IPFG Visits EPALSCO Agroforestry Tree Nursery in Rusizi District

As part of the implementation of the Service Contract for the Production of Agroforestry Tree Seedlings signed between Environmental Protection, Agriculture and Land Surveying Company (EPALSCO Ltd) and Initiative pour la Promotion de la Famille et du Genre (IPFG), an IPFG delegation conducted a monitoring visit to the agroforestry tree nursery established in Mururu Sector, Rusizi District.

The nursery has been established under the project “Restoring the Rusizi River Catchment and Improving Livelihoods of Communities of Mururu Sector, Rusizi District (RIL)”, funded by TerraFund AFR100 and implemented by IPFG. The project aims to restore degraded landscapes, enhance environmental sustainability, and improve the livelihoods of local communities through large-scale agroforestry interventions.

During the visit, the IPFG team assessed the progress of nursery establishment and seedling production activities being carried out by EPALSCO Ltd. The team expressed satisfaction with the quality of nursery management practices, including seed germination, potting, watering, shading, pest management, and overall maintenance of the seedlings.

Currently, approximately 80% of the seedlings required for the upcoming planting season have already been produced and are being carefully managed, while additional seedlings are still in the germination stage due to the varying growth characteristics of certain tree species.

The nursery is producing a diverse range of indigenous, agroforestry, and fruit tree species that will contribute to ecosystem restoration and community resilience. These species include:

• Maesopsis eminii 

• Markhamia lutea 

• Polyscias fulva 

• Prunus africana 

• Alnus acuminata 

• Calliandra calothyrsus 

• Avocado trees 

• Mango trees 

• Citrus trees 

In accordance with the contractual agreement, EPALSCO Ltd is responsible for establishing and managing the nursery, ensuring the production of healthy and high-quality seedlings, providing training opportunities for local workers, and delivering seedlings to beneficiary communities in time for planting.

The successful progress observed during the visit demonstrates the strong partnership between IPFG and EPALSCO Ltd and reflects their shared commitment to restoring the Rusizi River catchment, promoting sustainable land management, and creating long-term environmental and socio-economic benefits for the communities of Mururu Sector and the wider Rusizi District.