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MINAGRI, IUCN combine efforts to bolster agroforestry and conservation agriculture

By Sam K Nkurunziza
On 19 July 2024 at 11:54

The Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources (MINAGRI) and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) have formally initiated a joint working partnership to enhance environmental conservation through agroforestry, climate-smart agriculture, and conservation agriculture.

The two institutions signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on Thursday, July 18, 2024, outlining a cooperation agreement to achieve this mission.

Dr. Ildephonse Musafiri, the Minister of Agriculture and Animal Resources, and Ms. Kaori Yasuda, the IUCN-Rwanda Country Representative, signed the agreement on behalf of their respective institutions.

Jean Claude Habimana, the Communications Officer at IUCN, stated that this initiative comes at an opportune moment as IUCN is currently expanding the implementation of the IUCN Standards on Nature-Based Solutions in the Eastern Province of Rwanda. Conservation agriculture, climate-smart agriculture, and agroforestry are central to IUCN’s values.

“The MoU represents an official partnership agreement, as some of IUCN’s work aligns with the Ministry’s mandate,” Habimana affirmed.

“This sets the foundation for our future cooperation,” explained Habimana. The aim is to strengthen collaboration on sustainable agriculture initiatives, including conservation agriculture, climate-smart agriculture, and agroforestry.

Habimana further elaborated that upcoming joint initiatives will also focus on contributing to the priorities outlined in the Fifth Strategic Plan for Agriculture Transformation (PSTA5).

IUCN has prioritized the use of agroforestry in all its programs and initiatives to enhance livelihoods, improve soil fertility, and contribute to socio-economic gains among smallholder farmers in Rwanda.

Projects such as Sebeya have already demonstrated the benefits of agroforestry and fruit trees, with communities expressing appreciation for the fruit trees provided.

Other projects such as AREECA, TREPA, COMBIO, and DeSIRA are also highlighting the importance of agroforestry in sustainable agriculture practices in Rwanda.

IUCN is a global organization dedicated to conserving nature and ensuring sustainable use of natural resources.

Founded in 1948, IUCN is one of the world’s most influential environmental organizations, comprising both government and civil society organizations.

Since 2016, IUCN has undertaken various initiatives aimed at restoring landscapes and promoting water resource management in Rwanda.

In 2019, IUCN, jointly with the Rwanda Water Resources Board and other partners, played a significant role in restoring the Sebeya catchment through various activities such as radical and progressive terracing for flood mitigation, achieved through participatory community-based approaches.

Over time, trees with edible fruits have been planted in different parts of the country not only to supplement nutrition but also to boost environmental conservation through afforestation.

MINAGRI has welcomed this as a positive development.

Dr. Ildephonse Musafiri, the Minister of Agriculture and Animal Resources and Ms. Kaori Yasuda, the IUCN-Rwanda Country Representative signed the agreement on behalf of their respective institutions.
Representatives from relevant institutions posing for a photo after the signing ceremony.
The two institutions signed a memorandum of understanding on Thursday July 19, 2024.
Fruit trees have not only been good supplements to nutrition, but also helped in environmental protection and conservation.
Rwanda's hilly landscape requires extraordinary measures to ensure environmental conservation and protection.
Fruit trees are very fundamental in protecting the environment.

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