Civil society joins poverty fight

Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), under their national platform, yesterday met to discuss how they can also contribute to the planning and implementation of the Economic Development Poverty Reduction Strategy-2 (EDPRS).The two-day workshop that attracted representatives of NGOs, public institutions and the private sector also discussed achievements of EDPRS-1. During the implementation of the five-year second phase of the EDPRS that was launched this year, the civil society, through Rwanda Civil Society Platform (RCSP) says they have the capacity and will to contribute to its success.“We are over 200 CSOs in this country, and I am convinced that our activities impact the wider population in the areas of education, agriculture and human rights education among others,” said Thaddee Karekezi, the Executive Secretary of RCSP.He explained that although a lot had been achieved with EDPRS-1 in social and economic development, more needed to be done to develop the country, urging that partnership amongst stakeholders was a great step towards achieving the country`s Vision 2020. “This is a national concern that needs everyone’s commitment but, most importantly, there is need to ensure that policies are shaped in a way that will meet the needs of the most vulnerable or else, they may be overlooked by the gains of economic growth,” he said.During the workshop, participants shared experience and discussed measures that will be done in making CSOs effective enough in taking part in implementing programmes in the EDPRS-II. Organised by Oxfam, under the theme “Optimising space offered through EDPRS-II to leverage livelihood”, the workshop also aimed at promoting network between CSOs, Private Sector and Government to work towards a common goal.Addressing participants, Sebastian Manzi, an official from the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda (NISR), called on the Rwanda Civil Society Platform to contribute effectively, especially in the areas of empowering the population to fight poverty among others.He said that among other challenges that pose a threat to economic development was the country’s high population growth and unstable market prices especially for foodstuffs.Manzi added that more efforts are needed from the government and development partners to further develop infrastructure like roads and electricity production to increase on industrial works.“In agriculture production, more can be done and achieved, especially from the districts which are performing poorly, and this will be through engaging in advanced farming methods,” Manzi said.