Agricultural nonprofit One Acre Fund, known locally as Tubura, plans to plant 30 million trees across Rwanda starting in November, in partnership with government institutions.
The campaign will distribute both fruit trees and species intercropped with crops in every district. Officials say the effort is aimed at boosting agriculture and protecting the environment.
Ahead of the launch, Tubura held meetings with local leaders to secure their support in mobilizing communities. The latest discussions were held Sept. 12 in Nyagatare District in eastern Rwanda, one of the areas most in need of trees.
Since 2018, trees planted by Tubura in Nyagatare have helped increase rainfall in the district, according to residents.
“Farmers often prefer grevillea for its timber, but all the trees we provide are important,” said Nadege Nyirabukeye, Tubura’s Eastern Province tree program lead. “Some provide firewood, others supply poles for supporting crops, and others improve soil fertility. Relying on a single species leaves farmers vulnerable to pests and disease.”
Local officials said past distribution methods posed challenges.
“Tree distribution used to take place on market days, and farmers often chose to skip it in favor of making money,” said Munderere Alfred, an agronomist in Rwimiyaga Sector. “Now we’ll run awareness campaigns down to the village level so farmers are prepared when trees arrive.”
Murindabigwi Joas, a forestry officer in Matimba Sector, said Tubura and other projects have helped communities cope with drought and shortages of firewood. He said coordination with local and security officials will ensure better participation this year.
Nyagatare District Vice Mayor for Economic Development Matsiko Gonzague praised Tubura for helping the district meet its agricultural and environmental targets.
Tubura currently operates 118 tree nurseries in Nyagatare. Nationwide, One Acre Fund aims to plant 250 million trees between 2018 and 2030.
