What is development according to authors?

Development is a concept and multi-facetted phenomena. Although its history goes back to the antiquities, development exceptionally preoccupied states after the Second World War in the late 1940s. These have since then been efforts for social, political and economic progress all over the world facilitated by the quick technological evolution.

There are numerous definitions of development. Different authors have advanced more or less the same arguments pertaining to this rather wide concept. Below, are some of commonly used definitions:

TAYEBWA (1992:261) states that development is a broad term which should not be limited to mean economic development, economic welfare or material wellbeing as per Tayebwa, development in general includes improvements in economic, social and political aspects of whole society like security, culture, social activities and political institutions.

According to TODARO (1981:56) refers to development as a multi-dimensional process involving the reorganization and reorientation of the entire economic and social systems. He continues to argue that development is a physical reality and a state of mind in which society has, through some combinations of social, economic and political process secured the way of obtaining better life. Similar to the one given by Tayebwa, Todaro?s definition is applauded for its wider view of the development concept as related to social, economic as well as political changes in the society.

Nevertheless, a careful analysis reveals that each level, a country can have different definitions of development. Just because development is a multi-dimensional process involving qualitative and quantitative changes in social, political and economic domains of society and it is undertaken essentially to lead to a better state of life.

According to PERROUX (1978:65), defines development as "the combination of mental and social changes among the population which decide to increase its real and global products, cumulatively and in sustainable manner."

ROGERS (1990:30) adds "development is a long participatory process of social change in the society whose objective is the material and social progress for the majority of population through a better understanding of their environment"

2.2.2.1. Causes of development

It is important to note that, no single "engine" to development can be found. Specific countries have specific causes to their development different authors give different arguments to explain the causes of development.

- Increased savings and investment and acquisition of appropriate technology ; - Structural transformation of the economy and production;

- Human capital formation and human resource development and;

- Avoidance of unsustainable practices that would reserve the development process such as corruption;

- A growing foreign trade with close attention to comparative advantages;

- An economic system that allows for efficient allocation, including increases in the efficiency of government.

However, HONGEDORN view development process as not mechanical, automatic or fully predictable and that, although progress in each of the above areas appears valuable for development, it may not always be a sufficient condition for growth and development.

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Sustainability thus means constraining human economic activity so as to protect those life-support systems or seeks to conserve the environment for the benefit of the future generations. In the absence of sustainability, environmental policies seek to provide environmental good for the current generation. JOHN (1997:192 and 202)

It means also the concern with intergenerational equity but implementation of intergenerational equity requires the distribution of any sacrifices required for sustainability. JOHN (1997:206)

At the world summit 2005 on environment and development, it was noted that this requires the reconciliation of environmental, social and economic necessities or demands. The «three" pillars of sustainability. This view has been expressed as an illustration using three overlapping ellipses indicating that three pillars of sustainability are not mutually exclusive and can be mutually reinforcing.

The UN definition is not universally accepted and has undergone various interpretations. What sustainability is, what its goals should be and how these goals are to be achieved is all open to interpretation. A universally accepted definition of sustainability is elusive because it is expected to achieve many things. On the one hand, it needs to be factual and scientific, a dear statement of a specific «destination". The simple definition "sustainability is improving the quality of human life while living within the carrying capacity of supporting eco-systems" through vague, conveys the idea of sustainability having quantifiable limits. But sustainability is also a call to action, a task in progress or "journey" and therefore a political process. So, some definitions set out common goals and values.

The earth charter initiative on environment speaks that "sustainability as a sustainable global society founded on respect from nature, universal human rights, economic justice and a culture of peace".

According to JOHN (1997:52 and 53), there are three dimensions of sustainability:

1. Economic sustainability spans three key elements of the productive base of an economy manufactured capital, human capital and the stock of knowledge along with the economy?s external indebtedness and the level of economic inequality. Thus, economic sustainability refers to a pattern of economic development that leads to lasting improvement in education status, health status, economic quality, the stock of foreign assets and the stock of manufactured capital and knowledge.

2. Environmental sustainability relates to the stock of natural capital and changes in that stock. Specifically, it implies a temporal pattern of natural resource use that base, including its land, renewable and non-renewable natural resources and climatic conditions. Environmental sustainability therefore involves reducing environmental stress and maintaining or improving environmental quality, enhancing the wellbeing of current and future generations.

3. Institutional sustainability encompasses the political system, the civil and political rights associated with it, the extent and efficiency of the market system, the system of property rights, the quality of governmental policy, agencies and mechanisms of conflict management. These dimensions of sustainability involves developing an institutional structure that increases the wellbeing of current and future generations through enduring improvements in the civil and political freedoms enjoyed by all members of society and the emergence of well-functioning markets.

