Association pour la Conservation de la Nature au Rwanda
Karama RAB Center Field Report held on 23th
July 2015 in Bugesera District
Presented by: Leocadie Nyirankunzimana &Micomyiza Gilbert
Organized by: Association pour la Conservation de la Nature au Rwanda
Funded by:
Table of Contents
List of Abbreviation ...................................................................................................................................... 4
ACNR: Association pour la Conseravtion de la Nature au Rwanda ............................................................. 4
CHAPTER1. Introduction............................................................................................................................. 5
1.1 General Introduction and Background ................................................................................................ 5
1.2. The Field Objectives .......................................................................................................................... 5
1.3. Field Description................................................................................................................................ 6
1.4. Karama Map....................................................................................................................................... 7
CHAPTER2. OBSERVATION .................................................................................................................... 8
2.1 Introduction to RAB station Karama .................................................................................................. 8
2.2: GOAT VISIT. .................................................................................................................................. 10
2.2.1. Introduction of goat At Karama RAB Station........................................................................... 10
2.2.2. Pure Local goat ......................................................................................................................... 10
2.2.3. Galla Goat species..................................................................................................................... 11
2.2.4. Boer Pure goat species .............................................................................................................. 12
2.2.5. Goat reproduction At Karama Station....................................................................................... 12
2.2.6. Challenges and somes measures. .............................................................................................. 12
2.3. The local cattle (Inyambo) visit ....................................................................................................... 13
2.3.1. Conservation of Local Cows at KARAMA RAB Station ......................................................... 13
2.3.2. Vectors, Diseases of local cows At karama station and clinical signs. ..................................... 15
2.3.3. Treatment and control. .............................................................................................................. 16
2.3.4. Strategic plan ............................................................................................................................ 16
2.4: Trial Farm and AGRO-Forest .......................................................................................................... 17
2.4.1. Agro forestry: ............................................................................................................................ 17
2.4.2. TRIAL FARM: ......................................................................................................................... 18
2.4.3. DISCUSSION AND CHALLENGES. ..................................................................................... 19
2.5.1. Natural Forest Description at Karama RAB Center .................................................................. 20
2.4.2. List of plant species found in the Natural Conservation forest of RAB Karama station .......... 21
2.4.3. Challenges ................................................................................................................................. 22
2.4.4. Control Measures. ................................................................................................................... 23
2
2.5. Horticulture and Apiculture in Karama RAB Center ....................................................................... 23
2.5.1. HORTUCULTURE .................................................................................................................. 23
2.5.2. Apiculture ................................................................................................................................. 25
2.6. CAMELS VISIT AT KARAMA STATION ................................................................................... 25
2.6.1.
IDENTIFICATION (Scientific classification) ..................................................................... 25
2.7.1. Forage Background at Karama RAB Station ............................................................................ 28
2.7.2. Challenges in Forage conservation ........................................................................................... 30
Chapter 3. Catch-up meeting Conclusion and Recommendations .............................................................. 31
3.1. The catch-up meeting at BATIMA center ....................................................................................... 31
3.2. Conclusion ....................................................................................................................................... 32
3.3. Recommendations ............................................................................................................................ 32
3.4. Recommendation to the students ..................................................................................................... 32
3.5. Recommendation to ACNR ............................................................................................................. 33
3.6. Recommendation to the Government .............................................................................................. 33
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List of Abbreviation
ACNR: Association pour la Conservation de la Nature au Rwanda
RAB: Rwanda Agriculture Board
MINAGRI: Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources
RSB: Rwanda Standards Board
RURA: Rwanda Utility Regulatory Authority
EDPRS: Economic Development and Poverty Reduction Strategies
DG: Director General
UR: University of Rwanda
I.A: Industrial attachment
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CHAPTER1. Introduction
1.1 General Introduction and Background
On 23rd July 2015 ACNR (Association pour la Conservation de la Nature au Rwanda) organized
the field visit at Karama RAB(Rwanda Agriculture Board) Karama Center, with a delegation of
14 persons including Two from ACNR staff (The executive Director and communications
officer), lecture at UR in Biology Department (Botanist), internees and UR students Biology and
conservation Department.
The visit was guided by Phanuel NDAYEMEYE( the Director of RAB Karama Center) helped
by two veterinarians :Theobar Niyonsenga and Uwimana Raphael. The Director of the center
welcomed the delegation in the meeting room, followed by brief introduction from delegates and
he gave an over view of RAB, Karama center activities.
The delegation together with the Director of RAB Karama center
1.2. The Field Objectives
The main goal of this visit was to make observation on how different activities are integrated
through research and conservation at Karama center.
