Rwanda urged to embed agroecology and animal welfare

By Muthoni Wainaina

A coalition of over 78 civil society organizations has issued a strong call to the Government of Rwanda to integrate agroecology and animal welfare into the country’s next climate action roadmap, as part of its third Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC 3.0) under the Paris Agreement.

At a high-level national stakeholder workshop held today in Kigali, government representatives, civil society actors, researchers, and international development partners came together to explore how sustainable agriculture and humane livestock systems can strengthen Rwanda’s climate resilience.

Organized by the Rwanda Climate Change and Development Network (RCCDN), in partnership with World Animal Protection and the Alliance for Food Sovereignty in Africa (AFSA), the forum aimed to generate policy proposals that would position agroecology and animal welfare as key components in both climate adaptation and mitigation strategies.

“We are at a defining moment where climate policy must speak to the realities of smallholder farmers and the animals that sustain their livelihoods,” said Faustin Vuningoma, RCCDN Coordinator.
“Agroecology and animal welfare are no longer fringe ideas. They are central to building a climate-resilient, inclusive, and ethical development model.”

Although Rwanda contributes only about 0.01% to global greenhouse gas emissions—and Africa as a whole less than 4%—the country is highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.

Increased temperatures, erratic rainfall, and soil degradation are already threatening food security and livelihoods, particularly among rural communities.

Agroecology and humane livestock practices as climate solutions

Agroecology, an approach to farming that works in harmony with natural ecosystems, was highlighted at the workshop as a sustainable alternative to conventional agriculture.

Advocates underscored its benefits, including improved soil fertility, reduced chemical inputs, enhanced biodiversity, and stronger local food systems.

Animal welfare, often overlooked in climate discourse, was also presented as a critical area for action.

Faustin Vuningoma, the RCCDN Coordinator. Photo/Muthoni Wainaina

Participants discussed how humane livestock practices not only reduce environmental harm but also mitigate the risk of zoonotic diseases and improve food safety.

“There is an urgent need to mainstream animal welfare in Rwanda’s climate agenda,” said Sally Kahiu, External Affairs Lead at World Animal Protection.

She noted that by prioritizing humane and sustainable livestock systems, Rwanda can position itself as a leader in ethical and effective climate action benefiting people, animals, and the planet.

The workshop featured technical presentations, policy discussions, and small-group dialogues aimed at shaping recommendations for Rwanda’s updated NDC 3.0.

A consensus emerged on the need for the government to formally recognize agroecology and animal welfare as strategic pillars of its climate policy.

“As the Government of Rwanda, animal protection is very critical to what we want to achieve in our strategy to produce sustainable food,” said Dr. Fabrice Ndayisenga from the Rwanda Agricultural Board.

He noted that, “we are very happy to see that our stakeholders and civil societies are raising this issue regarding animal welfare and the role it plays in mitigating or adapting to climate change. It is very important that these concepts are taken into consideration for the new NDC 3.0 that we are developing.”

Rwanda’s NDCs are central to setting national priorities under the Paris Agreement, which encourages all countries to outline their climate targets and adaptation strategies.

With the formulation of NDC 3.0 now underway, civil society organizations are pushing for stronger emphasis on community-based, nature-positive solutions.

Participants noted that the inclusion of agroecology and animal welfare would not only strengthen Rwanda’s domestic resilience but also enhance its credibility and leadership in international climate forums.

The workshop is expected to influence ongoing national consultations and inform Rwanda’s contributions to upcoming regional and global negotiations, including the 30th Conference of the Parties (COP30) to be held in Brazil in 2025.