Jean Nduwamungu

• Professor
• Professor at University of Rwanda

Patterns of intraspecific variation based on environmental conditions in which populations live may reflect adaptive responses to their habitats. The Rwandan stinging nettle (Urtica massaica Mildbr.) plant grows in most parts of Rwanda both in the wild and domestication forms. While the plant can easily be identified through its leaves and life for...

Composting is a common method for managing organic waste and creating nutrient-rich soil amendments. Recently, biochar, a carbon-rich material from biomass pyrolysis, has been noted for potentially improving composting. This study examines the impact of adding biochar to compost made from cow manure and kitchen waste through a controlled lab experi...

Biochar (B) has low nutrient content and is recalcitrant to biodegradation. Supplementing B with a fast-releasing nutrient source may improve soil fertility and physical conditions and increase crop productivity. A three-season field study was conducted on sandy loam and sandy clay loam textured soils to investigate the effect of B mixed with lives...

More than 90 % of the rural population in Rwanda (72 % of the total population) utilizes the inefficient traditional three-stone fireplaces (TSF), and 65 % of the urban population uses charcoal for cooking. Firewood is bulky and heavy to transport and store in urban areas, and charcoal stoves are more efficient and less smoky than TSF. However, mos...

Agriculture is the backbone of the Rwandan economy and employs more than 72.2% of Rwandans. Agricultural land is one of the scarcest resources, and its expansion leads to a decrease in forest areas and other natural resources. Studies on deforestation and forest degradation in Rwanda indicated that the reduction of forest areas has generally been d...

Landscape restoration initiatives are mainly focusing on forest regeneration and agroforestry, especially in the Global South. However, due to a lack of monitoring tools, the carbon balance of restoration efforts remains poorly quantified. Here, we use satellite images from 2008 and 2019 to calculate carbon stocks for individual trees in Rwanda, a...

The common stinging nettle (Urtica massaica Mildbr., 'igisura') is one of the popular plants used for multiple purposes in Rwanda. This study aimed to get more insights into indigenous knowledge of the multiple uses of this plant in Rwanda. it was conducted in eleven administrative districts in September 2021. a semi-structured questionnaire was us...

The common stinging nettle (Urtica massaica Mildbr., ‘Igisura’) is one of the popular plants used for multiple purposes in Rwanda. This study aimed to get more insights into indigenous knowledge of the multiple uses of this plant in Rwanda. It was conducted in eleven administrative districts in September 2021. A semi-structured questionnaire was us...

Is about the phenotypic characterization of stinging nettle in Rwanda

The common stinging nettle (Urtica massaica Mildbr., 'igisura') is one of the popular plants used for multiple purposes in Rwanda. This study aimed to get more insights into indigenous knowledge of the multiple uses of this plant in Rwanda. it was conducted in eleven administrative districts in September 2021. a semi-structured questionnaire was us...

Landscape restoration initiatives are mainly focusing on forest regeneration and agroforestry especially in the Global South. However, due to a lack of monitoring tools, the carbon balance of restoration efforts remains poorly quantified. Here, we use satellite images from 2008 and 2019 to calculate carbon stocks for individual trees in Rwanda, a c...

Phenotypic characterization of the Rwandan stinging nettle (Urtica massaica Mildbr.) with emphasis on leaf morphological differences. Authors : Nduwamungu, J.1, Munyandamutsa, P.1, Senyanzobe, J.M.V.1, Ruhimbana, C.1, Ugirabe, M.A1, Mahoro, J1., Dusingize, M.C1., Kabarungi, M.1, Irimaso, E.1, Maniraho, E1., Nsabimana, P.1, Mugunga, C.1, and Mugeman...

Animal manure provides plant nutrients and also affects soil nutrient availability, pH buffering and soil physical properties through its contribution to soil organic matter pools. However, the quality and quantity of manure are often low on smallholder farms in sub-Saharan Africa and the initial effect of manuring on crop yield may be small or eve...

The carbon footprint arose out of the debate on climate change, as a tool to measure GHG emissions. This research carried out at Nyabihu tea factory for carbon footprint estimation in tea life cycle was focusing on different key processes and phases or steps through which Nyabihu tea passes until it is delivered to the auction site (Mombasa). Data...

Combined use of lime, animal manure and inorganic fertilisers is effective in replenishing the fertility of degraded acid soils. However, many smallholder farmers lack access to sufficient amounts of these inputs to improve the fertility and reduce the aluminium toxicity of Ferralsols. Organic manures are available but often have low nutrient conte...

Agroforestry systems may alleviate challenges relating to soil degradation and low livestock production for smallholder farmers. Species-adjusted management regimes will determine how agroforestry fits in farming systems. Long-term productivity of biomass in agroforestry systems managed for fodder production requires tree species that coppice after...