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1.3. Field Description
Karama RAB Center is a site that opened in 1994 the 16th October, it is located in eastern
province of Rwanda in Bugesera district, Gashora sector. It is bordered by Rweru sector; it is
laying between 2 natural lakes Gaharwa and Kilimbi. It is dry area with annual rain fall ranges
from 700mm to 1400mm and an average altitude of 1250m above the sea level.
The center contains different ecosystems with different communities; vegetation type of this
center is savanna forest .Karama station is the biggest center compared to the 2 other RAB
stations (Gashora and Musenyi Station) which compose karama RAB center. Karama center
uses 1650ha of land where by 29ha of lake, 600ha of nature forest and artificial forest, 50 ha of
forage, 92 ha for farming, 100ha for Horticulture
In terms of conservation, RAB used to conserve indigenous plants and animal species for the
future generation. They have three kinds of goats they conserve which are Local (for
conservation purpose, it is native species), Galla and Boer that are non-native which are
conserved for meats. They conserve 58 Rwandan cows (Inyambo), 7 camels which come from
Egypt in 1998 as a gift to His excellence Bizimungu Pasteur.
Natural forest contains other biodiversity like bees which play a big role in pollination. There are
also other which are not controled; these include birds’ species (example: cattle egret), mammals
(Wild dogs and wild rabbits) and reptiles (uruziramire). Natural forest also contains more plants
species including threatened species (example osyris lanceolata) and other species that are
extinct in the other regions. The ecosystems are distributed in patches as way of conservation in
case of disturbance like natural fire as the area is dry.
Furthermore, in this station, there is horticulture plantation inside the forest and help in security
and protection against poachers and trees nursery plantation.
In addition the Karama RAB Center work towards the economic development of a country in
order to reduce poverty that’s why these activities are also used in earning money.
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1.4. Karama Map
Karama RAB Location Map/ACNR
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CHAPTER2. OBSERVATION
2.1 Introduction to RAB station Karama
The delegation was welcomed by NDAYEMEYE Phanuel the director of RAB Karama center in
the meeting room. He presented to the delegation all activities carried out in this center and the
background of that center.
He said that center covers 1650ha: 29ha of lake, 600ha of natural forest and other hectors are for
horticulture and natural forest. “Here in the center we have research and conservation program
focusing on: Agriculture and animal husbandry of local species for next generation”. The center
has three stations: Karama station for livestock and agriculture, Gashora and Musenyi which
focus on seed multiplication and diversification (gutubura imbuto).
The Director of Karama RAB center
welcoming the delegation /ACNR Photo
Serge Joram Nsengimana the Executive Director of ACNR and the head of delegation got the
opportunity to explain why ACNR selected this center. In his statement he mentioned that “All
participants you see here have read the National environmental policy and law and other
governmental related programs like EDPRS (1, 2) we come here to see how policies are
implemented at this center”.
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He said that Karama is a station where we can found different types of biodiversity including
-
Domestic animal,
-
Wild animals,
-
Aquatic ecosystem(lake),
-
Human activities: livestock and Agriculture
-
Natural forest which plays a role of animal habitat
The ACNR has chosen the center to see how conservation and research are applied as
conservation and research on environment are the main objectives of ACNR.
Delegation in the
meeting
room,
hearing the remark
from the executive
director of ACNR
Photo.
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2.2: GOAT VISIT.
2.2.1. Introduction of goat At Karama RAB Station.
Director of Karama together with 2 veterinaries guided the delegation to goat’s kraal.
At Karama RAB center there are three pure goat species.
1. Local goat species
2. Boer goat species
3. Galla goat species
Apart from those pure species there are also two type of hybrid which come from the breeding of
Local with Galla and Local with Boer for the purpose of increasing the their resistance Each goat
species live in its own tribe (troupeau) within its night kraal and each night kraal contains 50
female goats. Up to now, the center has 558 goats, but the maximum of goats which can survive
are 700 goats. If populations become over 700, they take measures of selling the one of low
adaptation capacity like the old and sick one.
Each goat species has its own night kraal because of the following reasons.





Research and Conservation(local goat species)
To control goats breeding
To prevent diseases
Easy management
It helps to understand behaviors for each type and group.
2.2.2. Pure Local goat
As the site look for research and conservation, the pure local goat species are maintained and
conserved in order to remain with original local goat species for next generation.
The Director of RAB Karama center said that they are very resistant to diseases, climate and
other difficulties compared to others and that is why they are used for breeding other goat species
(local with Galla and Local with Boer) in order to increase the resistance of those ones.
