Eastern Province makes strides in land restoration, turning the tide on drought

Rwanda’s Eastern Province, long known for recurring droughts and fragile ecosystems, is undergoing a remarkable transformation. Thanks to ambitious reforestation and land restoration initiatives, 70 percent of degraded land targeted under an ongoing program has already been restored, according to the Rwanda Forestry Authority (RFA).

The effort is being spearheaded by the Transforming Eastern Province through Adaptation (TREPA) project, which seeks to shift land management practices from degraded and fragile landscapes to restored ecosystems capable of sustaining livelihoods amid climate change.

The project focuses on seven districts: Kirehe, Ngoma, Bugesera, Rwamagana, Kayonza, Gatsibo and Nyagatare. It targets to plant trees on 60,000 hectares, mostly through agroforestry practices in collaboration with landowners.

Each agroforestry block covers 400 hectares, including one in Nyarupfubire, Rwimiyaga sector of Nyagatare District. Among the species planted are Grevillea robusta, Markhamia lutea, Cedrela serrataandCalliandra calothyrsus.

“These trees are important for soil fertilization, coping with climate change, especially in filtering the air we breathe, attracting rain, and provide essential forest products such as timber, firewood and honey,” RFA said in a statement.

Beyond agroforestry, TREPA has extended its interventions to drylands, riversides, lakeshores and roadsides, covering 750 hectares. Around Bwere Dam in Nyagatare District, for instance, traditional tree species including Acacia polyacantha, Acacia kirkii, Acacia sieberiana and Ficus sir were planted to support dam conservation. In addition, 400 hectares of indigenous trees have been planted within the Akagera National Park as part of its conservation plan.

Looking ahead, TREPA’s 2025/2026 plan includes planting mixed trees on 12,000 hectares, rehabilitating 750 hectares of old state forests, restoring 350 hectares along roads and lakes, and distributing 140,000 fruit trees to households.

Complementing TREPA’s work is the COMBIO Project (Reducing Vulnerability to Climate Change through Enhanced Community-based Biodiversity Conservation in Eastern Province). COMBIO has planted trees along 518 kilometers of roads, restored 400 hectares of lakeshores and riversides, created 13 biodiversity sanctuaries spanning 141 hectares, and rehabilitated 45 hectares of degraded state-owned plantations.

The project’s aim is to mitigate climate change while enhancing biodiversity conservation and building resilience among communities in Eastern Province. By prioritizing indigenous species and involving local residents, COMBIO works hand-in-hand with TREPA to support Rwanda’s green growth agenda. Together, these projects mark a decisive step in reshaping Eastern Province from a drought-prone region into a model of ecological restoration and climate resilience.