Browsing by Author "Ntawuruhunga,Donatien"

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Assessing climate‑smart agroforestry practices: A study of tree species composition, distribution, and utilities in two contrasting agroecosystems of Rwanda
(Springer, 2024) Ntawuruhunga,Donatien; Ngowi,Edwin Estomii; Mangi,Halima Omari; Salanga,Raymond John; Leonard,Kenneth Lynch
Tree adoption on farms has expanded around the world in the last years due to food security concerns and is expected to further spread due to climate change. Climate-smart agroforestry (CSAF), a smart farming approach, is one of these farming patterns. In this study, we (a) analyzed the distribution and composition of trees in CSAF systems, (b) assessed tree diversity in CSAF systems, (c) analyzed CSAF best management practices, and (d) evaluated CSAF-derived utilities in two contrasting agroecological zones of Rwanda. In particular, species composition, diversity, richness, evenness, and similarity were estimated across land use types. Utility data were recorded as fulfilled goals from different practices. Home gardens, alley cropping, improved fallow, multipurpose trees, plantation crop combination, shelterbelts/windbreaks, and silvopasture are the predominant CSAF practices in Bugesera and Rulindo with different structures and compositions. Results highlighted that tree species diversity, richness, dominance, and importance decrease from Rulindo to Bugesera (H′ = 1.397–1.247), ( Dmg = 0.621–0.368), (D = 0.192–0.117), (IVI = 58.42–58.02). Moreover, farmers seemed to give more weight to utilities from goods meant for household survival such as fruits (home consumption), fuelwood (culinary), fodder (cattle-housed for zero-grazing), and standing trees (stakes for climbing crops). Logs, and poles/timber meant for commercial purposes were given the least weight. Introducing and upscaling fruit tree species on farms can be one of the best alternatives to improve local climate-resilient landscapes and livelihoods. The outcomes of this study can support the targeting of agricultural interventions and innovations in resource-poor settings struggling with food security challenges.
Climate-smart agroforestry systems and practices: A systematic review of what works, what doesn’t work, and why
(Elsevier, 2023) Ntawuruhunga,Donatien; Ngowi,Edwin Estomii; Mangi,Halima Omari; Salanga,Raymond John; Shikuku,Kelvin Mashisia
The prevailing global environmental distress, particularly in rural areas, calls for the adoption of integrated sustainable rural development strategies like climate-smart agroforestry (CSA) practices. CSAF is a new name for an old farming practice among the world’s traditional farmers, a holistic approach to land use in which trees, crops, and sometimes animals are combined within a managed farmland, a sustainable farming system and practice, and a pathway toward the mitigation and adaptation of the biggest challenge of our times: climate change. CSAF systems and practices provide a range of goods and services vital for human well-being, particularly for people who live below the poverty line. Yet a number of important knowledge, research, and adoption gaps remain regarding human-environment interactions, and the urgency behind these gaps reflects the need to inform evidence-based policymaking and practice to realize the potential for CSAF to support farmers’ livelihoods. We conducted a review of CSAF system practices that contribute to achieving the SDGs, in particular those related to increased human well-being, and prosperity, soil and water conservation, bioenergy, climate change response, biodiversity conservation, and landscape management, from the SDGs outlook. The study specifically identifies, (i) what has been innovatively achieved in CSAF practices to cope with climate risks for environmental stability, improved farm productivity, farm income, and food security (what works), (ii) challenges facing smallholder farmers to adopt CSAF practices (what doesn’t work), and (iii) room for a significant contribution of CSAF practices in smallholder farmers’ productivity beyond what has been observed. Generally, the results show that CSAF practices have the potential to optimize different socio-economic returns and sustain environmental services. Farming with CSAF technologies has many advantages in both ecological and economic aspects that support the achievement of several of the SDGs, specifically SDG1 (no poverty), SDG2 (zero hunger), SDG3 (good health and well-being), SDG5 (gender equality), SDG6 (clean water and proper sanitation), SDG7 (affordable and clean energy), SDG13 (climate action), and SDG15 (life on land). Results showed that despite its contribution to the SDGs and its global widespread, the challenge remains linking knowledge and action in CSAF research, education, and capacity development. Farmers will not be able to solve the challenge of sustainable agriculture by themselves. Thus, efforts are required from both the public and the industry and effective public-private partnerships along the agricultural and food value chain. There are multidimensional aspects to CSAF which require in-depth scientific analysis for the extensive application of CSAF practices in sustainable land management endeavors. Moreover, in this perspective, CSAF should keep its identity while seeking a role in the nexus of SDGs. We hope this review will provide a clearer picture of what the state-of-the-art in practicing smarter technologies in a changing climate is and provide a more holistic understanding of CSAF systems and practices, and the gaps regarding human-environment interactions, and the way forward to overcoming them.