Breaking down sustainable development in this way makes it possible to explore how economic, environmental and institutional systems interact in the process of development. More important for measuring sustainability, it also allows the construction of measures for each dimension of sustainability and thus permits a more detailed examination of sustainability across countries. JOHN (1997:53)

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About 57% of Rwandans, a majority of them are women, live in poverty, surviving on less than U$1 per day. Additionally, many households do not have access to basic sanitation or water supplies. In recognition of the strong linkages between poverty and environment, one of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs 7) seeks to integrate the principles of sustainable development into country policies and programs and reserves the loss of environmental resources Government of Rwanda: (2007)

The livelihoods and food security of the poor often depends directly on ecosystems and the diversity of goods and services derived from these ecosystems. Health ecosystems provide a range of invisible services that are essential for sustainable development. Achievements of National and international sustainable development goals and effective support to poverty reduction initiatives will require Rwanda to integrate environment and natural resources management principles into the National planning process for economic Development. The economy is also linked to the environment in many important ways. All economic activities including production, consumption and waste disposal subsist in the environment. It has become abundantly clear that the state of environment determines the level of prosperity not only in the short term but also for the future generation. This underlines the need to examine both economic and environmental indicators to determine the impact on the environment of a range of economic activities in Rwanda and conversely, how wise use of environmental resources can increase economic growth. MINECOFIN, (2004:36)

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NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF RWANDAFACULTY OF ARTS MEDIA AND SOCIAL SCIENCESDEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SCIENCESOPTION OF SOCIOLOGY

ACADEMIC YEAR 2011

THE SOCIOLOGICAL STUDY ON ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION AS MEANS OF ACHIEVING SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN RURAL AREAS IN RWANDA.

Case study: Kitabi sector / Nyamagabe District

A Dissertation Submitted to the Faculty of Arts Media and Social Sciences Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Award of Bachelor?s Degree in Sociology

By

Vianney NSANGANIRA

Supervisor: Mrs. Béatha MUKAMURENZI

Huye, October, 2011

DECLARATION

I, Vianney NSANGANIRA declare that to best of my knowledge, the research work presented in this dissertation is my original. None has presented it in the National University or elsewhere for any award. Where the work of other individuals was consulted, were indicated in the references.

Student signature

Date / /2011

Vianney NSANGANIRA

DEDICATION

.

To my Almighty GodTo my beloved parentsTo my brothers, Fabien IRAGUHA, Claude KALISAand Jacques IRAKIZATo my sister Josiane BAYISENGETo my Aunt Asnathy NAKURE

To My Friends Faustin TWAGIRAYEZU and Abraham UWARIRAYE

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I would like to extend my sincere gratitude and consideration to those who supported me directly or indirectly in carrying out this research.

First and foremost I thank God Almighty for providing me grace and wisdom to complete this dissertation. I would like to express my sincere and heartfelt thanks to my father and mother.

I would like to express my sincere consideration to the government of Rwanda via N.U.R for sponsorship awarded to me in every aspect as far as academic issues is concerned benefited during the last four years, my education became a quality-based knowledge to the best of their capacity.

Never can I forget my Supervisor, Madam. Béatha MUKAMURENZI whose supervision, criticisms and guidance were so much empowering, even though she was very occupied by different academic activities, but she accepted to bear the responsibility of taking over with her generous heart during the course of this dissertation; I owe her profound appreciation.

Special thanks go to my fellow students and friends for their limitless love during my study. May GOD, the Almighty bless us all.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

DECLARATION i

DEDICATION ii

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT iii

LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS viii

LIST OF TABLES ix

ABSTRACT x

CHAPTER ONE: GENERAL INTRODUCTION 1

1.1. Background of the study 1

1.2 Statement of the problem 2

1.3. Research question 5

1.4. Research hypothesis 5

1.5. Significance of the study 5

1.6. Objectives of the study 5

1.6.1. General objective 5

1.6.2. Specific objectives 5

1.7. Scope of the study 6

1.8. Organizational of the study 6

CHAPTER TWO: DEFINITION OF CONCEPTS AND THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK
7

2.1. The concept of environmental conservation 7

2.1.1. Environment 7

2.1.1.1. Characteristics of Rwandan environment 8

2.1.1.2. Rwandan environmental problems. 10

2.1.1.3. Environment and economic growth 12

2.1.1.4. Rwanda environmental concerns of the international contexts 13

2.1.1.4.1. Climatic changes 13

2.1.1.4.2. Ozone layer depletion 13

2.1.2. Environmental conservation 14

2.2.1. Necessary conditions for the population implication in environmental conservation

activities 14

2.2.2. Environment Management Systems (EMS) 15

2.2.2.1. Best practices of Environment Management Systems (EMS) 15

2.2.2. Environmental conservation and sustainable development in Rwanda. 16

2. 2. Concepts of sustainable development 16

2.2.1. Sustainability 16

2.2.2. Development 18

2.2.2.1. Causes of development 19

2.2.2.2. Obstacles to development 20

2.2.3. Sustainable development 21

2.2.2.3.1. Integration of environmental conservation in agricultural sector for sustainable development 22
2.2.2.3.2. Integration of environmental conservation in the commerce for sustainable

