Activities

During the Annual Meeting on 27th of January 2011, LandNet Rwanda Chapter members developed their annual work plan, consisting of specific activities in line with LandNet Rwanda Chapter's mission to contribute to equitable and sustainable land reform through inclusive actions and processes. 

Currently the network is working on eight different topics which were identified in a participatory process and reflect the areas of intervention of the different member organisations. Several organisations gathered together and formed continuous working groups on the respective activities identified. Each working group is headed by a responsible lead organisation and members set themselves deadlines for the development of action plans for their internal group activities, group meetings and progress reviews

The activities of LandNet Rwanda Chapter are:

1) Monitoring of the Land Tenure Regularization Programme (LTRP)
Activities of this working group include field visits to areas where land registration is happening and talks with local leaders and community members about their LTRP experience. Aim is to assess the impact of LTRP on land owners and to identify room for possible improvement during the implementation process. Therefore the group gives feedback about the findings to the  governemnt agency responsible for LTRP implementation - the Rwanda Natural Resources Authority (RNRA), and shares notes with all LandNet Rwanda Chapter members for possible joint activities and joint interventions.

Working group members are: AVP, COPORWA, KANYARWANDA, REDO, RISD, SERUKA, and James Nsengiyumva (independent researcher). The lead organisation is REDO.

2) Public awareness
Members of this working group are reacting to the request made by RNRA to assist the government in public awareness activities and community sensitization campaigns about the LTRP implementation process and the current legal provisions in place, so that  people know their land rights when facing land registration. Aim is to develope a comprehensive and effective public awareness strategy at the grassroots level, including different instruments as e. g. community call-in radio talk shows, community theatre, community dialogue meetings.and the dissemination of simplified land related legal materials (policies, laws). Instruments and methods applied and materials developed by the working group are shared with all LandNet Rwanda Chapter members to avoid duplication of activities.

Working group members are: ACTION AID International Rwanda, ARECO, CARE International, CLADHO, HAGURUKA, INADES, REDO, RISD and RWANDA WOMEN NETWORK. The lead organnisation are Haguruka and CLADHO.

3) Information collection and documentation
Gathering field information through regular assessments and visits to the RNRA and other LTRP implementation institutions at local level (Land Commissions, Land Offices and Land Bureaus) is the task of this working group. Aim is to analyse the achievements made and challenges remaining of the ongoing Rwanda land reform and to share them with policy makers and the public. The evidence based research findings and the collection of reliable data will  also be shared among all LandNet Rwanda Chapter members to strengthen the joint advocay work of the network.

Working group members are: CARE International, IRST and RISD. The lead organisation is RISD.

4) Review of Law and Policies 
Since 2000 LandNet Rwanda Chapter has been constantly consulted by the government in the review of land related policies and laws. Here the network plays a critical role of analysis by pointing out the grassroots needs and giving technical input and advice to the respective policy makers.

Working group members are: CARE International, HAGURUKA, IPAR, REDO and RISD. The lead organisation is CARE International.

5) Training of local leaders
This working group focuses on capacity building of local leaders, mediators in particular, to make them aware of the current land related legal provisions under implementation and to equipe them with skills to resolve land related disputes fairly and promptly in interest of the protection of the land rights of the Rwandan population, especially the vulnerable groups.

Working group members are: ACTION AID International Rwanda, ARECO, CARE International, COPORWA, HAGURUKA, INADES, RISD, RWANDA WOMEN NETWORK and James Nsengiyumva (independent researcher). The lead organisation are INADES and RISD.

6) Coordination of members
Currently the network is coordinated by RISD. 

7) Monitoring and management of LandNet activites
This activity is done jointly by the LandNet Rwanda Chapter steering committee:
ACTION AID International Rwanda, BENISHYAKA, CARE International, CLADHO, COPORWA, IMBARAGA, REDO, RHEPI, RISD and UGAMA CSC.