Success in poverty reduction is motivation to move forward

The Government will, today, unveil the second Economic Development and Poverty Reduction Strategy (EDPRS). Its precursor strategy (2008-2012) has come to an end, having made a big difference in improving the welfare of the Rwandan people.According to a recent survey, in just the last five years, 11.8 percent of the country’s population has beaten the poverty trap, largely due to tailor-made and participatory homegrown initiatives.The percentage represent approximately 200,000 households or one million people, meaning that of Rwandas estimated 10.7 million people, only 45 percent live below the poverty line, down from 57 percent five years ago. This rate is six times faster than what the country achieved between 2000 and 2006. Statistics also indicate that infant and maternal mortality rates have declined by 41 and 35 percent, respectively, since 2006, while secondary school enrolment has doubled over the same period.This is no easy feat by any standards, let alone the unique dire past (both demographic and basic infrastructure) against which these remarkable achievements were made. The progress is largely a reflection of the progressive, specially designed policies and programmes that have continually been rolled out over the years. Initiatives such as One Cow per Family (Girinka), Mutelle de Sante, Nine Year Basic Education, have tremendously helped to transform the lives of millions across the country. Indeed, it is important that as the EDPRS II gets underway, emphasis goes to consolidating the existing and devising more homegrown, people-centered initiatives to help achieve the new targets.

Opinions

Success in poverty reduction is motivation to move forward