National Tree Reproductive Materials Strategy 2018-2024.

The National Tree Reproductive Materials (TRM) Strategy is a strategic document whose main objective is to create a framework for sustainable production and supply of genetically adapted TRM for the establishment of healthy and productive forest and agroforestry plantations that secure goods and services for enhanced socio-economic development and environmental protection in Rwanda. The Strategy supports the 2018 National Forestry Policy (NFP), precisely in the policy statement number 3: ''Availability of diverse high-quality Tree Reproductive Material (TRM) adapted to the different agroecological regions is ensured to enhance economic and ecological functions of forest and agroforestry plantations in Rwanda''. It aims at a sustainable supply chain of high quality seeds, which does not involve a single model that is appropriate for all species and all actors for the country as a whole, but complementary models that consider the needs of each stakeholder according to agrobioclimatic planting zones.
Two main strategic goals are established: 1) Strengthen the production and supply capacity in genetically appropriate TRM; 2) Develop and implement research programmes that improve the availability of genetically appropriate and adapted TRM to support the value chain.
In order to attain Strategic Goal 1, the document foresees the implementation of measures and initiatives to enhance the supply of genetically appropriate and adapted TRMs for reforestation, agroforestry and forest landscape restoration practices; develop and strengthen the capacity of other public and private actors in the TRM value chain (enhanced public-private partnership); strengthen management, extension and communication services for public and private actors in TRM value and supply chain; promote multidisciplinary participation of stakeholders who can develop collaborative partnerships, based on the respective comparative advantage in TRM value chain; develop mechanisms for creation of TRM reserves for use in emergency situations.
The following interventions shall be implemented to attain Strategic Goal 2: diversifying the tree species and provenances adapted to different agro-ecological zones of the country and improvement of the physiological and genetic quality of TRMs to be provided for reforestation, agroforestry and land restoration; improving the seed storage conditions of recalcitrant and orthodox tree seeds; developing and promoting the large-scale propagation of high-value trees species for mass production of high-quality reproductive materials; developing capacity and mobilizing resources for tree breeding and tree seed research; developing strategies for dissemination of research results.
The NTSS will be implemented over a period of 10 years by MINILAF through Rwanda Water and Forestry Authority (RWFA), and the various stakeholders implicated in different activities. A Monitoring and Evaluation Framework will be created in order to harmonize the actions of every stakeholder and give a strategic direction to the process. An adequate sequencing, from short term to medium term interventions, will have to be put in place. Concerning the institutional framework, the strategy seeks to strengthen the capacity of the National Tree Seed Centre.