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Local pure females goat species in its night kraal At karama RAB Station/ACNR PHOTO.
2.2.3. Galla Goat species
These were brought from Kenya, they are conserved for meat. They are different from Local in
their white colors and they are giants. They have long ears. For male have separated testicles
they are fragile and not resistant to climate and disease. To conserve them they breed them to
pure local goats to get the resistance from local ones
Galla Goat species at KARAMA Station
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2.2.4. Boer Pure goat species
They came from South Africa. They are bigger than other two species, they also have big ears
which is growing towards down, their height can differ from 2.8kg to 4kg for a new born. Their
face is similar to the one of cheeps we normally see in Rwanda. They are also not resistant and
are breaded to pure local to increase their adaptability to climate.
2.2.5. Goat reproduction At Karama Station.
During reproduction, when the females get estrus period the male are brought in female’s night
kraal to mate them where one male can mate all female of tribe.
During male selection for mate there are some consideration where the weight in born is
considered, For local is between 1,5 -2kg and for Boer is 2-2.8 to 4kg.and the food conversion
ratio (FCR)at that time are considered.
At this site they use also to conserve the genes where by now they conserved in nitrogen. And it
is planned to work with genes bank for conserving the genes in additional to financial and
maintenance support to Karama RAB center.
2.2.6. Challenges and somes measures.
Presence of disease like (umuruku) is disease caused by accumulated hairs in the rumen of goat
Due to of lack of Calcium in the blood(hypocalcaemia) ,this cause the goat to search for salt
which contain hairs from scratching and result to boule formation in rumen ,this affect the
digestion of goat, then loss of weight follow.
On local farmers no exact goat species identification where local goats species mixed with those
from others countries (Burundi...), monitoring and evaluation of those goats species still
challenge in area.
Before introducing the goat in this site from other areas, there are measures they consider namely
vaccination, quarantine and selection of adaptation.
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2.3. The local cattle (Inyambo) visit
2.3.1. Conservation of Local Cows at KARAMA RAB Station.
Apart from small animal husbandry (goats), KARAMA also conserve local cows (INYAMBO)
where the farm contains 58 local cows. The aim of the conservation of local cows is to maintain
the original cows (indigenous) in Rwanda. Because of the introduction of Frisian cows in
Rwanda, local cows are at risk of extinction the reason why RAB, took decision to conserve
them.
The advantages of these local cows are that they are more resistant to diseases and climate
change more than new introduced ones. Another difference between local and Frisians cows is
their breeding capacity and being inseminated. For local cows they are resistant to insemination
because they can be inseminated more than twice where Frisians cows can’t be inseminated more
than twice.
Despite the resistance and adaptability of local cows, there beauty (Physical appearance) is the
most important character that differentiates local cows and Frisians (exotics cows). They have
beautiful long horns where Frisian have small horns and their skin where it is said that skin of
local cows is of good quality for shoes making, belts, and clothes making and for drum making
used in culture of RWANDA. Local cows have milk of high quality rich in vitamins than
Frisian’s cows
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Inyambo At KARAMA Station /ACNR PHOTO.
Normally local cows (Inyambo) are conserved at Karama RAB station, Isonga RAB center and
in Nyagatare at RAB’s farm. The DG of Karama center said that they have the project to
relocate all local cows from different areas to Nyagatare as the main farm for their better
management and facilitate their breeding, it is not easy to access male because they come from
Uganda(Nkole).
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Director KARAMA RAB Explaining how INYAMBO Are Conserved At KARAMA Station
2.3.2. Vectors, Diseases of local cows At karama station and clinical signs.
Theileriose (Ikibagarira) is the main disease which affects local cows at Karama station ,
Theileriose is tickborne disease caused by Theileria species. A large number of theileria spp are
found in domestic and wild animals in tick-infested areas .most important spp affecting cattle is
theileiria Parva which causes wide spread death in tropical and subtropical region.its main
clinical signs vary according to the level of challenge and they range from inapparent or mild to
severe and fatal.the fever(7-910day),anorexia,animals loses condition rapidly,lacrimation and
nasal discharge,terminaly dyspnea
,just before death pulmonary exudates pours from the
nostrils,at death hemorrhages are common on serotal lymph nodes and thymus
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2.3.3. Treatment and control.
As prevention is better than cure, in karama station different measures for controlling and
preventing that disease were taken. Theobar the veterinarian at Karama station told the
delegation that they use dipping tanks, modern spraying methods, and manual with pumps
methods in order to prevent tick attacks and transmission.
