In Rwanda’s Eastern Province, a troubling trend has emerged where residents are deliberately setting fires to promote fresh grass growth for livestock. While the intention is to secure fodder during the dry season, these actions have caused widespread environmental destruction, economic losses, and legal repercussions. Authorities are now intensifying their efforts to curb this destructive practice, which threatens not only biodiversity but also the livelihoods of thousands.
A Pattern of Destruction Unfolds
In January 2025 alone, multiple fires devastated vast expanses of land across Nyagatare, Kirehe, and Ngoma Districts. On January 22, residents of Mukama Sector in Nyagatare District set a fire that ravaged eight hectares of land. Just a day later, in Nasho Sector of Kirehe District, over five hectares of government-owned forest were reduced to ash. The most significant destruction occurred in Murama Sector, Ngoma District, where 13 hectares of government forest land were engulfed by flames.
These incidents reflect a recurring issue during the dry season, driven primarily by livestock owners seeking to ensure fresh grass will sprout with the coming rains. However, this practice is illegal under Rwandan law and poses severe environmental and economic threats.
The Human Element: Livestock Owners’ Perspective
Some residents openly admit to starting these fires, citing the need for fresh pastures for their cattle.
Uwimana Eric, a livestock owner from Nyagatare, candidly explains the rationale: “They burn hillsides to allow good grass to grow for feeding livestock when the rains come. It burns for about thirty minutes. They strike a match to ignite the fire, and then the wind helps spread the flames because the grass is dry.”
Similarly, Mukamana Antoinette from Kirehe adds, “It was very windy, and it was during the day with the sun shining intensely. Often, this is done by livestock owners who want to ensure they will have grass for their animals when the rains come.”
While these individuals may see fire-setting as a necessary survival strategy, experts and authorities view it as a reckless and short-sighted action that causes irreversible damage.
The Hidden Cost: Environmental and Economic Impact
The consequences of these fires extend far beyond immediate land destruction. According to data from the Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA), illegal fires contribute to the degradation of approximately 5% of Rwanda’s total forest cover annually, a worrying figure for a country committed to achieving a 30% forest cover by 2030.
These fires also disrupt local ecosystems, destroying habitats for various wildlife species and diminishing biodiversity. The loss of vegetation increases soil erosion and reduces the land’s ability to absorb rainfall, exacerbating the risk of floods when the rainy season returns.
Environmental expert Dr. Jean Bosco Habimana emphasizes the long-term consequences: “Repeated burning weakens the soil’s fertility. Over time, this will lead to desertification, making the land unusable for farming or grazing.”
Economically, the damage is staggering. A report from the Ministry of Environment estimates that land degradation due to illegal fires costs Rwanda approximately RWF 8 billion annually in lost agricultural productivity and reforestation efforts. Additionally, fires set near infrastructure can lead to damage to power lines and water supply systems, leading to further financial losses for both the government and local communities.
Health Hazards: The Unseen Toll on Communities
Beyond environmental destruction, the health impact of these fires is significant yet often overlooked. Burning dry grass releases fine particulate matter into the air, which can aggravate respiratory conditions such as asthma and bronchitis, particularly among children and the elderly. According to the Rwanda Biomedical Center (RBC), air pollution from such fires contributes to 10% of respiratory-related hospital admissions during the dry season in the Eastern Province.
Local resident Jeanette Mukeshimana recounts her experience: “During the burning season, it’s hard to breathe. The smoke gets into our homes and causes coughing and eye irritation. I worry about my children, who often get sick during this time.”
Authorities Respond: Legal Action and Preventive Measures
Eastern Province Governor CG Emmanuel Gasana has issued stern warnings to residents engaging in this illegal activity. “During this dry season, forest burning occurs, but as leaders, we do not remain idle. We have spent days educating the public about the dangers of burning forests. We also remind them that anyone caught setting fires will face exemplary punishment.”
Rwandan law is clear on this issue. According to Article 16 of Law No. 48/2018 on the Environment, setting fires that harm biodiversity, including forests, national parks, wetlands, and other protected areas, is a criminal offense punishable by a fine ranging from RWF 500,000 to RWF 5 million and imprisonment of up to five years.
Governor Gasana emphasizes collaboration between institutions: “We collaborate with various institutions to monitor those who engage in forest burning. I advise the public not to ignore this issue, and anyone who witnesses such actions should report them immediately.”
Challenges in Enforcement: Why the Problem Persists
Despite strict laws, enforcement remains a challenge. Remote areas often lack adequate surveillance, and offenders frequently act during early morning hours when they are less likely to be caught. Additionally, many rural communities are unaware of the environmental impact or the legal consequences of their actions.
Environmental law expert Clarisse Uwamahoro highlights another issue: “While the government has strong laws in place, enforcement mechanisms need to be strengthened at the grassroots level. Many local leaders lack the resources and training necessary to monitor and prevent these activities effectively.”
Toward Sustainable Solutions: Alternatives for Livestock Owners
Experts argue that instead of resorting to fire, livestock owners should be supported with sustainable fodder solutions. Agricultural extension officer Aimable Niyonzima suggests establishing community grazing reserves and promoting drought-resistant grasses that can thrive without the need for burning.
“There is a need for investment in irrigation and silage-making to ensure that farmers have access to animal feed throughout the year,” Niyonzima says.
Additionally, government and NGOs could implement educational campaigns to raise awareness of the long-term damage caused by these fires while offering practical alternatives for livestock feeding during the dry season.
Community Voices: A Call for Action
For residents who understand the gravity of the situation, there is growing frustration over the lack of enforcement. Local farmer Jean de Dieu Rugamba expresses his concerns: “We see our land losing fertility every year because of these fires. The government needs to take stronger action and provide alternative solutions for livestock owners.”
The urgency of this issue cannot be overstated. With the dry season expected to intensify due to climate change, incidents of fire-setting could become more frequent and devastating unless decisive action is taken.
Conclusion: A Collective Responsibility
As Rwanda works toward its ambitious environmental and economic goals, tackling the issue of illegal fires in the Eastern Province requires a multifaceted approach. Stricter law enforcement, community education, and the promotion of sustainable agricultural practices are all crucial steps in addressing this crisis.
While livestock owners may view these fires as a necessity for survival, the long-term cost to the environment, economy, and public health is far too high. Protecting Rwanda’s natural resources is not just the responsibility of the government—it is a shared duty that requires the commitment of every citizen.
Authorities continue to urge residents to report any illegal fires and adhere to environmental protection laws. Only through collective action can the cycle of destruction be broken and Rwanda’s commitment to sustainability upheld.