Rwanda launches project to cut methane emissions in agriculture, livestock

RWANDA – Rwanda has launched a new initiative to mitigate methane emissions in the agriculture and livestock sectors, a significant step in its climate action agenda. 

The project, titled “Foster Methane Mitigation in Agriculture and Livestock Sectors,” is a collaboration between the Rwandan government and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). 

It was officially launched on February 18 through the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources (MINAGRI) and the Ministry of Environment (MoE), highlighting the country’s commitment to sustainable agricultural development and environmental protection.  

Agriculture remains a key pillar of Rwanda’s economy, contributing 26 percent to the Gross Domestic Product and employing about 50% of the labor force. 

Livestock production plays a particularly vital role in rural livelihoods, providing income and improving food security. 

However, the rapid modernization of the sector has led to an increase in greenhouse gas emissions, particularly methane, which is released through livestock digestion and manure management. 

Rwanda, as a signatory of the Paris Agreement and a member of the Global Methane Pledge, has committed to reducing methane emissions by 30%  by 2030. 

The newly launched project seeks to address this challenge by developing a methane reduction strategy focusing on cattle and small ruminants, while promoting climate-smart agricultural practices.  

Nomathemba Mhlanga, the FAO Representative ad interim in Rwanda, acknowledged the country’s proactive leadership in climate action, particularly in the livestock sector. 

“We are gathering at a critical juncture for agrifood systems and climate action in Rwanda. The livestock sector, particularly, plays a vital role in both. The livestock sector is not just responding to the climate challenge – it’s actively positioning itself as part of the solution,” she stated. 

She further emphasized the urgency of tackling methane emissions, noting that the livestock sector contributes about 32 percent of total anthropogenic methane emissions. 

She highlighted that methane, though a highly potent greenhouse gas, is short-lived in the atmosphere, making targeted reductions a fast and effective way to curb global warming.  

Aimable Uwizeye, the Livestock Policy Officer in FAO’s Animal Production and Health Division, provided further insight into the methane emission sources. 

“Livestock alone contribute to 32% of methane emissions, with 28% coming from enteric fermentation and the rest from manure management systems. In Rwanda, livestock is a major contributor to the national balance of greenhouse gas emissions,” he explained. 

He noted that the government has initiated several programs to address methane emissions in the livestock sector, and this project aligns well with those efforts.  

The project also aims to scale up the use of anaerobic digestion of livestock manure to produce green energy, benefiting rural households. 

Rwanda’s population has been growing at an annual rate of 2.3%, and the economy recorded a 9.7% growth rate in 2024. 

These factors have increased the demand for animal protein, leading to an expansion in livestock production and consequently, higher methane emissions.  

Olivier Kamana, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources, emphasized that the initiative supports Rwanda’s commitment to modernizing its agrifood systems while enhancing climate resilience and economic growth. 

“Methane emissions from livestock, particularly dairy, beef, and small ruminant systems, are a major source of greenhouse gases in Rwanda,” he said.

“Livestock stakeholders are encouraged to support this project, ensuring its success and alignment with the ongoing Rwanda Dairy Development Project 2.“

The FAO, in collaboration with MINAGRI and the MoE, will oversee the project’s implementation. 

Key stakeholders, including local NGOs and farmer organizations, will play a crucial role in ensuring its success. 

The official launch workshop outlined objectives such as raising awareness on methane reduction strategies, identifying roles for various actors, and developing an annual action plan. 

Expected outcomes include strengthened institutional collaboration, enhanced climate action strategies, and a comprehensive methane reduction roadmap aligned with Rwanda’s Nationally Determined Contributions.

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