About

My work explores socio-agroecological activities and their implications for sustainable agriculture from local to global scales, including virtual water transfers and water-energy-food-biodiversity-health (WEFBH) nexus. All of these efforts come together in my main goal: assessing impacts of climate change shocks on food system while informing sustainable stewardship of dry environment.

Career Type:

Scientist/Researcher/Academic

Organization Type:

Research Institutes and Centers

Expertise Fields/Interests:

Environment; Sustainability; Agroecosystem; Water Accounting; Ecology; virtual water flows; Environmental Law and Policy; Environmental Impact Assessment; Agricultural Policy; Environmental Economics; Environmental Impact Risk Assesment; Water use efficiency; Water Sustainable Agriculture; Natural Resource Management; Natural Resource Economics; Natural Resources Law; Water Productivity; Dryland Agriculture, Dryland Ecology; Food Security; Water Security; Energy Security; Machine Learning; Deep Learning; Neural Networks

Major Achievements:

40. Habimaba I. C., Fengmei Y., Jiahua Z., Jianyi L., Ayalkibet M. S., Mchura T. M., Hirwa H., Murekezi J. S., 2023. Decoupling for a greener future: A spatio-temporal analysis of CO2 emissions and economic growth. Environmental Science and Pollution Research. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-023-29622-2. 39. Baranyika J.B., Bakire S., Meihao S., Shoucheng P., Hirwa, H., (2023). Application of the selected microporous resin for the separation and identification of flavonoids from Chinese Radix, Pueraria Lobata by HPLC-Q-TOF-MS. Microchemical Journal 196 (2023), 109662. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.microc.2023.109662. 38. Alphonse Kayiranga, Xi Chen, Dative Ingabire, Tie Lie, Yaoming Li, Vincent Nzabarinda, Friday Ochege, Hirwa H., Eldiiar Duulatov, Winny Nthangen, (2023). Anthropogenic activities and desertification process controls over water cycle and utilization in the Aral Sea basin: Assessment and decision-making context. Journal of Hydrology: Regional Studies, 51 (2024) 101598. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejrh.2023.101598. 37. Hirwa H., Li F., Measho S., Chen G., Muhirwa F., Zhang Q., Kayiranga A., Qiao Y., Leng P., Tian C., Yang G., Baranyika J.B., Wang S., Habimana I. S., Izerimana E., Peng Y., Ngwijabagabo H., Niyonzima T., (2023). Understanding grain virtual water flux dynamics and drivers from a socio-ecohydrological perspective: A case study of landlocked developing countries of Africa. Journal of Cleaner Production 413 (2023), 137555. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2023.137555. 36. Hirwa H., Ngwijabagabo H., Minani M., Tuyishime C. S. P., Habimana I., (2023). Geospatial assessment of urban flood susceptibility using AHP-based multi-criteria technique: Case study of Musanze, Rwanda. Journal of Engineering, Science, Technology and Environment (2023), 5 (1). https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/rjeste.v5il.6. 35. Baranyika J.B., Katabarwa J., Bakire S., Shoucheng P., Hirwa, H., and Uwagaba J. Meihao S., (2023). Optimization of ultrasonic extraction, structural characterization, and antioxidant activities of polysaccharides from Radix Pueraria Lobata, a Chinese medicinal plant. Results in Chemistry 5 (2023) 100989. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rechem.2023.100989. 34. Baranyika J.B., Katabarwa J., Nyirimbibi K. J., Bakire S., and Hirwa, H. (2023). Assessment of the impacts of selected physiochemical and bacteriological parameters of wastewater (hospital effluents) from the University Teaching Hospital of Butare on the surrounding environment. Journal of Cleaner Production (2023). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2023.137309. 33. Ngwijabagabo H., Tsinda A., Dusengimana A., Minani M., Tuyishime C. S. P., Hirwa H., Habimana I., (2023). Groundwater potential mapping using geospatial and AHP techniques in Eastern Province of Rwanda. Rwanda Journal of Engineering, Science, Technology and Environment (2023), 5 (1). https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/rjeste.v5il.4. 32. Yhdego, S. M., Fadong, L., Chen, G., and Hirwa, H. (2023). Characterizing cropland patterns across North-East Africa using time series Vegetation Indices. Journal of Geophysical Research: Biogeosciences. 10.1029/2022JG007075. 31. Muhirwa F., Shen L., Elshkaki A., Chiwuikem C. J., Zhong S., Bonecke E., Hirwa H., Seka M. A., Habiyakare T., Tuyishimire A., Harerimana B., (2023). Alert in the dynamics of water-energy-food production in African countries from a nexus perspective. Resources, Conservation & Recycling 194 (2023). 