UN commits $1.5m to rural development

KIGALI - The UN-Family, yesterday, signed a $1.5 million agreement with the government to support the country’s Integrated Development Programme (IDP) in the districts of Musanze, Kayonza and Rwamagana. The agreement was signed by James Musoni, the Local Government Minister on behalf of Rwanda and the UN Resident Coordinator, Aurelien Agbenonci. This was during the launch of the initiative held at the ministry’s offices in Kacyiru. The two-year grant will be used to strengthen the national human resettlement policy in order to achieve sustainable socio-economic development and slow down population growth. It is also expected to help the country achieve its objectives enshrined in the MDGs and the Economic Development and Poverty Reduction Strategy (EDPRS). The support will also see electricity and water extended to some parts of the three districts. Agbénonci, who recognized the government’s achievements at improving the welfare of the people, promised continued support in implementing innovative programme to tackle poverty. “The UN Family will continue to deliver as one in supporting the government in providing adequate response towards the country’s challenges,” Agbenonci said. Musoni commended the UN-Family for its support towards Rwanda’s development process, and added that the funds will help promote the institutional capacity to deliver. He said that Rwanda is already implementing human resettlement programmes in other parts of the country with the aim of creating a model of development through agriculture transformation, improved off-farm activities and service delivery. IDP model is centred on rural development and entrepreneurship in agriculture, industry and economic sector. Enabling policy framework to support an effective system for environment management and ecosystem conservation, and ensuring community participation in democratic processes and structures, Musoni said, will be some of the outcomes of the programme. Ends

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UN commits $1.5m to rural development