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Many community members, particularly women, often bear the burden of fetching firewood and ensuring household food security.
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Rubirizi
Rubirizi District Local Government, through its Office of Natural Resources and Environment, has donated over 2,000 Grevellia tree seedlings to Rukoma Farming Cooperative Society Limited. The initiative aims to reduce soil erosion, protect crops from strong winds, and promote sustainable environmental conservation practices.
The handover ceremony took place on September 17. 2025, in Rukoma Village, Katerera Sub-county, attracting farmers, local leaders, and environmental stakeholders who hailed the donation as a timely intervention to address climate-related challenges.
Speaking at the event, Agaba Agrey, the District Environment Officer, emphasized the urgency of increasing tree cover in Rubirizi. He explained that the 2,000 seedlings will target more than 350 acres of farmland that have been negatively affected by heavy winds and soil erosion.
"Tree planting is one of the most effective ways to mitigate the effects of climate change," Mr. Agaba said. "By planting these Grevellia seedlings, we are not only protecting crops from wind damage but also improving soil fertility and ensuring long-term sustainability for our farmers."
Mr. Agaba urged the community to embrace tree planting beyond this project, reminding residents that environmental conservation is a shared responsibility. Citing provisions from the Environment Act and the Local Government Act, he stressed that every citizen has a duty to protect the environment.
"Environmental conservation is not the responsibility of government alone it is a collective duty. A clean and healthy environment is a right for everyone, and it is our responsibility to safeguard it for current and future generations," he said.
For many farmers in Rukoma and surrounding villages, strong winds have been a recurring challenge, destroying crops and threatening livelihoods. The donation of seedlings has therefore been welcomed as a source of hope.
Mr. Agaba emphasized that the government expects communities to embrace tree planting as a lifestyle, preparing for the ongoing challenges of climate change.
Mr. Mikyo Feonest, General Manager of Rukoma Farming Cooperative, praised the district for the initiative and pledged to mobilize farmers to care for the trees for long-term benefits.
"These trees are not just seedlings—they are solutions to many of our challenges. They will provide firewood, shade, and protection from wind. For a long time, farmers here have suffered losses whenever strong winds swept through our gardens. With these Grevellia trees, we are confident that our crops and soils will be better protected," he said.
Mr. Mikyo also highlighted the socio-economic benefits of tree planting, noting that it not only supports conservation but also improves livelihoods.
Mr. Agaba urged the community to embrace tree planting beyond this project, reminding residents that environmental conservation is a shared responsibility
Community leaders advocate tree planting
Hon. Mujurizi Daphine, the Lady Councilor for Katerera Parish, encouraged the community to plant trees and fruits in their gardens. "Let us not look at environmental conservation as the duty of a few. It begins at home, in our compounds, and in how we pass on values to our children. Planting trees is a simple yet powerful act that secures our future," she said.
Her remarks resonated with many community members, particularly women, who often bear the burden of fetching firewood and ensuring household food security.
Rubirizi District faces increasing threats from climate change, deforestation, and unsustainable land use practices. Soil erosion and unpredictable weather patterns have severely affected agricultural communities, leaving farmers vulnerable to food insecurity and poverty.
District officials are working with local cooperatives, schools, and community-based organizations to promote tree planting as a solution to these challenges. The donation to Rukoma Farming Cooperative is part of a broader campaign to restore degraded areas, promote agroforestry, and empower communities to adapt to climate change.
Experts note that Grevellia trees are fast-growing and highly beneficial for agroforestry. They provide shade for crops, act as windbreaks, improve soil fertility through leaf litter, and can be used for timber and firewood without depleting soil nutrients.
Some farmers expressed excitement about the project, saying it would not only protect crops but also provide long-term benefits. "We have been losing beans, maize, and bananas to strong winds. Sometimes, you plant and expect a good harvest, only for everything to be destroyed in one evening. These trees will give us peace of mind and improve our harvests," said one farmer from Rukoma Village.
Meanwhile, Hon. Begumya Adenia Salongo, a farmer in Rukoma, added that beyond crop protection, the trees would reduce the distance women travel to collect firewood, saving time and energy for other productive activities.
As the seedlings were distributed, one message was clear: the success of the project depends on community participation. While the district has provided the seedlings, it is up to farmers and families to plant them, protect them, and nurture them to maturity.
Torch Media Africa
