Mount Sabyinyo in Volcanoes National Park. Farmers are working in potato fields in the foreground. August 28, 2021.
The past few weeks have been eventful, and very busy. The 2021 academic year for the Rwanda Institute for Conservation Agriculture (RICA) finished on August 12. Students left campus for a well-earned break of about a month before the next academic year started in September. During that time faculty and staff took short breaks, along with conducting a two-week orientation for new students before the start of the term. Teresa and I, along with some other RICA staff, had the opportunity to visit mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park during the break. We had a great visit!
Richard Ferguson
Kwitonda (humble) – the dominant silverback gorilla (30 yrs old) of the Kwitonda family – 20 members total. August 28, 2021.The silverback gorilla’s hand as he eats. August 28, 2021.One of the juvenile members of the Kwitonda family. August 28, 2021.An adult female stripping leaves from a plant stalk. August 28, 2021.One of the youngest members of the Kwitonda family – around 1 year old. August 28, 2021.
The silverback gorilla with young playing around him – and Teresa observing. August 28, 2021.RICA Second Cohort students, during class portrait session. August 29, 2021.
The arrival of an additional 84 students to RICA has changed the atmosphere around campus. Having twice as many students, often with multiple classes occurring at the same time, along with relaxation of RICA’s COVID restrictions, makes the campus feel more like a fully functioning university. Classes for the academic year started September 13, 2021.
RICA is partnering with a German manufacturer to evaluate a prototype electric tractor, studying systems that may be appropriate for use by smallholder farmers in Africa. September 22, 2021.Construction workers arriving on campus in the morning. Construction continues – currently up to 1800 workers are on campus each day, with some work continuing around the clock. September 19, 2021.
Night construction on the Campus Center. September 13, 2021.African Pygmy Kingfisher, on the shore of Lake Gaharwa, RICA Campus. September 25, 2021.Our most recent negative COVID test results. All RICA students and staff are currently tested twice a week on campus by RICA’s nursing staff. Frequent testing, coupled with all students and staff being vaccinated, has allowed RICA’s hands-on approach to education to proceed. October 2, 2021.The entrance to the now complete housing complex for 2nd and 3rd year students at RICA. The building is in a figure-8 shape; the east side is Akagera Hall, the west side is Nyungwe Hall. September 16, 2021.
3 thoughts on “Observations From Rwanda: October 3, 2021”
It is amazing to see what all you have accomplished. I look forward to you and Teresa to return to Lincoln to stay. When might that be. Doesn’t Nebraska University have anyone to take your place? I have all of your post in archives.
KilimbiViews 
It is amazing to see what all you have accomplished. I look forward to you and Teresa to return to Lincoln to stay. When might that be. Doesn’t Nebraska University have anyone to take your place? I have all of your post in archives.
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Wonderful pictures. That must have been so exciting!
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Thank you for the update and the National Geographic worthy wildlife pictures!
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