Dipping tank method is recently used method where the cattle pass through a dip, which is a
tank where cattle are immersed in chemicals(drugs) to kill parasites in this case is to kill ticks
and now spraying (modern and back spraying ) methods are mostly used for control and
prevention of disease transmission at that station. Apart from those, vaccination, and quarantine
are used. and also cattle egret play big role in prevention of this disease through feeding on
these ticks (uburondwe) which are harmful causing disease transmission to the cattle.
2.3.4. Strategic plan
As Karama RAB station focus on research , it has a project to do an experiment of Theilerioses
of on Frisians (introduced) where They will bring 100 Frisians, put them in a quarantine of 6
month ,put them on a regime, vaccinate 50 of them from Theileriosis and other 50 will not be
vaccinated. After the 6 months all the cows will be exposed to the area where the vectors
(infected ticks) are dominant to see how these cows resist to the Theileriose vaccine.
.
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2.4: Trial Farm and AGRO-Forest
2.4.1. Agro forestry:
System of land use in which harvestable trees or shrubs are grown among,or around crops or on
pastureland, as a means of preserving or enhancingthe productivity of the land
At karama site, there are two parts of agroforestry’s: one is inside the trial farm exemplary of
Imibirizi (Vernoonia amygdalina} and Caliandra which are used to support seeds in terms of
fertilizers). And other in Natural forest where Glycidia tree is used for cattle feeding, fertilizers
and imishingiriro (supporter) for agriculture
Glycidia Tree Plantation Inside Natural Forest At KARAMA Station.
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2.4.2. TRIAL FARM:
Apart from Agro forestry, Karama site also has Trial Farm (Agriculture research farm): this 100
hectares farm is composed by two parts where one part is for fruits namely–Oranges, avocados,
Mangoes, mandarin orange fruits tree and apple trees. In this part RAB does the research on
fruits which can be resistant to climate before they give to local farmers. The research is focused
on resistance either on climate or to other plantation complications. This farm as the full site is
located in dry area of Bugesera, to support the farm they use irrigation system by using pumps
settled in Kirimbi Lake.
The other part of trial farm is composed by maize plantation. Talking to the delegation, the
Director of RAB Karama center, Phanuel Ndayemeye said that this farm is used for research and
explained that this maize are dry because they don’t follow the normal agricultural seasons in
Rwanda as they researching on species which can resist/adapt to dry season (areas )exemplary to
Bugesera district. He said that they plant in dry seasons while other farmers were harvesting.
This trial farm is houses butterflies which play a role in pollination. The scientific research
revealed that they are indicator species which tell the health of environment, sensitive to change
of climate presence of harmful chemicals and pollution to in the atmosphere and water. The
director of RAB said that they are more productive in dry seasons comparing to others season
and they affect plantations especially potatoes.
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Fruit farming and irrigation system/ACNR photo
Apart from, Agro forestry and Fruits in trial farm, there is also tree nursery where you can found
kinds of plants either trees or fruits. These nurseries are used by RAB and surrounding local
farmers. As a challenge, there is no one in charge of this nursery in terms of management. Where
other bed nurseries and other forestation related centers are managed by RNRA while the nursery
bed at Karama center are still handed by RAB which is not in charge.
This trial farm is surrounded by palm trees on one side which are used for wine and amamesa
(palm oil) production. On the other side of trial farm there is Lantana Camara plant close to
buffer of the lake.
2.4.3. DISCUSSION AND CHALLENGES.
As said above, Karama integrated center is a site where Agriculture and conservation are mixed.
It is located on the Shore of Kirimbi Lake.
But when you arrived there you realize that they don’t follow the Rwanda environmental organic
law especially the article regarding to lake protection.
Aloysie Manishimwe the UR lecture in Biology department asked to the Director of Karama
RAB center how they consider the role of buffer zone such as filtering water and play a role in
habitat for biodiversity like birds and other aquatic animals as they don’t respect it(buffer zone)
of 50 meters away from the buffer and setting lantana camara as exotic plant in buffer zone.
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Phanuel the DG of Karama RAB accepted that they know the role of buffer zone, they even
know the article of 85 and 86 of the environmental organic law but as they doing research, they
don’t follow the rules and regulation regarding to lakes protection and use buffer zone in
research and irrigation of trial farm in dry season.
Other challenges that the delegation realized is the Lantana Camara species. This kind of plant
is inside the buffer zone and even inside the Trial farm. As this plant is known to be invasive and
can affect other indigenous plant species and can lead to extinction of papyrus and other species
through competition.