Indigenous knowledge (IK) is a knowledge generated at local level and is unique in a local culture and society. Recognizing its importance can facilitate the cost-effectiveness of development interventions of a country through participatory collaboration. The overall objective of this study was to investigate the role played by indigenous knowledge...

The carbon footprint arose out of the debate on climate change, as a tool to measure GHG emissions. This research carried out at Nyabihu tea factory for carbon footprint estimation in tea life cycle was focusing on different key processes and phases or steps through which Nyabihu tea passes until it is delivered to the auction site (Mombasa). Data...

Crop residues constitute an important source of organic matter and serve as livestock feed. Little studies have been conducted to assess the sources and uses of crop residues and which proportion is retained for nutrient recycling in the existing cropping systems in Rwanda. This study evaluated the use of crop residues in major agroecological zones...

Recent agricultural policy in Rwanda encourages sharp expansion of fertilizer use and crop intensification. This study aimed to assess the type and the extent of chemical fertilizer use at household level, range of crops on which it is used, and proportion of small‐holder farm where fertilizers are applied. Five agro‐ecological zones (AEZ) were vis...

Bamboo is one of the fastest growing and highest yielding renewable resources with multiple uses in the world. Lack of seedlings in sufficient number has generally been a major constraint in establishing more bamboo plantations. This study investigated the efficiency of regenerating Bambusa vulgaris through cuttings at Busogo sector, Musanze distri...

Bamboo is one of the fastest growing and highest yielding renewable resources with multiple uses in the world. Lack of seedlings in sufficient number has generally been a major constraint in establishing more bamboo plantations. This study investigated the efficiency of regenerating Bambusa vulgaris through cuttings at Busogo sector, Musanze distri...

Bamboo is one of the fastest growing and highest yielding renewable resource with multiple uses in the world. It is used to make furniture, charcoal, handcrafts, food, soil erosion control and many more products and services. The major constraint in increasing plantation area of bamboo in Rwanda is the lack of sufficient seedling stocks during plan...

The Government of Rwanda aims at making forestry one pillar of the economic development. In this regard, the vision 2020, which contains major targets that have been set by the government to be achieved by year 2020, fixed 30% as the target to be attained in terms of national forest cover. There is need therefore to monitor constantly reforestation...

This study was conducted in Huye District from December 2011 to June 2012, with aiming to investigate the survival rate of trees planted on private and public land from 2007-2011 and underlying factors. Low survival rate of trees planted during annual planting campaigns is often reported in many parts of the country and there is need to understand...

An assessment of fuel wood situation and the contribution of agroforestry and woodlot resources to the supply of household fuel wood requirements were carried out in ten villages surrounding Nyamure former refugee camp, Nyanza District in the Southern Province. A total of 158 households were surveyed in February 2008. Surveyed households were selec...

KEY WORDS: Trees on farm, land use mapping, agroforestry, GIS, remote sensing ABSTRACT Rwanda is a small, densely populated country in central east Africa. The economy is mainly dominated by agriculture, with more than 90% of the population practicing subsistence agriculture. Consequently, farming lands are highly fragmented into small farms. Most...

An assessment of fuel wood situation and the contribution of agroforestry and woodlot resources to the supply of household fuel wood requirements were carried out in ten villages surrounding Nyamure former refugee camp, Nyanza District in the Southern Province. A total of 158 households were surveyed in February 2008. Surveyed households were selec...

Rwanda is one of the most highly populated countries in East and Central Africa. Due to population pressure, most of the natural vegetation has been cleared in favor of agriculture and artificial plantations. However, besides the three major conservation areas of Volcanoes, Nyungwe and Akagera National Parks, there are still pockets of remnant natu...

Forest and woodland ecosystems in Tanzania occupy more than 45% of the land area, more than two thirds of which made up of the Miombo woodland. The main form of land use in the Miombo region has long been shifting and small-scale sedentary cultivation. The lack of infrastructure and prevalence of deadly diseases such as malaria and trypanosiomiasis...

This paper examines the extent and constraints of local people’s involvement in biodiversity conservation in Uluguru Mountains. Data were mainly collected through Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) and household surveys. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) was used to analyse quantitative data. Content and structural-functional anal...

Land degradation has been identified as a serious problem in Tanzania since the 1920s. Among the factors normally cited as contributing to land degradation are deforestation, overgrazing and inappropriate farming practices. Several attempts by the government to arrest the problem have been based on top-down approaches. Indigenous-based intervention...

Conflicts over natural resources such as land, water, and forests are ubiquitous. People everywhere have competed for natural resources to enhance their livelihoods. However, the dimensions, level and intensity of conflict vary greatly from one place to another. This study was conducted in Usangu plains, Mbarali district, Tanzania, to investigate r...