September 11, 2025 | BARAYAGWIZA Sylvain

Field Trip: Kigali – Huye – Nyamasheke – Rubavu – Musanze – Kigali

Volcanic soils are central to life in East Africa highly fertile for agriculture, yet also linked to podoconiosis, a neglected tropical disease caused by exposure to fine soil particles.
Last week (8 - 10th September), our team conducted a research field trip across Rwanda, covering region near the main road Kigali, Huye, Nyamasheke, Rubavu, Musanze, and back to Kigali. The trip focused on three main tasks:
1️⃣ Soil Sampling: We collected soil samples within 20 km of cultivated areas to analyze soil properties and their impacts on health.
2️⃣ Medical Survey & Sampling: We worked with family with four members affected by podoconiosis, taking blood samples and completing survey forms to better understand the disease, genetic and its environmental links.
3️⃣ Soil Bioweathering Study: We installed column devices equipped with temperature and hygrometry probes.
We also visited the Mudende crater in Rubavu district.
This field trip marks another step in our mission to connect soil health, environmental change, and community well-being.