Global experts gather in Kigali for the 6th World Congress on Agroforestry to promote sustainable development
Over 700 participants, including international experts, policymakers, researchers, and farmers, have gathered in Kigali for the 6th World Congress on Agroforestry (WCA 2025). The congress aims to explore how agroforestry ,the integration of trees and crops,can support nature-positive growth, improve livelihoods, and build climate resilience.
Attendees are discussing a wide range of topics focused on enhancing productivity, preserving soil health, and improving community well-being, aligned with the conference’s core theme: People, Planet, and Profit.
One key focus at #WCA2025 is soil health and biodiversity in farming systems. Participants are examining practices such as Alnus-Maize Alley-Cropping in Rwanda’s volcanic highlands. This approach involves planting nitrogen-fixing Alnus trees alongside maize crops, enriching the soil, preventing erosion, and supporting long-term productivity. Researchers are studying the effects of these systems on soil fertility and microbial communities to identify scalable, sustainable solutions.
“This congress is an exceptional opportunity to link scientific research with practical farming,” said one participant. “We are particularly interested in how tree-crop integration can enhance soil health, increase yields, and help farmers adapt to climate change, especially in Rwanda’s volcanic soils, which have unique potential.”
Beyond soil management, discussions also cover diversifying farmers’ livelihoods, implementing climate-smart practices, and exploring the economic benefits of agroforestry. Participants are sharing experiences on sustainable farming, supportive policies, and innovations that reduce environmental impacts while boosting productivity.
To support sustainable agroforestry, the Rwanda Forestry Authority (RFA) is actively implementing a program to increase forest cover, providing guidelines for tree planting on farms, degraded lands, and priority areas. This initiative aims to enhance soil conservation, reduce erosion, and improve climate resilience.
The World Congress on Agroforestry is held periodically to advance research, policy, and practice in the field of tree-crop integration. WCA 2025 in Kigali offers a unique opportunity for African farmers and global experts to share knowledge and collaborate on building agroforestry systems that enhance food security, environmental sustainability, and climate adaptation.
The congress also highlights Rwanda’s potential for agricultural innovation, demonstrating how nature-positive development can benefit people, communities, and the environment alike.