development 23

2.2.2.3.3. Integration of environmental conservation into economic growth for sustainable development 24

2.2.2.3.4. The integration environmental conservation in local government for sustainable development 24

2.3. The concept of rural areas 25

2.3.1.3. Objectives of having sustainable development in rural areas 27

CHAPTER THREE: DESCRIPTION OF THE STUDY SITE AND METHODOLOGY 29

3.1. Description of the study site 29

3.2. Methodology 30

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3.3. Population 30

3.5. Purposive sampling 31

3.6. Techniques of Sample selection. 31

3.7. Source of Data 32

3.7.1. Primary data 33

3.7.2. Secondary Data 33

3.8. Techniques of Data collection 33

3.8.1. Documentary analysis/ Documentation 33

3.8.2. Questionnaire 33

3.8.3. Interview 33

3.8.4. Observation 34

3.9. Data processing and analysis 34

3.9.1. Tabulation 34

3.9.2. Editing 34

3.9.3. Coding 34

CHAPTER FOUR: DATA PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION OF THE FINDINGS 35

4.1. Presentation of the findings 35

4.2. Section one: demographic characteristic of respondents 35

4.2.1. Distribution of respondents by sex, age and education level 35

4.3. Section two: Qualitative section or Field data analysis 37

4.3.1 Respondents? views on the understanding of environmental conservation and sustainable development in their area. 37
4.3.2. Respondents? views on the impact of environmental conservation for sustainable

development 39

4.3.3. Respondents? views on the activities developed through the presence of NNP. 40

4.3.4. Respondents? views on how environmental conservation maintains sustainable development in rural areas. 41

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4.3.5. Respondents? views on the importance of environmental conservation 42

4.3.6. Respondents? views on environmental problem in Kitabi 43

4.3.7. Respondents views about how local populations were allowed in the participation of environmental activities. 44
4.3.8. Respondents? views around the Nyungwe National Park on how their economic

development changed. 45
4.3.9. Respondents? views on environmental policy and its importance to Rwandan rural

areas 46

4.2.10. Benefits from Nyungwe National Park 47

4.2.11. The linkage between environmental conservation and sustainable development of rural areas. 48

4.4. Qualitative analysis of the data got from the interview with the local leaders of Kitabi

sector. 49
4.4.1. The role played by the local leaders in environmental conservation for achieving

sustainable development in rural areas. 49
4.2.2. Respondents? views on how environmental conservation could be best implemented

and lead to sustainable development in rural areas. 50
4.4.3. Suggested recommendations by the respondents for better environmental conservation

as a way of achieving sustainable development in rural areas 51

4.4.4. Linkage Between theories and findings from the field 51

4.5. Verification of the hypothesis 51

CHAPTER FIVE: CONCLUSION, RECOMMENDATIONS AND SUGGESTIONS FOR FURTHER RESEARCH 53

5.1. Conclusion 53

5.2. Recommendations 53

5.3. Suggestions for further research 54

REFERENCES 55

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UNEP : United Nations Environment Program

MINITERE : Ministry of Lands, Environment, Forestry, Water and Mines

REMA : Rwanda Environment Management Authority

GDP : Gross Domestic Product

EMS : Environment Management System

MINECOFIN : Ministry of Economic Planning and Finance

EIAS : Environment Impact Assessments

ORTPN : Office Rwandaise de Tourisme et Park National

NPs : National Parks

NNP : Nyungwe National Park

UN : United Nations

MINALOC : Ministry of local Government

LIST OF TABLES

Table 3.1: Sample selection 32

Table 4.2: Distribution of respondents by sex, age and education level 36

Table 4.3: Indicators of environmental conservation 37

Table 4.4: Indicators of sustainable development 38

Table 4.5: Respondents views on the impact of environmental conservation to sustainable

development 39

Table 4.6: Respondents? views on the activities developed through the presence of NNP 40

Table 4.7:Respondents?views on how environmental conservation maintain sustainable

development in rural areas 41

Table 4.8: Respondents? views on the source of environmental education 42

Table 4.9: Environmental problems in Kitabi sector 43

Table 4.10: Respondent?s views about how local population was been allowed in the

participation of environmental conservation. 44
Table 4.11: Respondents? views around the Nyungwe National Park about their economic

development changes 45
Table 4.12: Respondents? views on environmental policy and its importance to Rwandan rural

areas 46

Table 4.13: Respondents? views about who benefit from Nyungwe National Park 47

Table 4.14: The respondent?s views about the linkage between environmental conservation and sustainable development of rural areas 48

ABSTRACT

The study is entitled «the sociological study on environmental conservation as a means of achieving sustainable development in rural areas in Rwanda». Case study of Kitabi sector/Nyamagabe District. It was in line with the formulated hypothesis that «the environmental conservation is a real basis of achieving sustainable development to the rural areas in Kitabi sector.

The main objective of this study is to identify the condition which environmental conservation can lead to the sustainable development especially in rural areas. For data collection, qualitative method was used and techniques like questionnaires were addressed to the local population, interview was used for local leaders and observation.

Responses and views were obtained from a total of 24 respondents were analyzed and interpreted. Basing on the hypothesis, the researcher found that there is a link between environmental conservation and sustainable development of rural areas especially in Kitabi sector where the majority depend on. From the findings of this research, it could be concluded that both local leaders and population of Kitabi sector play a great role on the conservation of environment to enhance the sustainable development of rural areas.

