Rwanda banks on drought-resistant crop varieties to cope with climate change

The Ministry of Environment has called for developing and scaling up drought-resistant crop varieties to cope with climate change effects.

“Desertification is a global concern affecting millions of people. It leads to the loss of productive land, reduced agricultural yields, and increased poverty and hunger,” said the Minister of Environment, Jeanne D’ Arc Mujawamariya.

She said that the overuse of land and changing climatic conditions have exposed parts of our country to the risks of desertification.

“Drought is one of the most devastating natural disasters. In recent years, we have witnessed an increase in the frequency and severity of droughts, exacerbated by climate change.”

She noted that building drought resilience is crucial to safeguarding food security, water resources, and overall resilience to climate impacts.

“In Rwanda, we have made significant strides in improving our drought resilience. We have invested in rainwater harvesting and storage infrastructure, promoted drought-resistant crop varieties, and developed early warning systems,” Mujawamariya said.

These efforts, she stressed, are essential in helping Rwandan communities adapt to changing climatic conditions and minimise the adverse impacts of drought.

“Land degradation through deforestation, unsustainable agricultural practices, and urban expansion are putting pressure on this vital resource.

Healthy land means fertile soils, vibrant biodiversity, and robust ecosystems that provide essential services such as water purification, carbon sequestration, and food security. It is the key to combating climate change, preserving our natural heritage, and ensuring the well-being of future generations,” she added.

$24 million needed to develop climate resilient crop varieties

Rwanda plans to spend at least $24 million on developing climate resilient crops and promote climate resilient livestock up to 2030.

This will reduce gas emissions from land use and livestock.

At least $109.6 million will help expand crop and livestock insurance according to the 10-year climate action plan whose implementation started in 2021.

The investment is needed at the time some regional countries are facing drought effects.

Zimbabwe has raised its aid appeal to 3.3 billion U.S. dollars up from the initial 2.2 billion dollars to cater to 60 percent of the country’s population that will be food insecure until March next year due to drought.

According to Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe, the number of food insecure people is now estimated at 9 million, up from the initial 7.7 million, constituting 60 percent of the country’s population.

The communities were severely impacted by El Nino, a global climate phenomenon that emerges from variations in winds and sea surface temperatures over the tropical Pacific Ocea