Research Article

Assessment of the impact of native tree species reforestation in Rwanda. A case study of Ibanda makera natural forest

Gaspard Ntabakirabose¹, Innocent Hakuzimana², Vital Mory Karinda³, Jean Claude Noel Majuga⁴, David Mwehia Mburu⁵

^1,2Department of Forest Research, Rwanda Forestry Authority, Huye, Rwanda

 ⁴Department of Agricultural Engineering, Integrated Polytechnic Regional College (IPRC) Musanze, Rwanda.

⁵Department of Land Resources Planning and Management, College of Agriculture & Natural Resources, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), Nairobi, Kenya

*Corresponding author e-mail: gmutago@gmail.com

(Received: 30/01/2024; Revised: 10/04/2024; Accepted: 02/05/2024; Published: 20/06/2024)

ABSTRACT

The study was conducted in Kirehe District, Mpanga Sector. The major objective of this study was to assess the impact of native tree species reforestation in Rwanda. A Case Study of Ibanda Makera Natural Forest.  The study adopted a cross-sectional survey research design as its framework to guide the process of data collection. The target population was households living closer to the forest. The study adopted a purposive sampling approach to select four villages. Twenty (20) households were randomly selected from each village making a total sample size of 80 respondents. Descriptive analysis was done using SPSS version 20, and regression using STATA version 17. A logistic regression model was mostly adopted for this study to determine the factors influencing native tree species in the study area. The result of the regression analysis indicated that age, gender, occupation, household size, price of fuel, tree product use, and distance to the forest influenced negatively native tree species. This study revealed that the most common social-economic benefits of native tree species reforestation are community benefits, soil protection, carbon sequestration, increased research activities, habitat restoration, climate resilience, job creation, water regulation, increased tourism demand, and infrastructure development. Additionally, native tree species require less maintenance, are more tolerant of local conditions, and require fewer pesticides and fertilizers to thrive. Native tree species often require less water and can be used to create natural buffers that reduce noise and air pollution. Finally, from an economic perspective, native plants can improve property values, reduce energy costs, and create a more desirable living environment. Native tree species may also reduce the risk of invasive species, which can be costly and difficult to remove. Policymakers and planners should consider the importance of incorporating native tree species into their plans to ensure a more sustainable and resilient of native tree species for both urban and rural natural environments.

Keywords: Assessment, Impact, Native Tree Species, Reforestation, Natural Forest