Even though the local leaders showed the tireless work to make sure the environmental conservation practices are being implemented for they are not functioning very well at grassroots levels. That is why recommendations were been suggested for better implementation.

Finally it is obvious to note that basing on the findings outlined above, the research hypothesis has been confirmed to be valid. It means the environmental conservation could a tool for sustainable development especially in rural areas.

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Ubushakashatsi bwitwa»ubushakashatsi ku kurengera ibidukikije nkuburyo bwokugera kwiterambere rirambye mu byaro byo mu Rwanda».Umwihariko w?ubushakashatsi n?umurenge wa Kitabi /Akarere ka Nyamagabe.Ni muri ubu buryo ubushakashatsi bushingiye ku gisubizo cyagateganyo kigomba gushakirwa ukuri aricyo,kurengera ibidukikije n?inshingiro ry?iterambere rirambye mu byaro mu murenge wa Kitabi.

Intego nkuru y?ubushakashatsi n?ukugaragaza uburyo kurengera ibidukikije bishobora kugera kwiterambere rirambye by?umwihariko mu byaro.Mukwegeranya amakuru hakoreshejwe tekinike y?ibibazo byanditse byagenewe abaturage b?umurenge wa Kitabi ndetse n?ibibazo biteguwe kuburyo bw?ikiganiro byagenewe abayobozi b?umurenge.

Mugukora ubushakashatsi hitawe kubisubizo n?ibitekerezo by?abantu 24 babajijwe bahagarariye abaturage bose kandi birasesengurwa kuburyo bwimbitse.ugendeye ku gisubizo cya gateganyo cy?ubushakashatsi,umushakashatsi yabonye ko hari isano hagati yo kurengera ibidukikije n?iterambere rirambye mu byaro by?umwihariko mu murenge wa Kitabi aho umubare munini ubishingiyeho byagaragaye ko k?ubufatanye bw?abayobozi b?ibanze n?abaturage bagira uruhare mu kurengera ibidukikije bityo bikaba imbarutso y?iterambere rirambye mu byaro.

Nubwo bigaragara ko abayobozi bagira uruhare mu kurengera ibidukikije haracyariho inzitizi mu gushyirwa mu bikorwa kunzego z?ibanze.Ninayo mpamvu inama zatanzwe kugirango birusheho gushyirwa mu bikorwa neza.

Muri make hagendewe ku makuru yavuye mu bushakashatsi kurengera ibidukije n?uburyo bwo kugera kwiterambere rirambye by?umwihariko mu byaro.

1.1. Background of the study

Rwanda is one of the smallest, poorest and most densely populated countries. High population density in a fragile ecology has predisposed the country?s natural resources. The small size of the country make land on a very limited natural resource and hence, a scarce resource and subject to the gradation. According to the Rwandan Natural environmental policy (2003:9).

The impact of divergent activities including man?s activities, on scarce natural resource was neglected. Little attention was paid to the impact these activities had on the environment. In other words until recently, environmental conservation was not regarded as priority. However, of late awareness of the endangered environment as well of the need to conserve it and to reduce any domain, it has steadily grown (Barrow, 1999:10.)

It is regrettable that although environment deterioration and its effects are evident, responsibility to conserve and redress the environment is shifted from one group to another. For example, neither developed countries nor developing countries appear willing to accept responsibility. Developed countries blame developing countries for environmental deterioration with the argument that underdevelopment is principal cause of environmental damage.

Developing countries on the other hand condemn developed countries for environmental damage due to the increased technological development and its accompanying consumerism, which are regarded as the cause of heavy depletion of natural resource as through the world. There for developing countries do not give priority to the environmental protection to them; industrialization is a sign to the environment and is given priority over considerations of environmental conservation. Despite the shift of responsibility or blame for environmental problems, environmental conservation has become aware that one of the solutions to the environment problems was the management of natural resources. It cost the community a lot of efforts to become efficient in maintaining this goals necessitates international cooperation and continuous supervision. Khitoliya (2004:3).

In addition, information exchange is promotional as another mechanism for cooperation I the effort to ensure environment quality. Some international organizations take on the task of preparing a synthesis of information received (Alexandre, 1991:56)

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In the global, including African countries and Rwanda in particular, environmental conservation at various levels by affecting pressure groups, by directly affecting community, weakness in governance could manifest itself in lack of pertinent measures a poor procedures weak governance plays important role in environmental deterioration. On the other hand good governance plays a role and may prevent environment degradation (UNEP, 200).

Rwanda post war ecological conservation and the role of population participation, coupled with the issue of environmental conservation have not yet been harmonized to pursue the interest of the public. This study will examiners the causes and impact environmental degradation.

Rural areas in Rwanda especially in Nyamagabe district contribute much towards national development. This is mostly important by the contribution of environmental conservation to the sustainable development. It is upon this consideration that this study sets out to establish reasons or to why the government doesn?t put much emphasis on rural areas? Many promises have been made of ending environmental degradation. But there is still a problem which requires a solution.

