Assessment of the impacts of bamboo promotion on soil conservation and people’s livelihood in Gataraga sector, Musanze district, northern Rwanda

Abstract

This study aimed at assessing the impacts of Bamboo promotion for soil conservation and improved people’s livelihood around Volcanoes National Park (BASOLI/VNP) Project in Gataraga Sector, Musanze District in Northern Province of Rwanda. Problems linked to poverty, bamboo collection and
soil erosion are highlighted in Gataraga Sector, the reason why this study was conducted from May to August 2012. Formal, informal interviews and field observation were used to collect data. 41 respondents from Rungu and Mudakama Cells in Gataraga Sector were interviewed. The data was
analyzed using Microsoft Office Excel and the Statistical Package for the Social Science (SPSS) 16 using Freidman test, one sample T-Test and paired samples T-Test. Results revealed that the household income and the social services are independent on bamboo production. Farmers got more income after joining Abadacogora cooperative than before the arrival of BASOLI/VNP project (t = -6.815, p = 0.00). The provision of the health services and better education were the main social services achieved. 34 respondents considered the soil erosion control as the first advantage from
bamboo plantation. Cooperatives were considered as an essential pillar in the development process of the members in order to increase household income and improve people’s welfare. There is a need to integrate local people into VNP management by increasing awareness on bamboo  importance, promote bamboo plantation in tree campaign program and finance micro project for poor people living around VNP.

Keywords: Bamboo, soil erosion, local people’ livelihood, household income, biodiversity conservation