TITLE:
A Comprehensive Policy, Scientific, and Practical Analysis of Forest Seedling Production, Planting, and Maintenance for Environmental Protection in Rwanda: A Case Study of Kageyo-Kahi Site, Kayonza District
AUTHORS:
Jean Paul Bakundase, Jiefeng Lu
KEYWORDS:
Afforestation, Seedlings, Climate Resilience, Biodiversity, Policy, Community Engagement, Rwanda Reserve Force, Sustainability
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Environmental Protection,
Vol.17 No.8,
August
17,
2026
ABSTRACT: Forest landscape restoration has emerged as a central pillar of Rwanda’s environmental governance and climate resilience strategy, reflecting a deliberate shift toward integrated and sustainable natural resource management. This paper offers a comprehensive analysis of forest seedling production, planting, and maintenance, highlighting the intersection of scientific innovation, institutional coordination, and environmental security. Drawing on Rwanda’s experience at the Kageyo-Kahi site in Kayonza District, where 611,112 seedlings were planted at a total investment of RWF 156,669,118, the study examines how the Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB), the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources (MINAGRI), and the Rwanda Reserve Force (RRF) collectively advance reforestation objectives. It further evaluates international collaboration with the Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences (CATAS) in strengthening nursery management and propagation capacity. Employing a qualitative, policy-analytical methodology, the paper demonstrates that Rwanda’s forestry progress is attributable to an integrated governance model that aligns science, policy, and operational support. Persistent challenges including seedling quality inconsistencies, monitoring gaps, and climate variability continue to affect long-term sustainability. The paper argues that effective forest landscape restoration requires a holistic, adaptive approach combining scientific rigour, institutional synergy, active community participation, and robust environmental security mechanisms to ensure resilient ecological outcomes.