Why has there been this explosion of interest in conservation, the interest stems from a growing realization that Rwanda today seems to be in trouble and that degradation of the environment through human activity is the root cause. The conservation there is seen as the way out of environmental crisis only through analyzing our environment and its better application and implementation cad dwell (1999:4)

The physical environment of Rwanda has always been deteriorating. At the heart of this deterioration is man, which worries about life economic survival is both the perpetrator and victim of his basic needs and the process that led him to deterioration on his own environment Buchholiz (1993:7)

This research is aimed to show the negative impact of environmental degradation, that?s why environmental conservation is necessary for successful environmental protection in Rwanda.

Environment conservation in Rwanda existed in old days; Rwandans had knowledge on environmental matters and the use of their environment in line with problems at hand by them. Because of high population, human activities had become a threat to the environment.

The main environmental problems in rural areas which are facing, are based on deforestation overexploitation of soil, bush fires, water pollution which caused by domestic waste, soil erosion, population growth and fire wood. Therefore Rwanda environmental conservation must overcome the limits of existing approaches.

Our environment changes dramatically due to diverse reasons either man or natural. This research is a starter to open up the wider duty to make people at higher levels read and understands and extend to others the real values of our environment holds and hence the need to protect it especially in rural areas with strengthening the role of environmental conservation . If this continues, there is hope that some of the very basic issues that need attention raised in this research will be addressed and sustainable development will be achieved.

The link between environmental conservation and sustainable development in rural areas is an important one. There is a need to protect environment, it is important to note that, if the environment is deteriorated and its natural resources become extinct human survival would not be sustainable in the future. This shows the importance of environmental conservation in the process of development. Environment conservation cannot be ignored, if sustainable development is to be achieved. Environmental Conservation is among the main element that facilitate development (Cunningham (2006:4)

The physical environment of Rwanda has always been deteriorating. At the heart of this deterioration is mean, which worries about life economic survival is both the perpetrator and victim of his basic needs and the process that led him to deterioration on his own environment Buchholiz (1993:7)

This research is aimed to show the negative impact of environmental degradation, that?s why environmental conservation is necessary for successful environmental protection in Rwanda.

Environment conservation in Rwanda existed in old days; Rwandans had knowledge on environmental matters and the use of their environment in line with problems at hand by them. Because of high population, human activities had become a threat to the environment.

The main environmental problems in rural areas which are facing, are based on deforestation overexploitation of soil, bush fires, water pollution which caused by domestic waste, soil erosion, population growth and fire wood. Therefore Rwanda environmental conservation must overcome the limits of existing approaches.

Our environment changes dramatically due to diverse reasons either man or natural is. This research is a starter to open up the wider duty to make people at higher levels read and understands and extend to others the real values our environment holds and hence the need to protect it especially in rural areas with strengthening the role of environmental conservation . if this continues, there is hope that some of the very basic issues that need attention raised in this research will addressed and sustainable development will be achieved.

The link between environmental conservation and sustainable development in rural areas is an important one. There is a need to protect environment, it is important to note that, if the environment is deteriorated and its natural resources become extinct human survival would not be sustainable in the future. This shows the importance of environmental conservation in the process of development. Environment conservation cannot be ignored, if sustainable development is to be achieved. Environmental conservation cannot be ignored, if sustainable development is to be achieved. Environmental conservation is among the main element that facilitate development (Cunningham (2006:4)

Consequently, in all measures, plans and efforts directed to the realization of sustainable development full consideration has to be given to environmental conservation. In other words, sustainable development and environmental needs to be balanced in order to achieve sustainable development N.malcolm,( 1997:629). It is therefore necessary to exploit the environment in conservatory manner in order to cater both the present and the future generation.

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This research will be aiming at responding to this question:

«How can environmental conservation lead to the sustainable development of rural areas in Rwanda?

1.4. Research hypothesis

«The environmental conservation is a real basis of achieving sustainable development to the rural areas in Kitabi sector/Nyamagabe district». The study uses environment conservation as is independent variable and sustainable development as dependent variable.

1.5. Significance of the study

This research is expected to be important because its final result will contribute more to the local leaders, population and they will be able to establish new environmental conservation activities and the policies in order to achieve sustainable development in rural areas in particular.

1.6. Objectives of the study

This research will include general and specific objectives which will be identified.

1.6.1. General objective

The general objective of this study is to identify the condition which environmental conservation can lead to the sustainable development especially in rural areas

1.6.2. Specific objectives

1. Discover different roles played by the local leaders in the sustainability of rural areas and assess whether the environmental conservation could be a way of achieving a sustainable development in Rwanda.

2. To find out how environmental conservation will be implemented in the process of achieving sustainable development in rural areas of Rwanda.

3. To suggest alternative policies for environmental conservation in general on the sustainability of rural areas.

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The scope of this nature necessitated enough time and resources to cover the whole district of Nyamagabe. However due to the constraints on the party of the researcher. Only Kitabi sector will be selected as representative sample of the study. The Kitabi sector will be selected because is neighboring sector of Nyungwe National Park, where the environment is more conserved.

