The Director of Forestry Field Programs Unit at NAFA, Dismas Bakundukize has said felling trees for firewood, human activities and lack of skills on agro forestry plantations among citizens are a big challenge to agro forestry development in Rwanda.
Bakundukize urged citizen to put more commitment on the increase of these species adding that there those who will benefit from them.
Currently, the forestry coverage in general stands at about 24% of National territory.
Among this 24% of coverage, agro forestry species occupy 285.046,9 ha which means 10,8% of the total coverage.
” The different between agro forestry species and classis forest is that they differ from distance you put between one tree to another.
Agoforestry distance is longer than distance in classic forests.” Bakundukize said.
He added that depending on their nature, the composition of leaves and branches of these species contribute to the fertilization of soil.
Bakundukize further explains that these species are major contributors in fighting against soil erosion.
Economically, the Director highlighted the significant role of agroforestry species in improving socio economic condition among citizens.
“Apart from being a source of firewood, agro forestry species can be used once you want construction materials like timber, fruits and vegetables which can be sent to national and international market.” Bakundukize noted.
Despite the small amount of money allocated to forestry sector, ongoing programs are positively impacting on the increase of national agro forestry coverage.
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