Rwandan research will boost agricultural productivity

By Aimable Twahirwa

The Rwandan government plans to boost agricultural production through its Crop Intensification Programme (CIP) and a range of post-harvest measures to reduce waste from the 2011 season. The programme will boost agricultural research to increase productivity in rural areas and ensure food security for the country's 10 million people."We plan to reduce the cost of production by intensification, and emphasise mechanisation, enhance research for the introduction of high-yielding varieties of staple crops, as well as embarking on research for appropriate post-harvest technologies," the country's prime minister, Bernard Makuza, told the Rwandan Senate last month.

Malaria threat looms large in Rwanda as rainfall diminishes

Kigali: Low rainfall, extended dry spells and warmer weather in parts of Rwanda are creating ideal breeding conditions for mosquitoes, raising the prospect of severe outbreaks of malaria.Rwanda has drastically reduced malaria cases in past years through the use of treated mosquito nets, widespread distribution of anti-malarial medicines and improved services to expectant mothers, including improved medical check-ups, but medical practitioners fear a season of low rainfall could undo much of the progress.

Rwanda: A Difficult Trade-Off to Protect Lake Kivu

Kigali: Sylvestre Munyalibanje has been accustomed to farming in the Rwandan district of Rutsiro, on the shores of Lake Kivu. But now he's facing the end of an era.The 40-year-old father of six has had almost all his land expropriated as part of a government initiative to clear the surrounds of the lake to protect it from water-borne pollution. In all, 364 families comprising some 1,800 people who had previously been living or farming on the banks of Kivu left the area earlier this month.

Is Africa ready for climate change mitigation? (Interview)

by Aimable Twahirwa in Denmark

Copenhagen: Rwanda along with other African countries is demanding rich nations to commit more than $40 billion a year for them to counter the consequences of global warming. However, researchers are expressing concerns on what major priorities would be considered for climate change adaptation and mitigation. RNA spoke to Mr. Alain Guinebault, Director of GERES, a French environmental and energy group which deals with researches to promote the use of renewable energy in rural areas for developing countries. Read interview below:

HIV response can help tackle climate change - expert

By Aimable Twahirwa
Kigali: HIV-AIDS and Climate change are said to remain the major causes of major causes of poverty, illness and death among the 9.7 million Rwandans and millions of Africans as a result of inappropriate way of mass mobilization for behavior change. Grace Davies, an expert with Africa Talks Climate in the BBC World Service Trust tells RNA how locally available methods used in battling HIV-Aids could be used to tackle climate change.

RWANDA: Improving the Lives of Small-Scale Farmers

By Aimable Twahirwa

KIGALI, Aug 16, 2010 (IPS) – Joelle Nsamira Kajuga, a female agricultural researcher has a ready answer to describe which modified crop will produce a higher yield, which will be resistant to bacteria, and which will ensure food security and generate a higher turnover for poor small-scale farmers in different regions in Rwanda.