The new research programme that was launched on December 7, is set to provide 50 fully-funded scholarships to 25 scholars and 25 lecturers of the University of Rwanda (UR) to inform long-term climate change adaptation planning and implementation in Rwanda.
The programme, intended for full-time Master’s scholars at the UR, College of Science and Technology (CST) and College of Agriculture and Animal Sciences and Veterinary Medicine (CAVEM) and lecturers, was launched by Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA), the University of Rwanda (UR) and the Higher Education Council (HEC) at Kigali Convention Center.
It is an outcome of a memorandum of understanding between the three institutions where they are working together to build the capacity of master’s students to conduct research on ecosystem based adaptation, support UR researchers to conduct research in ecosystem based adaptation priority areas and provide information for practitioners.
Participants during the event
The research programme has been made possible through the National Adaptation Planning Process (NAP) Project, which is being implemented by REMA with support from the Global Environment Facility (GEF) through the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
According to Juliet Kabera, Director General of REMA, the programme will also enable the country to make informed policy decisions about long-term climate change adaptation and forge new partnerships with research institutions.
She said that it seeks to elevate information data research work that goes with climate change, noting that climate change is slowing down the country’s development in different ways hence the research will provide information on how best it can be tackled in future.
She noted that interested research fellows or associates from UR and Centres of Excellence will submit research proposals on ecosystem based adaptation approaches, adding that financial support will be provided to the best research proposals in fields such as soil management and agroforestry, soil and water engineering, renewable energy, water resources and environmental management as well as biodiversity conservation and natural resource management.
The scholarship will cover tuition, research and publication as well as supervisor incentives, living allowances and funding for field data collection.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Valentine Uwamariya, the Minister of Education said that the research programme will highlight how people can handle climate change impacts before they happen, adding that it will expand to reach more scholars.
She declared that the Government of Rwanda is committed to the transformation of education that is fit to respond to current socio-economic development needs which is essential to the development of public and private sectors.
Minister of Education Valentine Uwamariya addresses the meeting on December 7
She urged UR to gain confidence in the industry and prove their ability to do research that impacts local, regional and global industry, adding that they expect the research programme to open many opportunities in capacity building and research.
Professor Alexandre Lyambabaje, the Vice Chancellor of UR said that climate change is a long-term process and takes place over decades.
He added, "That’s why we need research to match this timescale. By investing in long-term research, we will be better placed to respond and adapt to the changes we experience today and into the future.”
Juliet Kabera, Director General of REMA during the event