The Director said that this plant is installed for research purposes on adaptability of Lantana
Camara specie in watered soil (humid soil) as this plant is generally survives in arid soil
2.5: NATURAL FOREST CONSERVATION
2.5.1. Natural Forest Description at Karama RAB Center
The conservation of Natural forest is also a large part of Karama station which surrounds the
horticulture zone of station. This natural forest contains important biodiversities including bird
species hummer cope, wild mammals (wild dogs) reptiles like Uruziramire. This nature forest
contains also many trees and plant species but as we were told some plant species are threatened
like Osyris lanceolata (Kabaruka) which is the most threatened,
Somes trees and plant species found in this area were brought from Nyungwe National park for
two reasons;
 one was to make an excitou conservation or conservation done outside the protected area
,its differ from incitou conservation (in the parks)
 The other one was to try the adaption of those trees and plant species to the climate of
Karama to check if they could adapt easily and grow well at this region.
.
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Participants inside Naturals Forest At KARAMA RAB Station.
2.4.2. List of plant species found in the Natural Conservation forest of RAB Karama
station
LOCAL NAME
SCIENTIFIC NAME
1. Umuyenzi
2. Umuvumu
3. Umutozo
4. Umusave
5. Umusagara
6. Umuravumba
7. Umunyinya
8. Umuko
9. Umuhengeli
10. Kabaruka
11. Umubilizi
Euphorbia tirucalli
Ficus thonningii
Hibiscus fuscus
Mrkhamia lutea
Rhus vulgaris
Tetradenia riparia
Acacia sieberiana
Eurythrina abyssinica
Lantana camara
Osyris lanceolata
Vernonia amygdalina
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12. Umuhati
13. Akaziraruguma
14. Bambuwa
15. Barakatsi
16. Bugangabukare
17. Ibobere
18. Icyicamahirwe
19. Icyumwa
20. Igicucu
21. Igicumucumu
22. Igicunshu
23. Igihungeri
24. Igihondohondo
25. Igikakarubamba
26. Igikamba
27. Igisura
28. Igitabitabi
29. Igitenetene
30. Igitoborwa
31. Igitotsi
32. Igiturabuguma
33. Igitovu
34. Ikegera
35. Urubingo
Dracaena afromontana
Begonia meyeri
Coryza sumatrensis
Acacia mearnsii
Hygrophila auriculata
Morus alba
Tithonia diversifolia
Tricodesma zeylanicum
Manihot glaziovii
Botriocline ugandensis
Coleus kilimandschari
Protea madiensis
Dracaena steudneri
Aloe dawei
Nicotianum tabacum
Urtica dioica
Nicotianum tabacum
Kalanchoe bediensis
Solanum capsicoides
Blumea alata
Hibiscus diversifolius
Ancanthus pubescens
Senecio ladiensis
Pennissetum purpureum
2.4.3. Challenges
The main challenges to Karama natural forest are:
 poachers,
 fire
 illegal hunting, ,others human activities and
 .apart from those challenges, there is also more plant species which are not
identified.
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2.4.4. Control Measures.
Due to those mentioned challenges faced natural forest, the administration of RAB took
measures to manage and control it. Those are:
 Set of horticulture activities inside that natural forest where there is people in charge of
controlling those horticulture and natural forest ,this means that they work as rangers
against the poachers and illegal hunting .but also horticulture plays a major role of plant
growth due to the pollination made by insects (bees ,butterfly) that are found in the
natural forest.
 They set new building of roads inside the forest which form the patches (zonation) for
controlling burning or fire in the forest: here when one zone is burned, the roads prevent
the spread of fire to next zone of natural forest.
2.5. Horticulture and Apiculture in Karama RAB Center
2.5.1. HORTUCULTURE
Alongside the effort made by the government of Rwanda in supporting horticulture sector, and
following the big need of horticulture product on market, research and conservation are main
purposes which led Karama RAB Center to invest in horticulture.
This farm is a center of horticulture researches, different plant species are tested there, and those
are Pineapple, Avocado, Apple, Oranges, Mango, Papaya and Lemon
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Horticulture Farm showing some of fruits in Horticulture farm /ACNR Photo
As mentioned in this report, KARAMA RAB Center has a big natural forest, and for long time it
was vulnerable to the population around by the fact that they used to cut trees in the forest for
wood at their homes, construction activities, farming purpose, in research of some commercial
species of plant such as KABARUKA tree, etc
The horticulture farm was set inside the forest to ensure the full protection of the forest. “This
farm is inside the forest , it helps RAB to secure it as they are workers everyday who are
supervising the project, people are afraid to come into the forest” Said Phanuel Ndayemeye the
Director of Karama Center.
