Rwanda’s green ambitions: A fruitful future

The Rwandan government has unveiled a bold new initiative to tackle malnutrition and boost rural economies: a five-year plan to plant six million fruit trees nationwide. The ambitious project, estimated to cost over Rwf18 billion, is set to transform the lives of millions of Rwandans. The “Five Fruit Trees Per Household” program will focus on regions with high rates of stunting, including Western, Northern, Eastern, and Southern provinces, as well as the City of Kigali. The initiative aims to not only improve nutrition but also contribute to Rwanda’s long-term food security and economic growth. A diverse range of fruit trees, including avocados, mangoes, papayas, guavas, citrus, apples, wild sweetsop, jackfruit, and pomegranates, will be distributed to households. These fruits are rich in essential vitamins and minerals, making them a powerful tool in the fight against malnutrition. In addition to the government’s efforts, local authorities are also taking steps to support fruit ...