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[November Thematic Report] Sustainable digital Solutions In Rwandan Economy

by Fidele Nyandwi | 05-11-2023 04:36




Located at the heart of Africa, Rwanda is a small country that is periodically subject to the effects of climate change. Among the most recent effects of climate change in Rwanda are the floods that exterminated thousands of lives in the Western part of the country in May 2023. Alongside floods, Rwanda experienced heat waves in March and July 2023,-the hottest months ever recorded in the history of Rwanda–that triggered droughts and hindered agriculture production and economic development in general. (Newtimes)


It is not clear if Rwanda's vulnerability to climate change is linked to her hesitations in climate change mitigation – probably it is not, because Rwanda ranks best among green economies in Africa or worldwide, or if it is because climate change is a global and worrisome issue.


Being a victim of long-term weather pattern alteration, Rwanda did not put its arms in the pockets, saying¡± let it happen,¡± but endorsed and implemented new and sustainable strategies that facilitate to prevent drivers of climate change from increasing. On the front, according to the Rwanda Forestry Authority(RFA), Rwanda adopted the application of digital technologies. For instance, there is an ongoing project called the National Strategy for Climate Change and Low Carbon Development Commonly known as the Green Growth and Climate Resilience Strategy(GGCRS) that endeavors to heighten economic gains by effectively employing resources and enacting businesses that have no harm to the environment. This is paramount in technology sustainability because when you live in Rwanda, you find almost all businesses eco-friendly.


Also, The country invested a lot in building and enhancing the efficiency of renewable energy sources to minimize–if not ban– the utilization of fossil fuels, including petroleum, and peat, and distributing electric and hybrid automobiles that are emission-free to ensure clean and contaminated free sky. 


Another fascinating technology is embellishing and modernizing agriculture by developing hydroponics, aquaponics, and aeroponics. It is frequently narrated that dung and chemical fertilizers stimulate greenhouse gasses; however, regarding their vitality, not everyone can abruptly decide on banning the consumption of industrial agriculture substances albeit they pose harm to the ecosystem. So, in Rwanda, there is a mechanism for growing green plants without using soil; it is called the hydroponics system. This initiative volunteered to terminate, or reduce, the greenhouse gasses that often emanate from the exploiting of composite or chemical stimuli.


In addition, in agriculture, Rwandan farmers often practice soil solarisation. It may sound as if it causes drought thereby pinpointing sun rays to soil, but it is an indigenous way of sheltering or covering moist soils using clear plastic sheets for around six(6) weeks during summer or hot days. This assists in adjusting–raising–the temperature of the soil, killing weeds, soil-borne pests, nematodes, insects, and pathogens. Therefore, soil solarisation evolved as an ideal process for controlling weeds for effective crop growth.


Cited work

Is Rwanda heading toward a green growth pathway? (n.d.). GGGI - Global Green Growth Institute. https://gggi.org/is-rwanda-heading-towards-green-growth-pathway/