Rwanda Initiative for Sustainable Development (RISD) has launched a five-year strategic plan which they say will mainly focus on solving conflicts that stem from land disputes.  

The plan was launched yesterday during a one-day consultative meeting with the organisation’s development partners. 

Speaking during the meeting, the Chairman of RSID Board of Directors, Bishop Nathan Gasatura, said the plan will enable his organisation empower communities in the protection of their land rights.

"This plan will help the local population manage land-related disputes peacefully and fairly through their local leaders without going to court” he said.

"RISD realises that land issues are not only central to the livelihoods of a great majority of Rwandans who live off the land and hence a major factor in poverty eradication, but are also a potential source of conflict if not well-managed, making it a governance and human rights issue”.

In a related development, RISD recently signed a memorandum of understanding with the Office of the Ombudsman to monitor the implementation of the Rwanda National Land Reform programs.

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