias and grasses.

End of unit revision task 

1. Draw a sketch map of Rwanda. On it, locate the vegetation zones of Rwanda. 

2. Explain the factors responsible for the distribution of vegetation in Rwanda. 

3. Examine the importance of vegetation in the socio-economic development of Rwanda. 

4. Discuss the causes of the depletion of vegetation in Rwanda. 

5. Discuss the vegetation conservation measures that the Rwanda government advocates for. 

6. Distinguish between natural vegetation and artificial vegetation in relation to Rwanda. 

7. “Rwanda has experienced human exploitation of vegetation without consideration of sustainable utilisation.” Using relevant examples, support this statement.