Current status of Rwanda forests cover stands at 22.1% percent (ha 553.098)

The government of Rwanda through the vision 2020 recognizes that the development of the forestry sector is a National priority. In this context the national forestry areas must be significantly increased and reach 30 % of the national territory by 2020 while the Agroforestry system must be increased and reach 85% of the cultivated space.
The Ministry of Natural Resources, through different projects for forestry sector has the over all objective of increasing Rwanda’s Forest cover by protecting and preserving all forests countrywide and implementing principle activities include: the management, protection and restoration of the country’s ecosystems and forests, and ensuring that Rwanda’s economic growth is based on a rational use of natural resources including Forests.
Rwanda’s Forest ecosystems deliver a vast array of products and services to the society. Perhaps the most famous product from the forest is wood, which also has an enormous diversity of applications and purposes, such as construction purposes, furniture and fuel. But apart from that there are a large number of non-timber forest products, like medicinal plants, honey, fruits and bush meat. The availability, the use and the importance of these products varies per region and per culture. In many cases they form an important part of the diet, like proteins from animal products. Most often the poorest and vulnerable part of society depends very much on the forests. This group can also revert to the forest resources in periods when their conditions get worse – the forest is then functioning as a safety net.
Apart from concrete products, forests also deliver all kind of Ecosystem Services. Forests play an important role in the global and local water cycle. The specific role very much depends on the local circumstances and conditions and also on the forest type itself.
Despite the significant role that forests render to the survival of human beings, there are still signs of deforestation made by a small number of people who illegally involve in cutting down trees for timber or firewood due to the lack of other source of energy, Said Bonaventure Nduwayezu, CATALIST/SEW officer in charge of woodlots and agroforestry program in Rwanda.
In order to tackle the problem of deforestation for firewood also called environmentally-damaging firewood, the government of Rwanda has planed to use renewable energy rather than the charcoal and firewood that provide 85% of its energy needs
Renewable energy such as solar, geothermal and biogas are seen as a pragmatic solution for a country which needs to protect and preserve its forests.
“It is a very good idea to shift from firewood and take biogas into Rwandan homes. This will help in safeguarding our forests and its ecosystems” Said Gilbert Busore, a civil engineering Student at the National University of Rwanda
Frank Rutabingwa, The Deputy Director General for Forestry Department in Rwanda Natural Resources Authority revealed that during the 2011 tree planting season, the District Task forces, headed by vice mayors for Finance and Economic development, have also been set up to follow up on the growth of planted trees and actively participate in sustainable management of planted forests.
“This will help in shifting from current figure now stands at 22.1% percent (ha 553.098) cover having rebounded from 10 percent in 2009 after widespread deforestation to 30% of cover increase in 2020” Frank revealed while addressing Local leaders in Nyanza District.
Districts task force will work alongside the military, the police, women groups, environmental organizations and several other stakeholders.
Since 2009, the Rwandan government has dispatched agriculture experts to the local level all around the country, to train farmers on how to improve their land-use practices with a government seedling and afforestation programme.
Honorable Minister for Natural Resources Stanislas Kamanzi highlights the crucial role of Agro forestry species where he mentions that the species do not only help in increasing Forest cover but also serve as source of food in many Rwandans families
The Forestry sector is playing key roles in supporting the livelihood of all Rwandans especially by providing most of the agroforestry species which are suitable for soil types to ensure that 85% of agroforestry species are attained as it is set in Rwanda’s Vision 2020 and EDPRS programs.
The Vision 2020 and EDPRS set clear target to increase national forest cover up to 30% of national space being covered by forests and for the agroforestry sector 85% of National space being covered by Agroforestry Species.