Apart from security purposes, the farm was inserted into the forest because of flesh soil as the
center cleared the forest for this horticulture project. This fresh soil make easy the production of
fruits at high quantity and also make the research more effective as the fruits harvested are nature
without the use of any chemical fertilizers.
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This horticulture farm in near the lake where by this lake help watering the farm as this region
and center in general located in dry area.
As the center is for research and conservation, the production must be at high level comparing to
local people’s farm. This commanded RAB to set the apiculture farm near this horticulture one
for pollination purposes.
2.5.2. Apiculture
Apiculture or Beekeeping is another project conducted by Karama RAB Center. The aim of this
project was not to only make money by selling honey but also for research and conservation
purpose as the main role of bees in conservation and in agriculture is pollination.
Apart from pollination for horticulture plantation, it also helps in forage especially for Alpha
alpha species which is very expensive for 45,000rwf 1kg cost of seeds and whose it pollination
capacity is very low comparing to other forage species.( More explanation on Alpha Alpha see
the forage’s part of Report)
2.6. CAMELS VISIT AT KARAMA STATION
2.6.1.
IDENTIFICATION
(Scientific classification)
Kingdom: Animalia
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Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mamalia
Order: Artiodactyla
Family: Camelidae
Tribe: Camelini
Genus: Camelus
Species: Camelus Dromedarius
A camel is an even –toed ungulate within the genus Camelus, bearing distinctive fatty deposits
known as “humps” on its back. The two surviving species of camel are the dromedary ,or one –
humped camel (C.Dromedarius ),which inhabits the middle east and the horn of Africa ,and the
Bactrian, or two –humped camel (C.Bactrianus ) which inhabits central Asia. Both species have
been domesticated, they provide milk, meat, hair for textiles or goods such as felted pouches and
are working animals with tasks ranging from human transport to bearing loads. Their life
expectancy is between 40 to 50 years
2.6.2. Camel in Rwanda and its behaviors
Camels were introduced in Rwanda in 1998 as a gift to former President of Rwanda Pasteur
BIZIMUNGU from the Egyptian government then brought to Gako in the military camp, there
were five, three males and two females then transferred to Karama RAB center. The reason of
this transfer from Gako military camp is that these camels were considered like wild animals
without care and living in a stressful life. Karama RAB center was the answer to all that, they are
now seven camels adding the two offsprings a male and female, reproducing rate is between 1213 months; they feed on Tithonia Diversifolia, sometimes become aggressive when fed a
different species.
As I said in the paragraph above they are only two remaining survived species which are
dromedary and bactarian, the species we have in karama center RAB is the dromedary or one
humped camel from Middle East Africa, the main purposes for bringing them in Karama RAB
center is preparing them for transportation later, for conservation purposes and to adapt to
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climate conditions. And it is planned to deal with LaPalisse Hotel on how will be used in
tourism.
Delegation surrounding the camel/Photo by ACNR
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2.7. FORAGE
2.7.1. Forage Background at Karama RAB Station
As Bugesera district is located in eastern province, it is characterized by long dry periods,
farmers always got problems of their cattle because of dry seasons which affect the district in
more than 5 months the whole year
The Forage was introduced in Rwanda with the aim of conserving natural grasses and food for
animals. Out of 1650ha of land used by RAB station, only 50ha are used for forage.
It was also introduced due to shortage of pasture to cattle keepers to feed their cattle since
Rwanda introduced a new system of indoor method of grazing cattle due to land shortage. And
also with reference to some government policies especially one cow per family introduced by HE
Paul Kagame the President of the republic of Rwanda enforces RAB to plan a solution to
shortage of pasture.
Brachiaria Humidicola species At KARAMA Station
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Karama was the first zone in Rwanda to be used for forage purposes and was later introduced in
southern province in Nyamagabe District.
At karama RAB station, There is three types of forage which are leguminous, granites and local
grasses.
Some of species are:
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
f)
g)
h)
Grasses
Leguminous species
Chroris
Brack li
Alpha –alpha
Brachiaria humrdicola ciat.
Gramines
Pinnisetum purpureum
By visiting Forage plantation, the delegation was interested in hearing about Alpha Alpha
species which is exotic species originated from Colombia to Tanzania and finally introduced in
Rwanda for climate adaptability.
Alpha –Alpha plantation Near GAHARWA Lake
Alpha –Alpha species are rich in proteins which are very important for animals in general.
Forage activities at this Center are important to people surrounding Karama sector where by 2030 million francs are earned per year from harvesting of forage.
