The Akagera Upper Catchment Committee has conducted a multi-district field visit to assess pressing challenges such as erosion, flooding, and land degradation, while reviewing ongoing restoration efforts and proposing solutions to safeguard communities and ecosystems.

The visit forms part of the implementation of the Akagera Upper Catchment Action Plan, which promotes sustainable land and water management across the catchment. 

The catchment covers seven districts; Bugesera, Ngoma, Kirehe, Rwamagana, Kicukiro, Kayonza, and Gasabo with a smaller portion extending into Nyarugenge.

Committee members observed erosion hotspots, flood-prone wetlands, and the impacts of sedimentation affecting rivers and transboundary ecosystems connected to Lake Rweru. They also visited restoration projects in place and engaged with local leaders on how to strengthen community-based solutions.

To address the challenges, the Committee called for stronger erosion control in upstream areas of dams and wetlands, through interventions such as agroforestry, terracing, and afforestation, supported by development programs. They also recommended protecting gullies and riverbanks with bamboo and suitable species to slow down water flow, stabilize soils, and filter sediments before they reach downstream water bodies

Both short- and long-term actions were emphasized. In the near term, communities will be encouraged to build trenches, maintain drainage channels, and adopt agroforestry practices to reduce runoff. Long-term priorities include expanding radical terracing, afforestation, and sustainable land use planning to restore degraded areas and strengthen resilience.

The Committee underscored that progress will rely on strong collaboration among districts, RWB, and local communities, ensuring that interventions are effective and lasting.