1.8. Organizational of the study

This research will be presented in five main chapters. The first chapters is called general introduction including background of the study, problem statement, research question, research hypothesis, and significance of the study, objectives of the study and organization of the study. The second will contain the definition of concepts and theoretical Frame work.

The third chapter will be including description of the study site and methodology.

The fourth chapter will include data presentation, analysis and interpretation of the findings.

The last chapter will contain the conclusion, recommendations and suggestions for further research.

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This chapter provides a conceptual and theoretical framework of the study on the issues of the topic. It further gives the concept definitions views of different scholars and authors. The study includes the following key concepts: Environmental conservation, sustainable development and rural areas.

2.1. The concept of environmental conservation

2.1.1. Environment

Environment (from the French Environner: to encircle or surround.) can be defined as the circumstances and conditions that surround an organism or group of organism or the social and cultural conditions that affect an individual or community. Since Human inhabit the natural world as well as the built or technological, social or technological world, all constitute important parts of our environment. CONNINGHAM (2004:3)

The Canadian environmental protection act (1988:3) defines Environment in terms of the earth?s components which include: air, land and water, all layers of atmosphere, all organic matter and living organisms and the interacting natural systems that include components referred to above.

According to MININTERE:(2003:7), environment is a set of physical, chemical, biological element and socio-economic, cultural, aesthetic, intellectual factors likely to have a direct or indirect, immediate or long-term impact on the development of environment, human beings and human activities.

According to the environment bill, in its 4th article, environment is divided in both natural and human environment. Natural environment comprises of soil and the subsoil, water resources, air, biological diversity and landscape, Sites and monuments while human environment concerns land use management and living environment.

The environment in the study refers to the man?s activities which modify his own life and his wellbeing.

Therefore an urgent conservation activities is needed to the rural space for sustainability and build infrastructures in a manner that would facilitate of population to basic needs .Harashina (1996:7)

The major environmental problems in the study are land degradation, deforestation, reduction of biodiversity. All these factors have led to the proliferation of unplanned residential areas, accelerated environmental degradation and the deterioration of living conditions of rural population.

2.1.1.1. Characteristics of Rwandan environment

According to MINITERE: 2003, Rwanda enjoys a temperature climate. The thermal rhythm is relatively consistent.

In the course of the year, temperature varies between 16 and 17oC in the high altitude region, between 18 and 21oC in the central plateau and between 20 and 24oC in the low lands of the East and West. Annual rainfall varies between 7000 mm and 1400 mm in the lowlands of the East and West, between 1200 and 1400mm in the central plateau and between 1400 mm and 2000 mm in the high altitude regions.

The vegetation also varies according to the relief and the distribution of the rainfall. There is whole plant diversity from the dense forests in the West to the semi arid savannah of the East, land constitutes a resource of highest value. It occupies a first rate place in the national economy since the farming employs more than 90% of the working population and contributes about 93% of exports. However, the small size of the country makes land very limited and therefore much subject degradation. Varying ecosystems cover the country: natural ecosystems consisting of mountains, rainfalls, gallery forests, savannah wetlands and aquatic areas and man-made forests.

According to MINITERE :( 2003:9) the country possesses abundant and varied biodiversity. Biomass is the principal source of energy and it meets 94% of national needs. Wood fuel and plant residues are used for cooking and in industries and cottage industries as a source of primary energy. This predominance in meeting energy needs, coupled with high population density leads to extra demand every year, and worsened by the use of inefficient carbonization and cooking techniques, has resulted in overexploitation of this resource.

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A layer of soil less than a meter deep supports all terrestrial plant and animal life and agricultural production of this planet including Rwanda. Our land is a finite, fragile and non- renewable resource. Pinchot (1999:7)

Human activities contributing to Rwandan land degradation include, overgrazing, deforestation, agricultural mismanagement, fuel wood consumption, industrial expansion and urbanization. The degradation of soil is a threat of the Rwandan food market. Grove (1997:2)

About 90% of Rwandan population is engaged in subsistence farming and they are not able to grow sufficient amount of food. This is linked with ecosystem service of food production, as food supply is characterized by low and mixed agricultural productivity caused overexploitation of soil. REMA (2005:3)

Water resource is an essential human need of critical importance for sustainable developmet.It is needed for agricultural, pastoral and industrial puposes.It is used for human consumption both in rural and urban areas. Water is also used as source of hydroelectric energy and for transport. All these forms of use have harmful consequences on water source which are often characterized by physical, chemical and biological disturbances. Miller (1997:3)

Turner.k (2000:6) asserted that water pollution in Rwanda is mainly caused by domestic waste, agro-pastoral activities and industrial activities.

i) Pollution by domestic waste

It is caused by domestic water mainly from septic tanks; latrines, animal waste and refuse infest drinking water cause diseases? such as epidemics typhoid, chorela and gastro-intestinal disease.

ii) Pollution from agricultural activities

As a result of the scarcity of land and over farming, agricultural productivity has declined. In order to increase soil fertility, the use of fertilizers and the application of pesticides and herbicides increase too. Yet, high concentrations of such chemical products in drinking water are dangerous for human health and environment.

