Digital Innovation in Forest Monitoring
As the survival rates of planted forests become a growing concern, scientists and information and communication technology (ICT) experts in Rwanda are developing digital systems to track forest growth, detect threats, and ensure long-term sustainability. These efforts are part of a broader push to improve reforestation outcomes and address challenges that have led to significant tree loss in recent years.
A recent study found that trees planted under agroforestry schemes in Rwanda have an average survival rate of about 64 percent, with some sites recording rates as low as 30 percent due to limited follow-up and monitoring. This highlights the need for more effective monitoring systems to support successful reforestation initiatives.
A Digital File for Every Tree
Christian Niyigena Gasaro, a 2019 graduate of the University of Rwanda and founder of Isaro Econext Ltd, has developed the Ecoforest Climate Tech Platform, a digital monitoring, reporting, and verification (dMRV) tool that connects tree-planting and afforestation initiatives with real-time tracking, particularly benefiting smallholder farmers.
“The platform functions like a digital file for every tree,” Gasaro explained. “It tracks how many trees are alive, how they are growing, and where replacements are needed. It monitors and monetises climate-smart trees with digital evidence of impact.”
After planting, each tree or plot is registered with GPS coordinates, farmer details, and species information. Field agents, dubbed Green Agents, use mobile tools to collect periodic updates through an app and USSD code, tracking tree growth, survival, and health.
The system integrates satellite data, weather patterns, and analytics to detect disease, pests, or drought stress over time. Smallholder farmers using feature phones can access the platform through the Igiti App or USSD, while organisations view results via online dashboards and reports.
Corporate Adoption and Farmer Benefits
Britam Insurance Company Rwanda Ltd is among the first users of the platform, working with smallholder farmers to plant 10,000 climate-smart trees. “The platform provides digital monitoring. Each tree planted under this corporate social responsibility initiative is mapped, monitored, and supported,” said Julie Mutoni, a Board Director at Britam. “We receive data on survival, growth, and social impact. Farmers get productive tree species, training, and follow-up.”
Mutoni added that Britam plans to expand to 1.5 million trees nationwide over the next five years. “These trees will contribute to Rwanda’s reforestation targets, improve air quality, and restore soil while supporting farmers’ livelihoods.”
National Efforts to Strengthen Forest Monitoring
According to the Rwanda Forestry Authority (RFA), between 2009 and 2019, approximately 105,713 hectares were deforested while 139,674 hectares were newly planted, a net forest cover gain of about 5 percent over the decade. However, RFA officials and researchers warn that weak monitoring systems continue to undermine forest management.
A study led by Jean Nduwamungu (University of Rwanda) and Athanase Mukuralinda (CIFOR) found that many public forests face threats such as illegal harvesting, over-cutting, and low productivity due to poor oversight and heavy reliance on fuelwood.
“There should be sufficient monitoring to prevent inefficiencies. Management of planted forests remains poor,” said MP Jean René Niyorurema, urging better follow-up after planting.
Appearing before Parliament’s Committee on Land, Agriculture, Livestock and Environment on October 30, Concorde Nsengumuremyi, Director General of RFA, said a new forest monitoring and evaluation system and forest master plan are under development. “The system will detect carbon storage and tree species. We must collaborate with space agencies and developers,” Nsengumuremyi noted.
Tracking the Carbon Market
In parallel, Rwanda is setting up a carbon market project registry to track emission reductions and carbon credits, according to Juliet Kabera, Director General of the Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA). The registry will record mitigation outcomes and transactions under both voluntary markets and Article 6 of the Paris Agreement. It aligns with the Standardised Crediting Framework (SCF), which defines how emission reductions are measured and verified.
“The carbon registry promotes transparency and simplifies tracking of Rwanda’s carbon market performance,” Kabera said.
Future Prospects
As Rwanda scales up digital monitoring in forestry and carbon projects, innovators like Gasaro see an opportunity to merge conservation with technology, ensuring that every tree planted is counted, nurtured, and sustained. With ambitious goals to plant 300 million trees by 2029, including 70 percent under agroforestry, the country is leveraging technology to create a more sustainable future.