On the 6th December 2024, a tree planting event took place in Biyove Village, nestled in the Butaro Sector of Burera District. This initiative, part of the larger KUNGAHARA Burera (KungaBu) project, sought to address critical environmental and socio-economic challenges while fostering sustainable development in the region.
The event’s central activity was the distribution of 5,000 acacia tree seedlings, carefully chosen for their suitability in agroforestry. These trees will be planted on newly traced terraces across 10 hectares of Biyove’s hillsides. The aim? To combat soil erosion, boost soil fertility, and enhance the community’s adaptive capacity to climate change.
In addition to acacia seedlings, families also received 1950 tamarillo seedlings and 390 maracuja seedlings, with each household benefitting from 15 tamarillo and 3 maracuja plants. This initiative targets malnutrition and promotes self-reliance in fruit production, encouraging households to grow their own nutritious fruits.
The event brought together villagers, representatives from Burera District and Butaro Sector, and staff from KungaBu, highlighting a strong spirit of collaboration. This convergence of stakeholders emphasized the shared commitment to fostering sustainable agriculture and environmental conservation in Biyove.
A critical aspect of the event was the training session for villagers. Participants learned practical techniques to plant and care for the seedlings, ensuring their growth and longevity. The focus was on empowering the community with the knowledge needed to make the most of these resources, ensuring long-term benefits for both the environment and local livelihoods.
This tree planting initiative is part of the KUNGAHARA Burera (KungaBu) project, a three-year collaboration between Burera District and ARECO-RWANDA NZIZA, funded by the European Union under its KUNGAHARA Programme. Officially launched in February 2024, the project focuses on sustainable development goals, including the development of 10 hectares of progressive terraces and agroforestry in Biyove Village, as well as training local farmers in agroforestry, conservation, and kitchen garden agriculture.
By integrating environmental conservation with socio-economic development, KungaBu aims to create a greener, more resilient Burera District.
This tree planting event was a step toward a sustainable future for Biyove Village. With 5,000 trees set to transform the hillsides and nearly 2,400 fruit seedlings promising nutritional benefits, the impact of this initiative will be felt in the long term.
As the seedlings grow, so too does the hope for a resilient and self-sufficient community—one rooted in the principles of conservation, collaboration, and growth.