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By comparing adaptability of Alpha –Alpha in Bugesera district and that of Nyamagabe district
in southern provinces, the director of RAB Karama center mentioned that Alpha –Alpha species
are more adapted in eastern province compared to that of southern zone and this shows that they
are adapted in high temperature zone than other zones.
On the issue of conservation he pointed out that most of leguminous and grasses are indigenous
so they decided to preserve and conserve local species for animal feeds and conserve them in
order not be extinct.
2.7.2. Challenges in Forage conservation
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As the forage has a big role for Bugesera farmers and even the Karama as a center, it has
challenges of some species which are not reproductive like ALPHA Alpha species which
always has abortion. The director said that it is on 3% of the reproduction late. To deal
with this challenge, the Karama center introduced the beekeeping project which plays a
role in Alpha Alpha pollination.
-
There is also a virus which is now affecting Fresh Cameroun species (Urubingo). The
Director said that they are going to introduce new species which can be resistant to this
virus.
The forage is used as fresh and after the transformation. He was asked the partnership between
RAB and NAEB for this forage and answered that NAEB considers final products for export
while RAB involves in conserving, preparation, and research which gives out quality products
that can be exported. He also said that all activities are done in co-operatives in order to improve
livelihood of people around the area hence better standards of living.
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Chapter 3. Catch-up meeting Conclusion and Recommendations
3.1. The catch-up meeting at BATIMA center
The short meeting took place At BATIMA Center in RWERU Sector around 5:00pm in
Restaurant, The meeting focused on what everyone got from the field visit where all participants
got the opportunities to talk about their observations .
It was opened by Serge Nsengimana the Executive Director ACNR organizers of the visit, he
reminded the delegation the purpose of the visit “We didn’t come here because it’s not far away
from Kigali neither the director is my friend nor other personal interest instead we brought you
here for biodiversity and conservation purposes”. He appreciated the Director of RAB working at
KARAMA Station for accepting the visit.
Discussions from the delegation focused on the role of natural forest which are more beautiful
and so important due to some plant trees that are used for research, traditional medicine, habitat
for other different biodiversity and others which are useful in manufacturing of industrial
products like sprays, body lotions and etc.
They also went through RAB activities especially KARAMA Station wholly talked about how
their activities are coordinated with each other like how apiculture and farming supports
agriculture in the way of providing fertilizers for crops and to take part in the pollination for
promoting normal and quick growth of target crops.
The discussions concluded by the question asked by J. Paul HABIMANA where his question
was “The social impact of KARAMA Station activities on local people living around”.
After different views from students, Miss Aloysie Manishimwe the lecture at University of
Rwanda told students that they have to continue learning “don’t feel like you have a full
knowledge because every day you learn new things that you had never known. This visit is an
opportunity for you to link your theoretical skills learns from school to the practices”.
In his remark, the Director of Karama center gave the answer to the question asked about the
social impact of Karama RAB Center. He said that the social impacts there is that they have 180
families that get health insurance from the center (Mutuelle de Sante) through giving them job .
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In addition, he related this question to the Rwandan proverb saying “Uwambaye ikirezi
ntamenyako cyera” which means that People around here have opportunities to know some
modern techniques used in agriculture and farming in this station but sometimes they ignore
because they rely daily revenues the 1000 Rwf we pay them and don’t implement what they learn
at the center”.
He appreciated ACNR for organizing this scientific visit and behaviors of all participants during
the whole visit process as they were curious to know how different activities are integrated
through research and conservation at Karama RAB Center and welcomed further field visits.
3.2. Conclusion
Basing on field observations ,we conclude that Rwanda still has others natural ecosystems
(indigenous animals species ,natural forests and lakes ) rather than protected area like national
parks which should be promoted ,safeguarded, conserved and protected in special means.
Basing on how integrated activities should be done,at Karama Station integration process of
livestock, agriculture and lakes is still low.
In integration, lakes supply water for livestock and agriculture, and livestock supply fertilizers
for agriculture and aquatics animals. But at this station lakes are not supplied by fertilizers due to
lack of appropriate fertilizers (contain more proteins like Urea…) for aquatics animals(fishes)
from poultry, rabbit, or from pig.
Making a research for increasing individual knowledge and to know how things are, it’s not just
going to school to study biology, chemistry, or googling but study of these subjects by practical
works and being curious individuals like asking yourself what would happen next if I am doing
this and these?. Basing on the findings from field visit at KARAMA Station, it is indicated that
the majority of delegation agreed the use of field works in order to increase students’ motivation,
to challenge themselves to change the world and to make difference for achieving the needs for
the present and future generation.
