New RISD Publication on Land in Rwanda

The LandNet Rwanda Chapter Organization and coordinator 'Rwanda Initiative for Sustainable Development' (RISD) published a new working paper on land in Rwanda:

Securing Land Rights Project: A Working Paper on Land Tenure Regularization in Rwanda

Summary by Robin Palmer (Global Land Rights Policy Specialist at Mokoro)

'There is a distinct gap between conceptions of land deployed by the Land Tenure Regularization Program (LTRP) framework and the law and how rural Rwandans perceive and use land. Argues that land mediates relationships between people and any attempt to transform land must also take into account these relationships. Many people have left their titles at the registration office because of prohibitive fees and taxes. Over 85% of open land disputes are on parcels that have already been registered through LTRP, while registration is activating latent disputes and creating new disputes. Access to land is becoming more precarious and people are losing a sense of belonging. Inheritance is the single most frequent cause of land disputes. Far from streamlining dispute resolution, the LTRP appears to have done the opposite. Entire families are losing their access to land through the registration process. Found that the Abunzis (local mediators) were unclear about the land laws but were the ideal actors to bridge the gaps. The banks have no use for land or land titles. Concludes that despite all the problems listed, a land titling program like the LTRP is urgently needed in Rwanda.'

Download (566K pdf) from the RISD website here

Rwanda Initiative for Sustainable Development (RISD) TERMS OF REFERENCE Communication Officer/LandNet Rwanda Chapter Program Officer

Job Advertisement

Communication Officer/LandNet Rwanda Chapter Program Officer

Rwanda Initiative for Sustainable Development (RISD) is a local NGO that is based on policy research, networking and advocacy. For the past Thirteen Years, RISD has focused on land policy as the main area of policy engagement. This is done through networking with other civil society organizations and advocacy with policy makers. 

RISD Vision is To ensure equitable access to land resources for sustainable peace, social justice and economic stability. 

RISD MISSION is To promote, advocate and foster social and economic transformation by Rwandans themselves through sustainable use and protection of Natural Resources towards poverty reduction in an equitable and participatory manner. 

One of the key networks that RISD coordinates is the LandNet Rwanda Chapter. LandNet is an Africa-wide network that brings together policy makers, academicians and civil society to work on land related issues. These issues are especially related to land reform and land policy implementation, including land dispute management and mitigation. 

LandNet Mission is To contribute to equitable and sustainable land reform through inclusive actions and processes. 

LandNet Goal is To build a network that promotes dialogue and partnership between government, civil society, donors and the grassroots on issues relating to land. 

To Achieve RISD and LandNet’s Vision and Mission, a need has been identified to hire a Program Officer responsible for an Advocacy and Communication Officer in RISD who doubles as the Program Officer of LandNet Rwanda Chapter, with the following Terms of Reference: 

Responsibilities

• a. Develop Communication Strategy and its implementation Strategy for RISD and specific projects
• b. Develop, Monitor Annual Work Plan for LandNet Rwanda Chapter and present reports to the Steering Committee and Members.
• c. Design, produce and disseminate Public Information Awareness materials
• d. In charge of updating RISD and LandNet Social media.
• e. Responsible for disseminating information and key messages to partners of RISD & LandNet Rwanda Chapter, while ensuring the promotion of compliance with RISD’s and LandNet’s identity, values and principles.
• f. Initiate News Briefs and Press Release for the land advocacy messages.
• g. Ensure a close connection to LandNet members and other networks.
• h. Develop Strategies for Strengthening LandNet Rwanda Chapter Members.
• i. Maintain a good working relation with Media and Government Institutions.
• j. Organize events and workshops for RISD and LandNet including organization of the Annual Land Dialogue Event.