Contextual drivers of climate-smart agroforestry adoption in Bugesera and Rulindo agroecosystems of Rwanda
(Elsevier, 2025) Ntawuruhunga,Donatien; Ngowi,Edwin Estomii; Mangi,Halima Omari; Salanga,Raymond John; Leonard,Kenneth Lynch
This study examined 381 farmers from two regions in Rwanda to investigate how contextual factors at the field level interact with climate-smart agroforestry (CSAF) practices. Farmers were categorized as low (LAD), medium (MAD), and high (HAD) adopters based on tree counts. Various contextual factors — notably location, demographics, assets, farm characteristics, and institutional variables — were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, logit regression, and propensity score matching. Farmers in Bugesera had larger farms and higher tree counts than those in Rulindo, resulting in greater farm income in Bugesera. Positive correlations were found among altitude, slope, erosion class, gender, household size, poverty level, income source, marital status, education, farm area, cropping practices, farm-river distance, changes in CSAF cover, population dynamics, and LAD. CSAF farms outperformed monoculture farms regarding cassava, maize, and bean yields, particularly in Bugesera and Rulindo among larger landholdings. Logit regression analysis showed that combinations of multipurpose trees and crop planting significantly improved farm yields, with household size and farm size being critical factors for CSAF adoption. Propensity score matching confirmed the positive effects of CSAF practices on farm yield and income, contributing to enhanced rural well-being. These findings underscore the crucial role of CSAF in promoting well-being. The results encourage stakeholders to develop strategies for CSAF. While these findings are specific to local contexts, they may hold potential relevance at regional and global levels. This of charcoal to the City of Kigali, rendering it treeless and semi- arid. Concerted efforts are needed to develop irrigation schemes and subsidize tree seedlings for farmers to contend with drought and increase and sustain production in this region, known as food insecure.
Geospatial characterization of climate-smart agroforestry in two contrasting physiographic zones of Rwanda
(Elsevier, 2023) Ntawuruhunga,Donatien; Ngowi,Edwin Estomii; Mangi,Halima Omari; Salanga,Raymond John; Shikukua,Kelvin Mashisia
Efficient use of rich natural resources notably land, is one of the most important indicators of economic progress. The unmatched population growth with production has triggered increased demand for food. Nations have prioritized sustainable agriculture as a coping strategy. Climate-smart agroforestry (CSAF) can be one of the options to increase productivity, income, and food security, and stabilize the environment. CSAF denotes a practiced farming system of combining trees with crops or animals (AF) evolved in practices to enhance productivity and feed the food-insecure people while coping with the adverse effects of climate change. This study investigates the land suitability for CSAF in the Bugesera and Rulindo regions of Rwanda. Nine variables were considered for investigation in the study viz. elevation, slope, soil type, rainfall, temperature, LU/LC, distance from roads and trade centers, and landslide risks. The analysis used two commonly known techniques (AHP and GIS) integrated to classify and sort out the suitable land for CSAF practices and development. Results identified three CSAF suitability zones, ranging from 1,662.82 ha (1.60 %) as highly suitable and 90,123.78 ha (86.62 %) as moderately suitable to 12,262.50 ha (11.78 %) less suitable zones in Bugesera. In Rulindo, suitability zones range from 709.92 ha (9.69 %) as highly suitable and 6,514.56 ha (88.92 %) as moderately suitable to 102.24 ha (1.39 %) less suitable land for CSAF. Results further showed that the available means suitable land for CSAF are 34,683.03 ha in Bugesera (34,683.03 ± 48,304.71) and 2,442.24 ha in Rulindo (2,442.24 ± 3,539.79). Land suitability scores for CSAF largely varied across sites (F = 1.33, p = 0.31). Cross-validation using ground-truthing information (field visit and collection of GPS-based ground coordinates of random locations of actual CSAF) mostly supported the generated CSAF suitability maps (nearly 91 % of ground-based locations supported the model output). This study integrates GIS with AHP to plan CSAF farming and scaling up. In sites such as Bugesera and Rulindo where investigations on CSAF are scanty, these results reveal the extent of CSAF farming in the targeted areas. They can provide direction for future land use modifications, better land stewardship, and costeffective solutions in study areas, and other agroclimatic zones. Moreover, this study will pave the way for further studies on the potential CSAF and possibly required interventions for the assessed areas.
Impacts of climate-smart agroforestry practices on income and food security in two Rwandan agroecosystems
(Elservier, 2025) Ntawuruhunga,Donatien; Ngowi,Edwin Estomii; Mangi,Halima Omari; Salanga,Raymond John; Leonard,Kenneth Lynch
Climate-smart agroforestry (CSAF) practices offer a sustainable way to improve soil health, increase farm productivity, enhance biodiversity, and boost farmers’ well-being in low-income countries. This study assessed the effects of CSAF on income and food security among 381 farmer households in two contrasting Rwandan agroecosystems. Data were collected through farm-level interviews and analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and multivariate latent variable regression. Results revealed that CSAF practices increased crop yield, improved food security, and diversified income sources. Livestock contributed the highest income, while tree products contributed the least. Smallholder farms (<1 ha) reported the highest profits, averaging Rwf 68,975,000 (US$ 52,175.46). Food security was higher in Bugesera (46.7 %) than in Rulindo (42.5 %). Among CSAF practices, shelterbelts and multipurpose trees significantly influenced income and profit, while silvopasture enhanced food security. Despite these findings, latent variables – factors related to farmers’ attitudes towards adopting CSAF practices – have a small impact (if any) on well-being outcomes. This is important information for policymakers, as it signals the extension education needed for the farmers’ understanding of the influence of CSAF adoption on improved household wellbeing. Moreover, these results suggest that CSAF practices can lead to increased income, enhanced food security, and greater resilience to climate change. This information can inform policies and guide agricultural researchers in developing and promoting more effective interventions, ultimately leading to wider adoption of CSAF.