Location
The Rwanda Initiative for Sustainable Development (RISD) is a civil society organization that is headquartered in Kigali City, in Rwanda. RISD is governed by a Board of Directors, and is managed by its Chief Executive Officer, Ms. Annie Kairaba.
RISD was established in the period following the Rwandan genocide in 1994; and started its operation in Rwanda, cognizant that ‘Land’ is a priority issue in the country and underpins the country’s quest for sustainable development.
RISD recognizes that issues on land are a ‘governance issue’: in 1994, land was highly politicized by mobilizing one section of the population against another, with the motivation of ‘taking up the land of the dead’. In recent years, new land related issues also emerge as Rwanda experiences rapid urbanization and increased population. Since its two-decade long of operation,
RISD has developed a reputation for its commitment, integrity and impact in promoting people-centered responses and advocacies that contribute towards a more just and equitable society.
RISD works at different levels for its advocacy works, action research, knowledge management, public information and awareness campaigns and networking (local, national, regional and international levels). RISD is currently present in 11 districts of the 30 districts of Rwanda, viz.: Gasabo, Kicukiro, Nyarugenge (Kigali City Council); Karongi & Rubavu (Western Province); Kamonyi, Muhanga & Nyaruguru (Southern Province); Musanze and Gakenke (Northern Province); and Kirehe (Eastern Province).
RISD works closely with grassroots community members and local leaders at the cell, sector and district levels. RISD also maintains a high-profile relationship with the central government and other civil society organizations;
RISD is an active member of the following Regional and International Networks:
- LandNet (coordinator of LandNet-Rwanda Chapter)
- International Land Coalition-African Node
- Steering Committee Member of Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI)
- Global Civil Society Network
- UN Women’s Land Rights Group
Members:
Resources
Displaying 1 - 5 of 6RISD’s intervention in pro-poor land policy implementation in Rwanda
Impact of an intervention by the Rwanda Initiative for Sustainable Development (RISD) in contributing to the implementation of pro-poor and equitable land policies. Through evidence-based awareness raising efforts, dialogue, advocacy and networking, RISD was able to influence policy implementation and promote the land rights of poor and vulnerable groups, including women.
The Impact of Land Lease Fee on Landowners: Rwanda Case Study
The majority of rural Rwandans are dependent on land for their livelihoods. Recognizing the critical nature of land to peace, stability, and economic development, Rwanda began implementing the Land Tenure Regularisation Process (LTRP) in 2008. While the Rwanda government has made highly commendable efforts in implementing the LTRP, some challenges have been faced, including a challenge whereby landowners only came to learn about the requirement of paying land lease at the time of collecting the Ownership Documents.
Impact of the Land Reform on the Land Rights and Economic Poverty Reduction of the Majority Rural Women Who Depend on Land for their Livelihood
This study was conducted by Rwanda Initiative for Sustainable Development (RISD) under the funding of the IS-academy in partnership with the Netherlands Government, as part of their research program on “Land Governance for Equitable and Sustainable Development” of which the guiding question is “the link between land governance, sustainable development and poverty alleviation”.
Women’s Access to Land in Rwanda
Closing statement from workshop on culture, practice and law: women’s access to land in Rwanda. Contains recommendations on the marriage problem, the inheritance law, land scarcity and population growth, the land policy and the bill, the environment, discrimination.
Land Use and Villagisation in Rwanda
RISD, a Rwandan NGO, presented its study of land use and implementation of villagisation in Kigali Rural, Ruhengeri, Gikongoro and Butare to offer an informed contribution to land policy development and the villagisation process and to stimulate discussion and dialogue through dissemination of its findings. The paper examines the history of the policy, the main determining factors, and the problems which have surfaced. since its inception.