The reduction of forests in the City of Kigali has become a pressing issue, as the population continues to grow and residents increasingly need clean air to breathe. However, the city’s administration is intensifying efforts to plant trees as a solution to this problem.
A map showing forest distribution in Rwanda reveals that forests make up 17% of the total area of the City of Kigali. However, it also shows that between 2009 and 2019, forests decreased by 23%, while tree planting increased by 26%. This indicates that forests are growing at a rate of 2.6% annually, while they are decreasing at a rate of 2.3% annually, meaning there is a very low net increase of 0.3% per year.
Some long-time residents of Kigali confirm that much of the city was once covered with forests, but these have diminished due to human activities. Musengamana Silas, a resident of Kigali for 48 years, recalls, “In places like Kimisagara, new buildings have been constructed. There used to be various trees like eucalyptus, shrubs, and palm trees, just like in Gikondo. In Muhima, there were once hyenas because of the forests. But now, there are no more trees because of construction, roads, and other developments. This has led to erosion, which is causing damage to people’s property because trees that once held the soil in place are gone. More trees should be planted so we can have fresh air.”
Historically, Nyarugenge was named after the Imigenge trees that once grew there, but they have largely disappeared. Similarly, in Gasabo, the Kimihurura area was named after the Imihurura trees, but their number has significantly decreased due to urban development.
In Muhima, the name “Umuhima w’impyisi” (The Hyena’s Territory) was given because the area once had forests that were home to hyenas, which are now gone due to the city’s growth. In Kimironko, trees called Imironko, which were used to make baskets, have also been replaced by urban structures with fewer trees.
Mukanoheli Jeanne, a 70-year-old born in Kigali, adds, “In the past, Kigali was mostly forests and shrubs. In Gikondo, there were palm trees, and you couldn’t walk through the area alone. Now, those trees are gone, and only a few trees remain along the roads, some of which were planted later. It would be nice if every household planted a tree to provide shade and fresh air.”
In Gikondo’s wetlands, industries have been built in place of forests.
Forest expert Mukurarinda Athanase says the reduction of forests is a significant problem, leading to various environmental issues, including the loss of life. He urges that trees be planted wherever possible. “Climate change is causing problems in our cities, and many houses lack proper drainage systems. Most areas are covered with concrete, allowing water to flow uncontrollably and erode the land. We do not plant enough trees, and as we travel by car, we pollute the air. Additionally, industries are increasing. However, when we plant trees, their leaves trap harmful gases, helping us breathe cleaner air.”
Mukurarinda suggests that the government should encourage people to capture rainwater from their homes, as it can be a major cause of environmental damage. Additionally, planting trees should become a cultural norm because the roots of trees hold the soil in place, preventing further damage from water that doesn’t get absorbed.
He adds, “If we plant trees in areas like Kiyovu, Nyamirambo, Kanombe, Remera, and others, it will improve the quality of air.”
Nsengumuremyi Concorde, Director General of the Rwanda Forestry Authority, acknowledges that forests face challenges due to construction, agriculture, and other factors.
He says, “You can build houses, roads, and plant decorative trees. Between buildings, you can still plant trees. We are working to strengthen tree planting efforts in Kigali, focusing on indigenous and other suitable species. Development can happen alongside forest growth. With a growing population, we must continue planting trees. Without them, we won’t survive. We should plant trees in hospitals, factories, and other places. Forests and other environmental efforts can contribute to development.”
Concorde Kubwimana, leader of the Save Environment Initiatives, an organization focused on environmental conservation, says that, together with the youth, they have committed to planting more trees because they understand their importance. He states, “We started by preparing 100,000 tree seedlings, and we began planting them in Kigali, where the population is rapidly increasing. This growth is leading to the cutting down of existing trees. The trees we are planting will not only provide clean air but also produce edible fruits for the people. We have begun planting trees in schools in Kigali, giving students trees to take home and work on with their parents.”
Due to the reduction of forests, the Kigali City Council has implemented a plan to plant three million trees across all districts of the city, as noted by the Kigali City Mayor, Samuel Dusengiyumva.
He states, “The loss of good air in Kigali is a serious issue due to our activities. That’s why in this five-year plan, we will plant three million trees, and the resources are available. The trees we plant will be cared for until they mature, unlike some trees planted along roads that have been damaged.”
He adds that this initiative will also help protect the land from erosion, as grasses will be planted alongside trees in all public spaces.
The hills of Kigali, such as Rebero and Jali, have been the focus of reforestation efforts, although some trees were destroyed by settlers. These efforts are now being expanded. The Rwanda National Police recently arrested residents who were illegally cutting trees in a forest on Mount Kigali in the Nyakabanda sector.
Rwanda has also launched the SUNCASA project to combat floods in Kigali, which began with the planting of 25,000 trees. This project will also support other cities, including Dire Dawa in Ethiopia and Johannesburg in South Africa.
According to the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda (NISR), the population census (RPHC 5) shows that Kigali is home to 1,745,555 people, up from 1,518,000 in 2020. This unprecedented population growth calls for strong measures to protect the environment by increasing tree planting efforts.