106990. doi.org/10.1016/j.resconrec.2023.106990. 30. Yang S., Song S., Li F., Yu G., He G., Cui H., Wang R., Sun B., Du D., Chen G., and Hirwa H. (2023). Evaluating farmland ecosystem resilience and its obstacle factors in Ethiopia. Ecological Indicators 146 (2023) 109900. doi: 10.1016/j.ecolind.2023.109900. 29. Muhirwa F., Shen L., Elshkaki A., Hirwa H., Gloriose U., and Velempini K., (2023). Linking large extractive industries to sustainable development of rural communities at mining sites-Challenges and pathways. Resources Policy 81 (2023) 103322. doi: 10.1016/j.resourpol.2023.103322. 28. Li F., Li Z., Qiao Y., Liu S., Tian C, Zhu N., Hirwa H, and Simon M. (2023). Using soil organic carbon isotope composition analysis to elucidate the carbon cycle of agroecosystems [J]. Chinese Journal of Eco-Agriculture, 2023, 31(2), 194-205. doi: 10.12357/cjea.20210716. 27. Hirwa H., Li F., Qiao Y., Measho S., Muhirwa F., Tian C., Leng F., Ingabire R., Itangishaka A. C., Chen G., and Turyasingura B., (2022). Climate change–drylands–food security nexus in Africa: From the perspective of technical advances, challenges, and opportunities. Front. Environ. Sci. 10:851249. doi: 10.3389/fenvs.2022.851249. 26. Hirwa, H., Peng, Y., Zhang, Q., Qiao Y., Leng F., Tian C., Yang G., Muhirwa F., Diop S., Kayiranga A., Li F., Chen G., (2022). Virtual water transfers in Africa: Assessing topical condition of water scarcity, water savings, and policy implications. Science of The Total Environment 835, 155343. doi: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.155343. 25. Hirwa, H., Zhang, Q., Li, F., Qiao Y., Measho S., Muhirwa F., Xu N., Tian C., Cheng H., Chen G., Ngwijabagabo H., Turyasingura B., Itangishaka A. C., (2022). Water Accounting and Productivity Analysis to Improve Water Savings of Nile River Basin, East Africa: From Accountability to Sustainability. Agronomy 12, 818. doi 10.3390/agronomy 12040818. 24. Hirwa, H., Zhang, Q., Qiao, Y., Peng Y., Leng F., Tian C., Sayidjakhon K., Li F., Kayiranga A., Muhirwa F., Itangishaka A. C., Habiyaremye G., and Ngamiije J., (2021). Insights on water and climate change in the greater horn of Africa: Connecting virtual water and water-energy-food-biodiversity-health nexus. Sustainability 13, 6483. https://doi.org/10.3390/su13116483. 23. Turyasingura B., Saturday A., Hirwa H., Fatima, S. M., Ruhiiga M. T., Ayiga N., (2022). Wetland Conservation and management practices in Rubanda District, South-Western Uganda. East African Journal of Environment and Natural Resources, Vol 5, Issue 1, 2022. https://doi.org/10.37284/eajenr.5.1.828. ISSN: 2707-4234. 22. Muhirwa F., Shen L., Elshkaki A., Velempini K., and Hirwa H. (2022). Tracing attribute and scope of research and applied projects in Africa’s water energy food nexus implementation: A review. Environmental Science and Policy 136, 33-45. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envsci.2022.05.012. 21. Ngwijabagabo H., Niyonzima T., Nyandwi E., Hirwa H., Nishyirimbere A., Mwizerwa F., Hategekimana G., Barifashe T., and Uwera D., (2021). Spatial Suitability Analysis and Mapping of Agroforestry Areas. Case study of Musanze District in Northern Province of Rwanda. Rwanda Journal of Engineering, Science, Technology and Environment 4, 1, 2021. eISSN; 2617-233X. https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/rjeste.v4i1.2S. 20. Muhirwa F., Shen L., Elshkaki A., Velempini K., Zhong S., Hu S., Hirwa H., Chiaka C. J., Umarishavu F., and Mulinga N., (2022). Ecological balance emerges in implementing the water-energy-food security nexus in well-developed countries in Africa. Science of The Total Environment 833, 154999. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.154999. 19. Itangishaka I. C., Yang Y., Manevski K., Li H., Habiyakare T., Twagirayezu G., Uwamungu J. Y., Mushimiyimana C., Ingabire R., Hirwa H., and Nzabarinda V., (2022). Advances in Quantifying Impact and Extent of Water-Land-Food Nexus for Food Security in Africa. Agricultural Sciences, 2022, 13, 520-541. https://doi.org/10.4236/as.2022.134035. 18. Measho, S., Li, F., Pellikka, P., Tian, C., Hirwa H., Xu N., Qiao Y., Sayidjakhon K., Kulmatov R., and Chen G., (2022). Soil Salinity Variations and Associated Implications for Agriculture and Land Resources Development Using Remote Sensing Datasets in Central Asia. Remote Sens., 14, 2501. https://doi.org/10.3390/rs14102501. 17. Khasanov S., Li F., Kulmatov R., Zhang Q., Qiao Y., Odilov S., Yu P., Leng P., Hirwa H., Tian C., Yang G., Liu H., and Akhmatov D., (2021). Evaluation of the perennial spatio-temporal changes in the groundwater level and mineralization, and soil salinity in irrigated lands of arid zone: as an example of Syrdarya Province, Uzbekistan. Agricultural Water Management. 