RAB Highlights Practices Through Which Agriculture and Livestock Contribute to Climate Pollution

The Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB) has revealed that agriculture and livestock activities contribute to climate pollution when poorly practiced. The institution emphasized that these sectors must be integrated into environmental protection strategies, specifically NDC3.0 (Nationally Determined Contributions version 3.0).

This was highlighted on 10 June 2025, during a national stakeholder workshop on integrating agroecology and animal welfare into the country’s third Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC 3.0), organized by the Rwanda Climate Change and Development Network (RCCDN), in partnership with World Animal Protection and the Alliance for Food Sovereignty in Africa (AFSA).

The forum aimed to generate policy proposals that align sustainable agriculture and humane livestock practices with Rwanda’s climate adaptation goals under the Paris Agreement and brought together representatives from the Government of Rwanda, civil society organizations, academia, and international partners.

Dr Fabrice Ndayisenga, Head of the Department of Animal Resources Research and Technology Transfer at the Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board, pointed out that the way livestock is raised and how farming is practiced can negatively affect the climate, although many people are not aware of it.

“Livestock that graze freely on hillsides cause damage to the soil and vegetation, and their waste releases gases that can pollute the atmosphere. Another risk occurs when livestock are not protected against diseases, requiring the use of drugs that contain chemicals which enter the animals’ systems and later affect humans through consumption or are released through dung or urine, polluting water sources, plants, and soil”, he said.

Dr Ndayisenga urged livestock farmers to embrace zero grazing farming, to protect animals from disease, and to use veterinary drugs responsibly. He noted that using drugs without guidance from a qualified veterinarian is one reason why about 75% of treated animals fail to recover.

He also highlighted that since maize farming was intensified to increase yields, the use of pesticides has increased, which in turn has adversely affected the health of bees in Rwanda.

Among the efforts being made is encouraging farmers to spray pesticides in the evening after bees have returned to their hives, and professionalizing beekeeping. There is also an initiative where beekeepers will be given access to certain government-owned forests to install beehives.

“Beekeeping should grow alongside farming; agriculture is necessary, but pesticide use must be managed in a way that doesn’t cause harm”, he said.

“Agriculture and livestock farming are often overlooked, yet they significantly contribute to climate pollution. We want people to be aware of this, and for these aspects to be included in climate protection strategies such as NDC3.0”, he emphasized.

Faustin Vuningoma, the coordinator of the Rwanda Climate Change and Development Network (RCCDN), added: “When we talk about integrating agroecology into NDC3.0, it’s to revise our farming practices. Rwanda is a country of high hills, and the land must be preserved to remain fertile so that future generations can also benefit from it”.

He emphasized that since over 60% of Rwandans are farmers, it would be wrong to create any national development agenda that ignores agriculture. “Farming and livestock rearing are major components of the national economy; the way they are practiced must be reflected in NDC3.0 so that these efforts can benefit the majority of our people”

Sally Kahiu, External Affairs Lead at World Animal Protection said that there is an urgent need to mainstream animal welfare in Rwanda’s climate agenda.

“By prioritizing humane and sustainable livestock systems, Rwanda can position itself as a leader in ethical and effective climate action, benefiting people, animals, and the planet.”

Rwanda is preparing its third revision of the Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC 3.0) under the Paris Agreement. Rwanda’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) are pivotal in setting the national climate agenda. Africa contributes less than 4% of global greenhouse gases and Rwanda’s share is approximately 0.01%, however it is experiencing its serious effects.

RCCDN is a national member-driven civil society network on climate change and other development challenges. It is a network comprising 78 member organizations working throughout the Rwandan territory. RCCDN is committed to working towards a sustainable and resilient future for Rwandan communities.