Building Resilience of Communities Living in Degraded Forests, Savannahs and Wetlands Through Ecosystem based Adaptation (EbA) Approach: Case study of Kayonza District

Rwanda is currently highly vulnerable to climate change as it is strongly relient on rain-fed agriculture both for rural livelihoods. It depends on hydropower for half of its electricity generation. Rwanda has experienced a temperature increase of 1.4oC since 1970, higher than the global average and can expect an increase in temperature of up to 2.5oC by the 2050oC from 1970 (Green Growth and Climate Resilience, 2011 Kigali).

Kayonza District being located in Eastern Province of Rwanda, the region affected by drought with livelihoods essentially based on rain-fed agriculture, it is obviously vulnerable to negative effects of climate change. The agricultural use depends almost exclusively on the quality of the rainy season, which makes the area particularly vulnerable to climate change; the increased frequency of drought periods, floods and erosion presently observed considerably decreases the food availability in the area. The biomass represents the main source of energy for households and craft industries. The big pressure on firewood for energy needs and natural resources does not favour the protection of forests, savannahs and wetlands (Kayonza District Development Plan (2013-2018). 1.1 Definitions:  Climate change is a change in climate which is attributed directly or indirectly to human activity that alters the composition of the global atmosphere and which is in addition to natural climate variability observed over comparable time periods (UNFCCC, 1992).  Adaptation can be used to refer to additional activities needed to prepare for climate change. This typically involves specific interventions (larger storm drains or new crop varieties) but can also involve broader social or economic strategies (e.g. irrigation system) (Green Growth and Climate Resilience, 2011 Kigali).  Climate resilience can be used to describe a broader agenda than adaptation. It captures activities which build the ability to deal with climate variability-both today and in the future. Climate resilience building activities include many existing development investment including those in the agriculture, food security, health, land management and infrastructure sectors (Green Growth and Climate Resilience, 2011 Kigali).  Ecosystem-based approaches to adaptation are the use of biodiversity and ecosystem services as part of an overall adaptation strategy to help people to adapt to the adverse effects of climate change. Ecosystem–based approaches for adaptation may include sustainable management, conservation and restoration of ecosystems as part of an overall adaptation strategy that takes into account the multiple social, economic and cultural co-benefits for local communities (GEF, 2012: operational guidelines on ecosystem-based approaches to adaptation, Washington, D.C).  Mitigation refers to efforts to limit or absorb gas emissions which contribute to climate change. Greenhouse gases can be removed from the atmosphere by plants (called carbon sequestration), (Green Growth and Climate Resilience, 2011 Kigali).  Vulnerability: The climate change vulnerability is similar to degree from which the ecological, social and economic systems are susceptible to be affected by disastrous effects of climate change, according to its sensitivity and capacity to face, therefore to adapt (UNFCCC, 1992).