3.3. Recommendations
After enjoying the field visit and knowing what to do to conserve, to promote and to protect
Rwandan biodiversity for sustainable development, the following recommendations are
elaborated to the students, ACNR and to the Government.
3.4. Recommendation to the students
Students from Universities especially in conservation have to keep in mind that they are future
leaders. They have to learn more by research through field works in order to know achievements
and development barriers of the country in terms of conservation. Because when resources are
not well managed it can cause negative impacts on the future generation. Field visit help to
increase their understanding level and help them to build their self-confidence as the future
institutional leaders.
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3.5. Recommendation to ACNR
We recommend ACNR to provide further field visits opportunities for all interns and help them
to participate in different practical works on the field for developing their critical thinking on
nature and environment as they are keys of country development.
3.6. Recommendation to the Government
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According to Rwanda organic law determining the modalities of protection, conservation
and promotion of environment in Rwanda No 04/2005 of 08 April 2005, Article 85 and
86 should be taken into consideration and enforced wherever appropriate. Due to the fact
that different activities at Karama RAB center such as agriculture and animals husbandry,
trial farm are not respecting the recommended distance from the lake bank.
-
As RAB Seeks for research and Conserving biodiversity for sustainable development of
communities ,We recommend RAB to plan the project of supplying water to the local
community in order to improve their livelihood especially those from Rweru and
GASHORA sectors who directly use water from Kilimbi and Gaharwa Lakes without
any treatment ,which can lead to different diseases in community (helminthes diseases..).
and this will lead to severe damage of those lakes .
-
We also recommend Karama Center to fulfill the Integration activities through Farming
other local small mammals including poultry, piggery, and rabit farm around Lake, this
will help country to maintain different local species and also the fishes from Kilimbi and
Gaharwa will get more nutrients from their manures.
-
We recommend ministries and governmental institutions in charge of conservation and
environment protecting to work with civil societies which have mission of promoting
biodiversity, either by offering to them financial or technical supports as they are
advocating for environmental protection and conservation.
-
We recommend the government to set independent institution for Biodiversity quality as
a model or master of all environmental ,agriculture and farming institutions and this
could work in similar way as that of RBS and RURA but in terms of environmental and
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biodiversity means.This will reduce the risks which would happen if any institution
would like to introduce foreign plant or animal species in the country
-
Karama center has a natural forest as mentioned above in this report, it habitats different
species but the center doesn’t have the exact number and names of species they have.
Mission of the center includes Research and Conservation but it is an issue to have it in
more than 20 years without elaborating what they have. We recommend RAB to start the
research on this Natural forest and wild animals (birds, snakes, mammals….) inside the
forest through survey and monitoring.
-
We also recommend RAB as important research institution to increase the number of
qualified employees to promote level of research and advocacy in all public and private
sectors so that everybody should be aware of environment and research for innovation.
This is due to the above elaborated challenges on integrated activities at Karama RAB
Station came from lack of Advocacy and small number of qualified employees.
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Appendix
List of Participants:
No
Name
Organization
Position
1.
2.
Phanuel NDAYEMEYE
Serge NSENGIMANA
Karama RAB center
ACNR
3.
Aloysie Imanishimwe
University of Rwanda
4.
5.
6.
Leocadie NYIRANKUNZIMANA
Sabiti MULISA
Gilbert MICOMYIZA
ACNR
UR/ACNR
UR/ACNR
7.
Sophie MUSHIMIYIMANA
UR/ACNR
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
RWAMUHAMA Joseph
UWAMARIYA Aloysie
NIWAGABA Alex
HIRWA Elyvis
MURENZI Vedaste
INGABIRE Vestine
UR/ACNR
UR/ACNR
UR/ACNR
UR/ACNR
UR/ACNR
UR/ACNR
RAB Director
The executive Director of
ACNR
The lecture of biology in
University of Rwanda
Communications officer
Botanist
INTERN(Wildlife and
Aquatic resources
management)
INTERN(Biology and
education)
Student/I.A (botanist)
Student(I.A) (botanist)
Student/I.A(botanist)
Student/I.A(zoologist)
Student/I.A(botanist)
Student/I.A(botanist)
14.
15.
16.
17.
MUSABWAMANA Grace
HABIMANA Jean Paul
UWIMANA Raphael
Théobald Niyonsenga
UR/ACNR
UR/ACNR
RAB Karama Center
RAB Karama center
Student/I.A(botanist)
Student/I.A(botanist)
Veterinary
Veterinary
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