OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE CONSERVATION AND UTILIZATION OF VOLCANIC RAINFALL IN RWANDA'S NORTHERN PROVINCE: A PATH TO SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.65009/40vdas88Keywords:
Water Harvesting, Volcanic Ecosystems, Sustainable Development, Climate Resilience, Rwanda, Northern Province, Rainwater Conservation,,Abstract
Water is the cornerstone of sustainable development, essential for health, food security, energy
production, and ecosystem integrity. In the context of Rwanda, a nation renowned as "the land of
a thousand hills," water resource management is a national priority, as enshrined in its Vision 2050
and National Strategy for Transformation (NST1).
Rwanda’s Northern Province, characterized by volcanic highlands and abundant rainfall, offers
significant opportunities for sustainable water resource management. Despite the region’s
favorable hydrological conditions, much of the rainfall is lost through runoff, contributing to soil
erosion, periodic flooding, and inadequate water availability during dry seasons. This study
investigates the conservation and utilization potential of volcanic rainfall in the Northern Province
as a pathway to sustainable development. Employing a mixed-methods approach, data were
gathered through household surveys, key informant interviews, hydrological records, and literature
reviews. The findings reveal that rainfall conservation through household and community-based
harvesting systems, irrigation infrastructure, terracing, and small hydropower projects can improve
agricultural productivity, enhance food security, generate renewable energy, and support climate
adaptation. The study concludes that volcanic rainfall conservation, if strategically integrated into
local and national development policies, can accelerate Rwanda’s progress toward achieving
Sustainable Development Goals related to water, food security, energy, and environmental
protection. Recommendations include strengthening institutional frameworks, investing in
infrastructure, supporting farmer cooperatives, and incorporating rainwater management into
climate resilience strategies.
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