iii) Industrial pollution

Even though industries in Rwanda are not many and are agricultural based or produce detergents, breweries or other small and medium industries, they are almost all found in or near wetlands and throw all their affluent and products in the water .This increase water pollution and chemical components used in these industries are dangerous for human, animal consumption and for environmental in particular. Saarinen (2003:4)

The basic physical infrastructure for the overall development of the country consists of human settlements. Management, maintenance and transformation mechanisms of these settlements must be clearly defined so as to meet the environmental and quality human settlements requirements. MINITERE: (2004:5)

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The imbalance between the population and natural resources (land, water, flora, fauna and other nonrenewable resources) is the major environmental concern. In Rwanda, there is also much reflection of massive degradation through deforestation, reduction of biodiversity, the cultivation of marginal areas, the erosion and unplanted farming of marches.

The environmental degradation has high human as well as economic impact. The current energy crisis exacerbated by environmental degradation has defected not only the rate of economic growth but has also impacted on the livelihoods of the people.

One example of environmental degradation is the declining water levels in lakes which provide the majority of electricity in the country. Since the beginning of 2000, the water levels of two lakes (Burera and Ruhondo) that supply Ntaruka and Mukura hydropower stations have been declining. BARRACLOUGH (1997:12)

The environmental degradation processes also are frequently associated with local level proximate causes such as careless natural resource management, inappropriate technologies, poverty, demographic changes, local power structures social conflicts and natural processes or calamities. BARRACLOUGH (1997:13)

Given to the fragility of Rwandan agricultural sector, it?s clear that the success of Rwandan economic development over the medium to long-term will be intimately linked to the fate of its natural environment. Rwandan natural environment is being threatened by population growth and it is likely that these problems will be exacerbated in the future by climate change, inadequate water management and recurrent draught are already having an impact on the country?s energy production and are undermining the competitiveness of Rwandan fledgling industry. It is important to note that draught was cited as a major cause of food insecurity in the 2006 and vulnerability assessment. Finally, urbanization is likely to generate a new set of environmental needs, such as waste and waste water management. To respond to these challenges, Rwanda will need to divide an ambiguous and coherent response that covers all sectors of the economy and offer an integrated strategy to deal with the management of the environmental and climatic risk, as well as with predictable consequences of population growth and soil degradation. National Human Development Report (2007:15)

This imbalance between the population and the natural resource has resulted in a constantly increasing impoverishment of the population. According to the environment policy in 1993, the proportion of households living below the poverty threshold was 53%. It greatly increased after the 1994 war and Genocide. Surveys carried out in 2001 show that at the national level, 60% of households live under the poverty threshold.

National space is used in an inefficient and non-sustainable manner. Rural areas are still dominated by scattered settlements: agricultural activities and infrastructure are disseminated without any pre-established basic principles of land use. Unsuitable space are wooded, slopes and fragile wetlands are used very poorly due to lack of a master plan of land use management and an explicit land policy and low governing the land tenure system and human settlements. The consequence of this kind of management is soil degradation, reduction of water resources, devastating floods. MINITERE (2003:8)

MINITERE (2003:12) states that the exploitation mines and quarries out in the different parts of the country affects the soils of the hills and marches. It contributes to increased erosion in hills where quarries left open promote erosion. Forests and natural reserves in Rwanda are subjected to high human pressure and rate of deforestation is very high.

This massive deforestation combined with the abandonment and destruction of erosion control systems, particularly following the displacement of the population caused by the 1994 War and Genocide, greatly contribute to the degradation of the bare land on steep slopes and hills. There is also water pollution in the country, which is mainly caused by domestic waste, agro-pastoral and industrial activities. The wetlands also, in Rwanda are generally used for agricultural and pastoral purposes, quarrying, construction and trading purposes. They are generally mismanagement and used anarchical without prior studies of the impact of the activities carried out on resources and human health. Through analysis of the problems of wetlands in Rwanda shows that the major threats affecting ecosystems are associated with agricultural and pastoral activities, mining and quarrying, human settlements, lack of a policy and legal framework, inadequate scientific and technical knowledge of wetlands.

The environment policy points out that, fires also constitutes a serious threat for wetlands and their biodiversity. Analysis of the state of biodiversity carried out for the preparation of the National strategy on biodiversity showed that man-made activities were the most numerous and most harmful to biodiversity. The principle man-made threats to biodiversity are reflected through: poaching, pirating and illicit trade, uncontrolled introduction of exotic species and overexploitation of biological resources, according to MINITERE (2003:4)

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Environmental management is essential for growth and the quality of growth, environment directly affect growth of agriculture tourism and mining sectors. Subsistence agriculture provides food security and employment about 90% of the population. It also contributes about 45% to the GDP (Gross Domestic Product).

A significant proportion of Rwanda?s export earning is derived from coffee, tea, tourism and minerals. Soil erosion can reduce productivity and growth of these sectors in turns affecting the demand for non-agricultural in the economy. The challenge is to utilize natural resource to develop the economy while at the same time conserving the environment to avoid the adverse impacts of pollution, soil erosion, deforestation and general degradation.

