The Nile Basin Discourse Forum in Rwanda (NBDF-Rwanda) facilitates the involvement of civil society in planning and development processes under the Nile Basin Initiative (NBI). It is an umbrella organization of about 30 CSO's working in water, environment and rural development.

The setting up of the bureau of the Forum took place during the workshop organised in Kigali in September 2003. Those workshops grouped together various representatives from governmental institutions, UN Agencies, NGOs, Public and private media, researchers and academicians. Their Excellencies Ambassadors of Egypt and Burundi to Rwanda also participated in that seminar as a sign of encouragement and support for the commitment of the Civil Society in the Nile Basin Initiative.

The Rwandan National Discourse Forum, (RNBDF), is now fully registered and has now shifted from the Country Coordinating Institution offices (ARECO Rwanda Nziza) to a new location in the neighborhood with an extra room to host the Nile media Network, Rwanda chapter. The Forum has a local NGO status, grouping associations that intervene within the fields of environment protection, rural development, gender, human rights, etc.

Objectives

The major objective of Rwanda NDF is to be the "voice of the voiceless", through the involvement of civil society organizations in the Nile Basin Initiative's overall development. The objective of this action plan is to establish the Rwanda NDF in order to provide the basis for an effective dialogue between all stakeholders in Rwanda and to provide a conduit for dissemination to and engagement with the NBI at all levels.

About Rwandan NDF

It was launched by the Minister of State for Water and Mines, in September 2003. Though it was formally started at that time, not many tangible activities were achieved due to the scarcity of financial resources. In April 2006, it received support from DFID and has subsequently resumed activities.

The NBDF-Rwanda is composed of three main bodies namely:

General Assembly: This is the supreme body of the forum and is currently made up of36 civil society organizations among whom are four other umbrella organizations and three international organizations. It has opened up its membership to ensure that everyone gets involved.

Steering Committee: This is the implementing organ of the forum and is composed of seven members, headed by the Chairperson Ms. Albertine Uwimana.

The Secretariat: This is the National Coordination office and is in charge of day-to-day management of Forum activities. It is headed by the National Coordinator Mr. John Gakumba.

Past Activities

Rwanda NDF had a meeting with students of the faculty of Journalism and communication as well as journalists of RADIO SALUS and others from newspapers at the National University of Rwanda with an aim of raising awareness of both NBI and NBD activities in the region and encouraging journalists to report more on the Nile Basin.

RADIO SALUS has after the meeting offered free airtime to the NDF to create awareness about their activities.

The Rwanda NDF's ICT and Information Officer has undergone training on web maintenance. The forum has a website which can be viewed at www.nbdfrwanda.org.rw

The NDF has commissioned the following studies in the Nile basin :

A study on the Impacts of Efficient Water use in Agriculture Production and Water harvesting Project (NBI-EWUAP) and assess its impacts on Poverty Reduction and community livelihoods in dry land areas of Rwanda, where Nile passes. This study will be done in former Gitarama (Muhanga,Ruhango), Bugesera and Gatsibo Districts.

A study on Community Involvement in the Power Development and Trade on Rusomo and Rusizi III, interconnections between DR Congo, Tanzania, Burundi and Rwanda and developing guidelines for Civil Society Involvement.

A study on stakeholders' participation in NBI Projects and Programs in Rwanda focusing on 5 projects of NBI as the case study. The Projects will include: NTEAP, CBSI, SDBS, Kagera TIWRMP and ATP.

Contact Nile Basin Discourse in Rwanda:

B.P.7216 Kigali, RWANDA
Tel: + 250 55 101 786 Mob: + 250 788307662/ 728307662
Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
http://www.nbdfrwanda.org