SFERE pilots practical approaches to environmental restoration

From 18 to 20 August 2026, the Rwanda Ministry of Environment organised a field visit to the activities of the Sustainable forestry and efficient renewable energy for improved livelihood (SFERE) project in Rutsiro and Rubavu districts. The visit brought together vice mayors in charge of Economic Development from 17 districts, representatives of national institutions, partner projects and implementing organisations. Its main purpose was to observe activities on the ground, exchange with community members and identify practices that could be replicated in other districts if the pilot initiatives prove successful.

At the Rurara site in Mushonyi Sector, community members presented several SFERE-supported activities, including tree nurseries, earthworm-based compost, improved cookstoves and clonal technology. They explained how tree seedlings are produced, how organic waste is transformed into compost and how improved cookstoves help households reduce their firewood consumption.

The demonstrations showed how environmental restoration can be linked to practical benefits for communities. Tree nurseries contribute to reforestation, compost can support soil fertility, and improved cookstoves can reduce pressure on forests while improving household energy efficiency.

The clonal technology pilot was also presented through a demonstration plot comparing clonal plantations with ordinary seedlings. Participants discussed its potential to improve planting materials for forest restoration, while noting that further assessment is needed before considering wider replication.

The visit provided an opportunity for districts to learn from each other and from the experiences of Rutsiro and Rubavu. Discussions focused on what makes such interventions work in practice, including community ownership, technical support, district leadership and coordination between the Ministry of Environment, implementing partners and local communities.

Overall, the visit offered a useful opportunity to share field experiences, discuss practical lessons and reflect on how promising SFERE-supported practices could inform similar efforts in other districts.

The Sustainable forestry and efficient renewable energy for improved livelihood (SFERE) project is funded by the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and implemented by LuxDev, the Luxembourg Development Cooperation Agency.