Qualification/Education:

University degree in Communication/ Journalism/ Public Relations/Mass media/Multi Media/International Relations or connected subject 

Experience:

• a) Proven experience in communication, campaign, public relations and knowledge management
• b) Experience in designing and use of Public Information and Awareness (PIA) Tools as well as Information Education Communication Methodology (IECM)
• c) Proven experience in synopsis and messages writing
• d) Practical experience in communication and campaign approaches
• e) Experience in targeting opinion and influencing groups at the grassroots
• f) Experience in Lobbying and advocacy strategies
• g) Experience in using social networks (website, twiter, facebook, blog, skype) as an influencing advocacy and campaign tool
• h) Excellent Technical and Analytical use of English language. French is an added asset
• i) General knowledge on land policies is an added asset
• j) Strong networking skills both with NGOs, government institutions and private sector
• k) Regional/international experience is an added advantage
• l) Ability to work as a team, with flexibility and innovation

Expression of interest should be sent to info@risdrwanda.org with CV and 3 reference letter including one from the most recent employer. Phone calls are not acceptable. Interested candidate MUST be a Rwandan or someone who is near to Rwandan nationality by culture and local context understanding, and able to speak Kinyarwanda fluently; Available immediately to start the job. Application deadline 7th February 2014.

Civic group backs EDPRS2

Zingiro (L) Kairaba and ActionAid Country Director Josephine Uwamar during yesterday’s meeting in Kigali. Saturday Times/Timothy Kisambira.

In a bid to deliver targets outlined in Rwanda’s Second Economic Development and Poverty Reduction Strategy (EDPRS 2) particularly in the land management sector, LandNet Rwanda Chapter has pledged to work closely with government entities in realising rural development through proper management of land. 

The pledge was made during a consultative meeting between officials from LandNet Rwanda Chapter, Rwanda Natural Resource Authority (RNRA) and the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning.

According to Annie Kairaba, the national Coordinator of LandNet Rwanda, there is clear evidence of commitment from both the government and LandNet to develop strategies that will ensure the successful implementation of the EDPRS 2 development roadmap.

Kairaba is also the director of Rwanda Initiative for Sustainable Development (RISD), a local NGO.

“Our contribution will include engaging the people on policies through community participation and we will give feedback to policymakers on what is working and what is not working. But particularly in the land sector, we are going to monitor how several policies are implemented and collect people’s views which we will share with policymakers,” said Kairaba. 

http://www.newtimes.co.rw/news/index.php?a=70024&i=15466

NGO adds spark to address land disputes

Ludovic Sibomana, a farmer in Kinyababa Sector, in his garden. RISD is seeking to curb land disputes. The New Times/ Timothy Kisambira.

The recently concluded land registration process was a great feat for the Rwandan people as they now have documents to prove the wealth they posses.

However, based on recent studies, there is a lot more that still needs to be done to address the disturbing number of land-related conflicts that have not only broken up families, but also led to violent crimes.

According to a report by a local NGO, the Rwanda Initiative for Sustainable Development, at least 85 per cent of the land disputes in the country involve land already registered under the Land Tenure Regularisation Programme (LTRP).

The study showed that the disputes are fuelled by land titles as residents become more aware of the market value of land.

“Nearly half (49 per cent) of these disputes are over land parcels that are one hectare or less. Less than 16 per cent of land under disputes was obtained through sale. Most disputed land is not obtained on the market because land remains deeply entrenched in other domains of life, namely the family,” the report said. Read More.....

http://www.newtimes.co.rw/news/index.php?i=15409&a=68401 

African MPs warn govts on land deals

African legislators meeting in Kigali have called for a cautious approach before dishing out land to international investors.

The lawmakers argue that though agricultural foreign direct investments (FDIs) are key to Africa’s food security, it must be properly harnessed to ensure that they deliver on associated benefits. 

The two-day meeting which opened yesterday drew members of the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA), the Pan African Parliament (PAP), and Rwanda’s lawmakers.

Under the them: Making Agricultural Investments work for Africa–a parliamentarian’s response to the land rush, lawmakers will identify priorities and make concrete suggestions for parliamentary initiatives at national, regional and African level.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, EALA Speaker Margaret Zziwa, said past trends of FDIs in African natural resources show that in many cases, they failed to deliver, leaving the continent grappling with risks and potentially severe negative consequences.

Zziwa said such consequences include loss of smaller holder farmers’ livelihoods; increased landlessness; 

Read more..... http://www.newtimes.co.rw/news/index.php?a=66359&i=15340