Rwanda’s natural resources are under increasing pressure due to population growth, urbanisation and the national drive for development. While the country is rich in water resources, these resources are under utilised, representing a missed opportunity for economic and national development. An integrated approach to natural resource management is needed to balance the competing needs of different water users and ensure that resource exploitation is sustainable, taking into account both short- and long-term economic benefits and environmental sustainability.
Water for Growth aims to improve the management of water resources in Rwanda to contribute to sustainable socio-economic development and equitably improved livelihoods.
To achieve this, we are working with the Ministry of Natural Resources (MINIRENA) to improve policy around water and land management in Rwanda, strengthen relevant institutions, build staff capacity in IWRM, grow and share the knowledge base around water and land management in Rwanda, and build investment in integrated water resources management through the €18-million IWRM Investment Fund.