Rwanda Nile Discourse Forum

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 neighbourhood 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.

Please visit the Rwandan NDF website here: www.nbdfrwanda.org.rw

Objectives

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 of 60 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. HABINEZA Frank.

 

• 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 Communities 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.

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