The Rwanda National Discourse Forum (RNDF) with its diverse community based activities and its large scale network   of members across the country led to visibility in the country.

The Chairperson of RNDF, Mr.Jean Baptiste HABIYAREMYE stresses that RNDF structure and advocacy for member organizations increased their visibility in the country. In 2015, RNDF in collaboration with its member, Rwanda Environmental Conservation Organization (RECOR), implemented the Community Based Climate Change Adaptation project (CBCCA) in Kagera Basin which benefitted 3500 individuals in four districts across the country namely: Bugesera, Gatsibo, Kirehe, and Nyagatare.

RNDF Chairperson of RNDF says that communities acquired skills related to climate change adaptation such as: kitchen garden, fabrication of improved cooking stoves, and use of renewable energy. Communities also received domestic animals as source of household income generation.
The activities of RNDF and its large scale membership in the country, led to the recognition of French government through its embassy in Rwanda to access views from communities, academicians and other non state actors. The views were sent and shared as recommendations during COP21 that held end of 2015 in Paris, France.
“We gathered more than 100 participants from various field including governments, private sector, academia and communities whose views were shared during COP 21”, he says.

RNDF continuously helps member organizations to secure   small grants through advocating and recommendation role. This year 2016 has already seen three member organizations mainly: RHEP, ARDE-KUBAHO and EDESEN secure funds for community livelihood projects under RNDF support.

COMMUNITY FEEDBACK ON RNDF AFTER IT IMPLEMENTED THE CBCCA PROJECT
Mukabutera/ Bugesera District: “Previously a bunch of firewood would last one day but now it can be used for three days.”

Nirere Jacqueline/ Kirehe District/: After trainings by NBDF/RECOR in making kitchen garden, Nirere says “We try to implement it even if the project stops we shall continue to do it for ourselves.”

For more information visit: Rwanda NDF window HERE