Field visit report

Field visit report
In reference to the cooperation agreements signed on 30^th October 2015 between Ngororero District and the Ministry of Defense/RF as amended on 19^th June 2020 for restoration of Gishwati-Mukura forest reserves under LAFREC Project support;
Reserve Force of the Ministry of Defense has been implementing restoration activities related to rehabilitation of degraded land in Mukura forest reserve and sustainable land management practices within the corridor lying between Gishwati and Mukura forests.
Silvopastoralism is one of the activities that were held back by several challenges which called for greater attention to reverse the situation and maintain the efforts of pursuing the project objectives.
Under this framework, it was conducted a field visit on 26^th January 2021, to assess the progress of execution of activities related to fencing and tree planting in Gishwati pasture lands on 89.23 Ha in Muhanda sector of Ngororero District. The hereby field visit was also aimed at verifying how trees are maintained and encountered challenges that need responsive action to offset their effects on the project objectives.
Field findings
After field observations, we found out the following:

• 
  Tree planting in the pasture lands is on good progress with exception on some contour lines which need to undergo relining activities;
  
• 
  Generally planted trees are well maintained;
  
• 
  Community initiatives for maintenance are noticeable;
  
• 
  Tree seedlings for gap filling are ready in the nursery.
  
• 
  With the field observations, the progress is rated at 85%.
  

Challenges

• 
  Some areas mainly contour lines are not yet planted;
  
• 
  Two tree species namely Mimosa scabrella and Croton megalocarpus are not yet planted as per the revised statement of work;
  
• 
  Some farmers are not implementing the recommendations mentioned in contract agreements signed between them and Ngororero District.
  

Recommendations
In order to maintain the project achievements, we recommend the following:

• 
  RF should facilitate site mangers with funds to execute remaining activities especially tending operations, gap filling and tree planting in pursuit of project targets;
  
• 
  Community mobilizations are still needed to discourage indifference behavior among some of them.
  
• 
  RF should carry out relining activities to cover remaining gaps
  

Illustrative photos

Planted trees are under maintenance

Contour lines to be planted Tree nursery for gap filling


Some community initiatives to maintain planted trees

For LAFREC Project
NSENGIYUMVA Augustin
LAFREC District Environmental Officer