Rwanda Green Growth Strategy 18nov11 - Global Climate Change ...

Chapter 4Programme 1: Sustainable Intensification of AgricultureThe sustainable intensification of agriculture is a key component in building a low carbon and climateresilient agricultural sector. Adaptation, mitigation and development options can be designed andimplemented to counter the negative impacts from climate change and reduce the sector’s dependency onfossil fuels. Small-scale agriculture can bring wider benefits associated with climate compatibledevelopment including food security, improved environmental sanitation, and disaster risk reduction throughslope stabilisation and flood mitigation. Terracing and irrigation are already being implemented in Rwandaand will be extended throughout the country. In addition, to build resilience into agricultural ecosystems,Rwanda will• Mainstream agroecology techniques using spatial plant stacking as in agroforestry, kitchengardens, nutrient recycling, and water conservation to maximise sustainable food production;• Utilise resource recovery and reuse through organic waste composting and wastewater irrigation;• Use fertiliser enriched compost; and• Mainstream sustainable pest management techniques to control plant parasites and pathogens.Programme 2: Agricultural Diversity in Local and Export MarketsRwanda will expand crop varieties, local markets and manufactured products and exports in supportof the sustainable intensification and climate resilience of small-scale farming. This multi-faceted initiative willinvolve diversifying agricultural production and enhancing the agriculture value chain. Improving theagriculture value chain brings multiple benefits as it reduces dependency on external inputs (fertilizers/food/fuel), reduces vulnerability to climate change and builds an agricultural market economy based on addedvalue and import substitution. To become more self-sufficient Rwanda will• Expand crop varieties for import substitution and climate resilience;• Add value to those products through processing to meet its own market demand for food stuffs;• Develop decentralised village-based agricultural processing centres that incorporate low-carbonsources of energy, such as biogas-digesters and solar driers; and• Develop niche export crops under organic and fair-trade branding.Programme 3: Integrated Water Resource Management and PlanningRwanda is endowed with substantial freshwater resources. Regular rainfall patterns and minimalconsumption has, until now, not necessitated water storage, water monitoring or irrigation infrastructure.There is a clear gap of observed data and monitoring frameworks for Rwanda’s water and climate. Thechallenges of rapid population growth, increased urbanisation and industry, environmental degradation andpollution are leading to accelerated depletion and degradation of available water resources, while climatechange is bringing uncertainty in future supply. In order to reverse this trend and ensure a sustainable waterresource for socio-economic development, Rwanda will• Establish a national integrated water resource management framework that incorporates districtand community-based catchment management;• Develop water resource models, improved meteorological services, water quality testing, andimproved hydro-related information management; and• Develop a National Water Security Plan to employ water storage and harvesting, waterconservation practices, efficient irrigation, and other water efficient technologies.22Government of Rwanda