Introducing clonal technology in forestry in Rwanda

Clonal technology is a method of growing new plants by copying a tree that’s strong, fast-growing and healthy. In Rwanda, where land is precious and forests are vital to both the economy and the environment, this technology is a game-changer. It supports national goals like poverty reduction, climate resilience and sustainable development. That’s why the Sustainable forestry and efficient renewable energy for improved livelihood (SFERE) project is introducing and promoting clonal technology as part of its strategy to strengthen sustainable forestry and improve community livelihoods.

Clonal propagation means reproducing plants from cuttings of a “mother” plant, rather than from seeds. Unlike conventional breeding, which mixes genetic traits and can produce unpredictable results, cloning ensures every new plant is genetically identical to the original. Now, Rwanda is applying it to forestry.

Key benefits include :

• uniformity : all trees grow at the same rate and quality, making forest management easier;
• disease resistance : stronger genetics mean fewer losses to pests and disease;
• rapid multiplication : millions of trees can be produced quickly;
• shorter maturity time : trees reach harvestable size in 4–5 years instead of 8–10;
• higher productivity : wood yield increases from 5.5 to 20 cubic meters per hectare.
   

For smallholder farmers, clonal technology also offers stability. With faster-growing, more resilient trees, farmers can earn income sooner and with less risk. This is especially important in areas where land is limited and livelihoods depend on reliable harvests.

By integrating clonal technology into Rwanda’s forestry strategy, the SFERE project is not just planting trees, it’s also planting opportunity. With the University of Rwanda leading the way and a national committee guiding the rollout, this innovation is set to reshape the landscape literally and economically.

The facilities of the University of Rwanda’s College of Agriculture, Animal Sciences and Veterinary Medicine will be upgraded to support the annual production of 10 million clones, delivering the following benefits :

• women’s empowerment : over 1,200 women in community nurseries will gain employment;
• youth opportunities : more than 10,000 young people will be employed in planting, care and harvesting;
• technical careers : educated youth will find employment in high-tech nurseries and forestry labs;
• poverty reduction : an estimated 12,000 farmers will be lifted out of poverty each year thanks to increased productivity and income.

The SFERE project aims to strengthen the resilience of forest landscapes and dependent communities to climate change in selected districts of Northwestern and in Eastern Rwanda. It is funded by the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and implemented by LuxDev, the Luxembourg Development Cooperation Agency.