HELPING RWANDAN FARMERS TO COPE WITH CLIMATE CHANGE EFFECTS

The Government of Rwanda is intensifying efforts to help farmers cope with changing weather patterns that have been having a dramatic effect on their livelihoods over the last few years.

The government is putting more efforts mostly in Eastern Province on improved drought tolerant forage seed, according to Dr Gerardine Mukeshimana, Minister of Agriculture and Animal Resources.

Farmers are also being facilitated to access the improved drought tolerant forage seed and trained in forage conservation technologies (Silage and hay) and pasture management. At present, there are 439 forage seed multipliers involved in forage seed multiplication on 364 ha.

To find solution of water for animals in the most affected areas by drought, the Government of Rwanda has supported farmers by construction of 13 valley dams and more than 126 solar powered boreholes in the Eastern Province are under construction.

In addition, improved water management is also being emphasized through firstly promotion of practices to secure reliable supply of water to communities that are hardest hit by drought such as rain water harvesting to livestock and for irrigations, says the minister.

There is also a deliberate effort to move to more water efficient irrigation using drip and pivot irrigation systems.

She adds that the government is providing services to facilitate farmers to adapt to climate change impacts through the introduction of agriculture insurance that provides coverage against risks associated with crop failure or animal loss due to extreme weather events (droughts or floods) or pests and disease. Climate services are also being provided to farmers where they access weather information. These services improve farmers’ ability to adapt to effects of climate change.

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