Rwanda, FAO join forces to curb methane emissions in livestock sector

RWANDA – The government of Rwanda is reinforcing its commitment to sustainable agriculture and environmental conservation with the launch of a new project aimed at mitigating methane emissions, particularly in the livestock sector. 

The initiative, titled “Foster Methane Mitigation in Agriculture and Livestock Sectors,” was introduced on February 18 in partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).

Livestock production is a crucial pillar of Rwanda’s agricultural economy, providing income and food security to rural households. 

However, it is also a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, particularly methane, which is released through enteric fermentation and manure management.

In response, the Rwandan government, through the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources (MINAGRI) and the Ministry of Environment (MoE), has prioritised reducing methane emissions to align with its commitments under the Paris Agreement and the Global Methane Pledge.

According to FAO, livestock accounts for 32% of anthropogenic methane emissions, with 28% stemming from enteric fermentation and the remainder from manure decomposition. 

Aimable Uwizeye, the Livestock Policy Officer at FAO, emphasised that addressing these emissions is vital for Rwanda’s broader climate agenda.

“We recognise the role of livestock in Rwanda’s economy, but we must also acknowledge its environmental impact. This project comes at a crucial time, aligning with Rwanda’s commitment to mitigate methane and enhance climate-smart livestock farming,” he noted.

The newly launched initiative focuses on reducing methane emissions from cattle and small ruminants while promoting sustainable livestock practices. 

Key strategies include zero-grazing systems, hydroponic feed production, optimised crop residue utilisation, and improved manure management techniques such as anaerobic digestion. 

These measures aim to enhance livestock productivity while significantly cutting down methane emissions.

Nomathemba Mhlanga, FAO’s Representative ad interim in Rwanda, praised the government’s leadership in climate action and livestock transformation. 

“Methane is a highly potent greenhouse gas, but because it has a shorter atmospheric lifespan, reducing its emissions can have a rapid and tangible impact on global warming,” she explained. “By integrating climate-smart technologies, Rwanda’s livestock sector is not just adapting to climate challenges but actively positioning itself as part of the solution.”

The project also aims to scale up biogas production through the anaerobic digestion of livestock manure, offering a renewable energy alternative to rural households. 

This approach will reduce methane emissions and contribute to improved energy access and environmental sustainability.

Rwanda’s commitment to climate resilience in agriculture is reflected in its broader development agenda, including the Fifth Strategic Plan for Agriculture Transformation (PSTA 5), Vision 2050, and the National Strategy for Transformation (NST2). 

The successful implementation of this methane mitigation project is expected to strengthen inter-institutional collaboration, enhance climate action strategies, and develop a comprehensive methane reduction roadmap aligned with Rwanda’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).

Olivier Kamana, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources, highlighted the critical role of the livestock sector in Rwanda’s economic transformation. 

“Methane emissions from dairy, beef, and small ruminant systems remain a major challenge, but with the right strategies and stakeholder support, this project can create a more efficient, inclusive, and resilient livestock sector,” he said.

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