Epsilon Archive for Student Projects

Abstract

The forest plantations in Rwanda have been dominated by monocultures of exotic species, primarily
Eucalyptus and Pinus, for the last 100 years. This type of monoculture leaves the forests vulnerable
to disturbances like pests and droughts, and has a negative impact on the species biodiversity in the
Rwandan forests. In 2018, the Rwandan Forest Authority released a revised version of their National
Forest Policy, in which they recognize the importance of practising a more sustainable form of
forestry. Through interviews and literature research this study has aimed to find out which products
and traits are sought after in the Rwandese forestry sector, which native species possess these traits
and if they could be a competitive alternative to the current exotic species.
I found that timber production still is the main priority in the Rwandan forestry sector, but ecological
value, services for local communities and medicinal qualities are also valued. The qualities and traits
of eleven potentially useful, native tree species have been analysed and compared. A selection of
potentially useful species was made based on their biophysical requirements, their wood quality and
the non-timber forest services they could provide. Of these species Maesopsis eminii, Markhamia
luta, Prunus Africana and Milicia excelsa seem promising alternatives to the established exotic
plantation species. Based on those four species a management plan for a mixed-species plantation
has been designed, which will be implemented and monitored by the Rwandese forest company
SEAL Ltd.