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The main goal of the DeSIRA project is to help small farmers use agroforestry practices that fit their needs. The project offers training on how to set up, run, and take care of agroforestry systems. It also shares methods to improve soil, water, and plant life while finding tree practices that can handle climate changes and ensure long-term food security and healthy environments. The project also works on building the skills of national institutions and local groups to support and monitor agroforestry practices and sustainable land use.

The DeSIRA project focuses on the dry regions of Rwanda, which often face problems like droughts and floods. Agroforestry, which mixes trees with crops, helps improve the land and farming. Trees reduce soil erosion, keep water in the soil, and maintain nutrients. They also provide homes for wildlife and resources like wood and animal fodder. This method not only helps increase farm productivity but also reduces pressure on our overused forests.

A big part of the project is training local farmers. These training sessions teach farmers how to add trees to their fields, manage them, and use better farming methods. This helps farmers deal with climate change, which can disrupt traditional farming and affect food security.

The project also sets up tree nurseries to grow seedlings for farmers to use. It teaches farmers how trees help with water and soil health and shows which tree types work best for different needs, like fruit or animal feed.

© Christine Nzaramutsuje, a farmer from Nyamugari sector in Kirehe District, during a nursery preparation exercise

Christine Nzaramutsuje, a farmer from Nyamugari sector in Kirehe District, said, “Before I joined the training, I saw trees as problems in my fields. Now I see their value. The skills I’ve learned have turned these problems into chances. I now know how to set up and take care of a nursery until we plant the trees. In the future, my land will be more productive, my soil healthier, and my future more secure. We plan to start a small business to grow fruits and agroforestry trees. Soon, we will make money from what we learned in the DeSIRA project.”

Biziyaremye Jean Marie Vianney, head of a farmer field school in Nyamugari, said, “I’m proud to use my skills to help the environment. I believe our tree nursery will not only bring in some money but also support agroforestry in our community, making us more resilient to climate change.”

© Biziyaremye Jean Marie Vianney is one of the 90 beneficiaries of the DeSIRA project who received training on nursery preparation and management

The project supports setting up tree nurseries, planting trees, and managing new agroforestry systems. Farmers learn about different tree types and how they can help improve their land and create new income sources. The project shares successful methods with farmers and researchers to spread the benefits of agroforestry in the region.

The 3-day extensive training which targeted over 90 participants is being delivered by Gatesi Julienne, a PhD student at Ghent University with support from Dukuzumuremyi Donatha, Ndayambaje Lewis, Jean Pierre Maniriho and Honore Ntwari, (������ϲʿ�������ֳ�ֱ�� team) based in Kirehe and Nyagatare Districts. The training was also attended by the ������ϲʿ�������ֳ�ֱ�� DeSIRA project Manager, Dr Jules Rutebuka, Rwanda Forestry Authority representative along with Sector Forestry and Agronomy Officers.

© Women are among the many beneficiaries of the DeSIRA project

By the end of the project, farmers will have learned important skills for better land and crop management. Tree nurseries will be established to provide seedlings for future use. The project aims to bring farmers, researchers, and other groups together to make agroforestry practices more effective.

© The first experience was memorable for many who had not yet seen how nurseries are established