Resource 6: Soil erosion in Rwanda

 Background information / subject knowledge for teacher

Rwanda is a small mountainous country of 26,338 sq km. The country is popularly known as ‘the country of a thousand hills’ to reflect the rolling hills and uplands. From the east to the west, Rwanda is divided into three regions: the highlands, the middle lands and the lowlands. Of the total land area, only 48% is arable and 90% of this is under continuous cultivation. This is important, especially given that 90% of the population derives its livelihood from agricultural activities.

In 1950, Rwanda’s population was about 1.5 million people and, at this time, the land was sufficient to cater for the cultivation needs of the people. Soil erosion was not a serious problem then. As the population grew, the demand for land also increased. Today, at a population of nearly 9.9 million people, the demand for land has been increased tremendously.

Because of the hilly and mountainous terrain, soil erosion has become a major problem. 81% of the land, made up of both the highlands and the middle lands, is threatened by erosion. In addition to the hilly slopes, deforestation, over-cultivation and overgrazing are contributing to the soil erosion of the country.

Erosion has seriously affected agricultural activities. As nutrients are washed away, soil fertility has reduced, leading to reduction in crop yields.

A number of strategies have been used to control the rate of soil erosion in the country. Every month, during the Umuganda (community work), villages are expected to work on terraces and bands to stop the rapid flow of rainwater. Trees are being planted to reduce both wind and water erosion.

Taken from: Strategie Nationale de L’environnement au Rwanda (SNER), MINIPLAN, 1991