Rwanda?s economic growth as shown by trends in real GDP has been on the increase, mainly due to good performance of the tertiary and secondary sector. This could be taken as an indicator that economic growth is not putting much pressure on natural resources. However, the same growth, if not controlled, may lead to an increase of pollution loading, which may affect the environment. Poverty environment initiative/REMA (2007:15)

2.1.1.4. Rwanda environmental concerns of the international contexts

There are environmental problems that pose a serious threat to the international community. These are therefore a concern of the whole world. These environmental problems require the mobilization of efforts and the collaboration of Nations in finding adequate and sustainable solutions. The common ones are linked to climatic changes and the destruction of the Ozone layer.

2.1.1.4.1. Climatic changes

In the 1980?s, the world has been experiencing the problem of global warning. Human activities, particularly industries and means of transport emit greenhouse gases which, in turn, cause the warming of the planet. In order to solve this problem, Nations have negotiated and signed the United Nations Conventions of Climate Change since June 1992.

It is thus, pointed out that Rwanda also signed this convention on 10th June 1992 and ratified it on 30th May 1995. Under the implementation of this convention, the country is preparing the first national paper on climatic changes with the technical and financial assistance of the global environmental facility after which, it will be followed by the preparation and adaptation of the National program for adaptation to climatic changes with a view to alleviating the harmful effects associated to climatic changes. MINITERE: (2003:20)

2.1.1.4.2. Ozone layer depletion

The depletion of the Ozone layer results in increased intensity of ultraviolet radiation on the earth threatens the health of living things. Ultraviolet radiations may cause skin cancer, blindness, reduction of body immunity and affects or destroys fauna and flora species.

MINITERE (2003). Rwanda ratified the Vienna convention on the protection of the Ozone layer and the Montreal protocol relating to substances which deplete the Ozone layer on 11/10/2001. It intends to adhere to all the amendments relating to the Montreal protocol.

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The objective of the environmental conservation is to improve human life quality. It involves the mobilization of resources and the use of the Government to administer the use of both natural and economic goods and services. However, it is used as the relative capability of an environment to satisfy the needs and wants of an individual or Society. BARROW (1999:25)

According to Michael,(1988:144), environmental conservation is defined as the part of resource management which is concerned with the discharge into the environment of substances that might be harmful or that might have harmful physical effects and with safe guarding.

According to CUNNINGHAM (2004:3), environmental conservation is a practice of protecting the environment on the individual, organizational or Governmental level for the benefit of the natural environment and humans. Due to the pressure of the population and our technology, the biophysical environment is being degraded, sometimes permanently. This has been recognized and Government began placing restraints on activities that caused environmental degradation. Since the 1960s activism by environmental movement has created awareness of the various environmental issues.

2.2.1. Necessary conditions for the population implication in environmental conservation activities

> Motivation: the population must be informed; competent structures must be part in place and encourage the rural world that is economically weak to search for possible and adequate solutions.

> Sustainable alternatives: the alternatives offered to the citizens concerning the developmental activities to be taken, must be long lasting and self sustaining and accessible. Logistical and financial supporting must be a guarantee.

> Competence: citizens must possess or acquire sufficient skills so as to manipulate different alternatives, in terms of technical assistance and general instructions.

> Benefits: citizens must be conscious of benefits, which they must get from the actions taken whether by direct or indirect incentives and incitements. GEORGE Williams (2005:10)

2.2.2. Environment Management Systems (EMS)

Environment Management Systems (EMSs) were first developed in the United States in response to increasingly stringent environmental legislation and costly penalty for non-compliance. This led to the realization that there was a need for an integrated and proactive approach to environmental issues. Internal management systems were already established in areas such as health and safety. So, they were recognized as a favorable approach to achieving improved environmental performance. SHELDON and YAXON (1999:4)

EMSs are often practiced without the formality presumed essential. However, in order for a management system to fully integrate itself into the culture and function of an organization, it will need some degree of structure. This will help ensure that it is comprehensive and progressive. For the purpose of this dissertation, an EMS is defined as: the organizational structure, responsibilities, practices, procedures, processes and resources for determining and implementing environmental issues. RONDINELLI and VASTAG (2000:205)

2.2.2.1. Best practices of Environment Management Systems (EMS)

An EMS is about putting systems in place to identify measures and monitor impacts in order to reduce remedy or prevent them altogether. NETHERWOOD (1996:35-38) states that a successful and effective EMS will incorporate commitment to continuous improvement and through defining clear objectives and targets will bring about tangible environmental improvements. In order for an organization to improve its environmental performance it doe not need to implement an EMS. However, with the structure of a system-based approach, an organization can consistently meet its targets, improve performance and incorporate environmental consideration into all aspects of the business.

The environmental policy should set out the overall directions and principles of the organization, such as the pollution prevention and continuous improvement. It should be based on information from the initial environmental review and be documented and publicly available.

A fundamental aim of the environmental policy formulation is to create an environmental culture within an organization. It must address the significant aspects and processes of the organization and create a framework for managing them.