Assessing the Impact of Climate Change and Variability on Wetland Maize Production and Food Security in Highlands and Central Plateaus of Rwanda Case Study of Bahimba and Bishenyi Wetlands

Abstract

Agricultural production is highly sensitive to climate change and variability. Abnormal variability in temperature and rainfall patterns increases probability of reduction of crop yields that end up in food insecurity as a direct consequence. This study explored the impact of climate change and variability on maize production in the northern highlands and central plateaus wetlands of Rwanda and its connection to food security for local farmers. Data were obtained using different methods and techniques including review of existing published and unpublished reports, analysis of meteorological data, field observation, household questionnaire and semi-structured interviews.

The study revealed abnormal changes in rainfall and temperature where mean temperature has increased by 0.85 0C in Bahimba wetland and 1.1 0C in Bishenyi wetland for the past 30 years. Research findings show that rainfall decreased by 30 mm in Bahimba Wetland while increased by 50 mm in Bishenyi wetland. Consequently, due to prolonged droughts in Bishenyi wetland, maize yields reduced by 41% per hectare in 2013 and 51% per hectare in 2014. Likewise, in Bahimba wetland, maize yield reduced by 17% per hectare in 2015. These reductions in maize harvests have caused food insecurity among maize farmers and the entire population in the same area. It is recommended that improved adaptation measures including watersheds management, new drought resistant and early maturing maize varieties, community food reserves, savings and credits groups, improving irrigation infrastructures, diversified income sources and improved maize value chain should be taken to ensure increased maize yields and sustainable food security.