Agroecology: Organic manure for sustainable farming and environmental conservation
Farmers from various regions report that using organic manure in their agricultural practices enhances environmental conservation.
On October 28, 2024, during an interview with Greenafrica.rw, these farmers highlighted the positive impacts of agroecology in promoting sustainable farming while achieving resilient crop yields.
Epiphania Mukamana, a resident of Bugesera District in Ntarama Sector, grows vegetables, peanuts, beans, and maize. She believes that organic manure benefits the environment due to the plant-based materials that comprise it.
She stated, “These plants do not harm beneficial insects, as they are part of the ecosystem too, nor do they damage trees that coexist with crops. The bitter scent of these plants deters pests without killing them, leaving both the crops and the pests unharmed.”
Dieudonne Munyemanzi from Musanze District in Gataraga Sector, who farms potatoes, maize, wheat, beans, and onions, also advocates for organic manure to safeguard the environment.
He remarked, “The crops grown using organic manure are of higher quality, and there is minimal environmental impact. This farming method preserves earthworms and bees, which are essential for soil health and pollination. It’s essential to remember that we, humans, are also part of the ecosystem. Chemical-based fertilizers are major pollutants, while traditional methods are environmentally safe.”
In Burera District, Gahunga Sector, JMV Nizeyimana, who grows potatoes, maize, beans, and bananas, emphasizes his approach to farming, which protects biodiversity and the environment.
Like his fellow farmers, he appreciates the benefits of organic manure, stating, “I use plant-based organic fertilizers that preserve biodiversity. I dig a pit, fill it with decomposed plant material, manure, and organic residue, which enriches the soil for my crops, including leafy greens, tomatoes, cassava, and maize.”
Faustin Vuningoma who was a coordinator of the Rwandan Climate Change and Development Network (RCCDN), emphasized in 2021 that organic manure improves soil’s water retention capacity, thus protecting the environment. “When we talk about environmental conservation and combating climate change, we must recognize that using organic manure also reduces greenhouse gases.”
As a sustainable solution, eco-friendly farming is expected to yield pure, organic crops without synthetic fertilizers. Organic manure fortifies the soil and mitigates the adverse effects of climate change on the environment.
Farmers are encouraged to use thoroughly decomposed organic manure, as it minimizes crop damage and supports the growth of beneficial organisms essential for crop health. (More on this in a follow-up article.)
Greenafrica