Consortium CECI - Experco International

Published purpose

This project works with two of the country's 30 districts (Nyaruguru and Nyamagabe in Southern Province) on the implementation of their development plans, enabling them to contribute effectively to poverty reduction in a region of Rwanda where 75% of the population falls below the national poverty line. The project's objective is to increase the ability of men and women in the two districts to take control of their own development. Its expected impacts are a more dynamic economy and a higher community standard of living in both districts, and more effective and equitable service delivery by local governments. A Canadian coordinating agency (the consortium Centre for International Studies and Cooperation and Experco International) provides coaching, training, management tools, and organisational development for local elected officials and staff, as well as their civil society partners. In parallel, and in partnership with Rwanda's Common Development Fund, the project finances the construction of rural infrastructure, for example, feeder roads, agricultural terracing, micro-hydropower, schools, and health centres. The project offers the local authorities concerned the opportunity to plan and implement rural infrastructure projects in collaboration with rural associations and the private sector and to improve their management capacity, enabling them to offer better service to their public. Lastly, the project also seeks to strengthen the national voice for district governments, the Rwanda Association for Local Government Authorities (RALGA). It aims to strengthen the association's advocacy for municipal interests and its training for local elected officials.