263 (2022) 107444. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.agwat.2021.107444. 16. Peng, Y., Hirwa, H., Zhang, Q., Wang, G., and Li, F. Dryland Food Security in Ethiopia: Current Status, Opportunities, and a Roadmap for the Future. Sustainability 2021, 13, 6503. https://doi.org/10.3390/su13116503. 15. Muhirwa, F.; Shen, L.; Elshkaki, A., Kgosietsile V., Hirwa, H., Zhong S., and Mbandi A. M., (2021). Decoupling Energy, Water, and Food Resources Production from GHG Emissions: A Footprint Perspective Review of Africa from 1990 to 2017. Energies 2021, 14, 6326. https://doi.org/10.3390/en14196326. 14. Kayiranga A., Chen B., Guo L., Measho S., Hirwa, H., Liu S., Bofana J., Sun S., Fei W., Karamage F., Tuankrua V., Nthangeni W., Dilawar A., Zhang H., and Ndayisaba F., (2021). Spatial variations of forest ecohydrological characteristics in the Lancang-Mekong region during 1992-2016 and 2020-2099 under different climate scenarios. Agricultural and Forest Meteorology 310 (2021)108662. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.agrformet.2021.108662. 13. Peng Y., Fu B., Zhang L., Yu X., Fu C., Salif D., Hirwa, H., Aliou G., and Li F., (2020). Global Dryland Ecosystem Programme (G-DEP): Africa consultative meeting report. J. Arid Land. Science Press. Springer-Verlag. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40333-020-0056-z. 12. Peng, Y., Qiuying Z., Yuanzhan C., Chen Y., Xu N., Qiao Y., Tian C., Hirwa, H., Diop S., Guisse A., and Li F., (2021). Resilience, Adaptability, and Regime Shifts Thinking: A Perspective of Dryland Socio-ecology System. Journal of Resources and Ecology, 12(3): 376–383. https://doi.org/10.5814/j.issn.1674-764x.2021.03.007. 11. Leng, P.; Zhang, Q.; Li, F.; Kulmatov R., Wang G., Qiao Y., Wang J., Peng Y., Tian C., Zhu N., Hirwa, H., and Khasanov S., (2021). Agricultural impacts drive longitudinal variations of riverine water quality of the Aral Sea basin (Amu Darya and Syr Darya Rivers), central Asia. Environ. Pollution. 2021, 284, 117405. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2021.117405. 10. Shingiro C., Nyagatare G., Hirwa H., and Uwingabire S., (2020). Effect of Human Urine and Compost Tea as Fertilizers for Maize, Beans and Cabbage Production in Rwanda, Rubirizi Marshland. International Journal of Plant Science and Ecology 6 (1) 2020, pp 1-6. ISSN: 2381-7003 (online) 9. Shingiro C., Nyagatare G., Hirwa H., et al (2019). Effect of Human Urine and Compost Tea as Fertilizer for Maize, Beans and Cabbage Production in Rwanda: Case of Rubirizi Marshland. International Journal of Plant Sciences and Ecology. Vol. 6, No.1, 2020, pp. 1-6. 8. Izerimana E., and Hirwa H. Availability of Nitrogen and organic matter in soil treated with Calliandra calothyrsus compost in Rwanda. A case of Ruhande Hill, Huye District. International Journal of Development Research.Vol.09, Issue, 12, pp. 32153-32156, December, 2019. 7. Shingiro C., Nyagatare G., Hirwa H., and Uwingabire S., (2019). Effect of Human Urine and Compost Tea on Soil Physical and Chemical Properties: Case of Rubirizi Marshland. Journal of Agricultural Sciences and Engineering. Vol.5, No.3, 2019, pp 61-66. ISSN: 2381-6821 (Print); 2381-6848 (Online). 6. Hirwa H., Nshimiyimana F. X., Tuyishime H., and Shingiro C., (2019). Impact of mining activities on water quality status at Wolfram Mining and Processing (WMP), Burera, Rwanda. Journal of Materials and Environmental Sciences, 2019, 10 (12), 1214-1220. ISSN:2028-2508. CODEN: JMESCN. 5. Hirwa H. et al. (2019)., Evaluation of Soil contamination in mining areas of Rwanda: The case of Wolfram Mining and Processing (WMP) Ltd, Gifurwe, Burera District. American Journal of Water Science and Engineering (AJWSE), 2019, 5 (1): 9-15. 4. Nsabimana E. and Hirwa H. (2018). Assessment and Determination of Selected Physical Parameters of Surface Water in Cement Factory, Western Province, Rwanda. Asian Journal of Science and Technology (AJST), 2018, 9:12. 3. Hirwa H. (2018). Effect of P fertilizer use on rice (Oryza sativa) productivity in Southern Province of Rwanda, Rwasave marshland. Journal of Agriculture and Research (IJRDO). ISSN: 2455-7668. 2. Hirwa H. and Maniragaba A. (2017). Effect of water variation on Hydropower Plant Functionality: A case of Ntaruka Hydropower. East African Journal of Science and Technology, Vol.7 Issue1, 2017. 1. Hirwa H. and Maniragaba A. (2017). Evaluation of tree seed germination capacity: Eucalyptus microcorys in Southern province of Rwanda. East African Journal of Science and Technology, Vol.7 Issue 1, 2017.